Niele Ivey, a distinguished former point guard at Notre Dame, became the fourth Karen & Kevin Keyes Family Head Women’s Basketball Coach on April 22, 2020. As head coach, Ivey has compiled an 89-32 record, securing an ACC Tournament title and leading her team to three consecutive Sweet 16 appearances. 

In her fourth season, Ivey guided the Irish to a 28-7 record and an ACC Tournament championship, despite injury challenges. Notre Dame finished the season ranked in the top 25 and achieved notable victories, including wins over No. 8 UConn and No. 5 Virginia Tech.  

Ivey’s third season saw Notre Dame win its first regular-season ACC title under her leadership with a 27-6 record. The Irish also made the Sweet 16 and Ivey was named ACC Coach of the Year. She was the only coach nationally to sign three top 20 recruits in 2022 and continues to build a strong future for the program. 

In her second season, Ivey orchestrated a major turnaround, leading Notre Dame to a 24-9 record, a Sweet 16 appearance, and a top 20 national ranking. 

Before returning to Notre Dame, Ivey spent the 2019-20 season as an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies, becoming the ninth active female coach in the NBA. She played a key role in developing the team’s young players, including NBA Rookie of the Year Ja Morant.  

Previously, Ivey served as an assistant coach at Notre Dame from 2007 to 2019, contributing to the program’s decade of dominance, including two national titles and seven Final Fours. Her notable player development includes mentoring All-Americans Skylar Diggins, Jewell Loyd, and Lindsay Allen.  

As a player at Notre Dame, she earned third-team AP All-America honors and helped secure the 2001 national championship. Ivey also had a five-year WNBA career with the Indiana Fever, Detroit Shock, and Phoenix Mercury. She graduated from Notre Dame in 2000 with a degree in history.