To My Beloved Notre Dame Family, Our Loyal Fans, and the Broader Basketball World,
Today, I write not just as a coach, but as a woman whose life has been forever shaped by the power of sport, the love of community, and the unshakable bond forged within the golden walls of Notre Dame.
To my Fighting Irish team—past, present, and future—you are the heartbeat of everything I do. Every practice, every late-night film session, every emotional huddle has been a sacred chapter in our shared story. You’ve taught me resilience, joy, and the true meaning of family. Whether it was chasing championships, overcoming injuries, or simply finding laughter after a tough loss, you reminded me why I returned home to lead this program.
To the fans—the loud, the loyal, the lifelong believers—you are our sixth woman. Through your unwavering cheers at Purcell Pavilion and your faith from afar, you’ve inspired generations of young girls to believe they can shine on the biggest stages. You are the echo of our legacy.
And to the NBA community, thank you for embracing my voice and vision. From my time with the Memphis Grizzlies to now mentoring players who will someday reach your ranks, I am grateful to stand at the intersection of women’s and men’s basketball, bridging a gap that’s narrowing every day.
This is more than a game. This is a movement. And I am honored to be a steward of it.
With love, pride, and purpose—
Niele Ivey
Head Coach, Notre Dame Women’s Basketball