What They’re Saying About Muffet McGraw Retirement, Niele Ivey Hiring

Below is the reaction on Notre Dame head women’s basketball coach Muffet McGraw announcing her retirement on Wednesday afternoon and Niele Ivey being hired in her place.

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“Frank Leahy, Ara Parseghian and Lou Holtz coached a combined 33 years at Notre Dame — 11 apiece — the same number that Muffet McGraw served while building Notre Dame women’s basketball into a superpower and herself into a school legend with a couple of national titles and seven other Final Four appearances. Her impact on the program with a Fighting Irish sprit will be everlasting not only because of her longevity, production and nation-wide respect, but reaching her peak years in the final one-third of her career despite numerous setbacks.

“Niele Ivey was an immense piece in all the successes experienced, both as a star player and then as a valued assistant coach. It is often a daunting and thankless task to replace a legend, but if anyone is primed to handle it, it is Ivey.”

“It has been my great honor to represent the University of Notre Dame these past 33 years, but the time has come for me to step down as your head basketball coach. I want to thank Monk Malloy and Father Jenkins for giving me the opportunity to coach the game I love at a university I love. I have learned much about leadership from the many athletic directors with whom I have served, and in particular, I want to thank Jack Swarbrick for his unwavering support.

“I am thrilled Niele will be the next leader of the Notre Dame basketball program. She’s one of the best young coaches in the game today and her success with the Grizzlies has helped make her even more prepared for her new role.

“What sets Niele apart is her ability to connect with all generations — alums, her current team and future student-athletes. She will be a fantastic role model and a leader in the women’s empowerment movement, and she will represent Notre Dame in a way that will make our fans proud.”

“I am so honored to be able to follow in the legacy that Coach McGraw built here at Notre Dame. My love and appreciation for Coach McGraw is beyond anything I can express. She’s more than a mentor, more than a friend, she’s one of the most influential people in my life. I am full of gratitude for Coach McGraw and what she has done for me. She was the first to give me an opportunity to play for Notre Dame and coach here as well. I will forever be grateful for her love and support.

“I would also like to thank Jack Swarbrick and Father Jenkins for having the faith to move this program forward with me. I can never thank you enough for this incredible opportunity.”

“It is inevitable and appropriate that as we mark Muffet’s retirement from coaching today, much of the focus will be on the remarkable record of competitive success that makes her a Hall of Fame coach. But my reflections go more to her as an educator, friend, and role model. Every time I had the privilege of stepping into her classroom, be it at practice or courtside during a game, I was struck by how much she cared about her students and how important it was for her to use basketball as a vehicle to help develop future leaders.

“Father Jenkins and I have every confidence that Niele Ivey is the perfect person to build upon the legacy established by Coach McGraw. As a player and as a coach, Niele helped Notre Dame women’s basketball perform at a championship level. She understands Notre Dame and what it takes to help young women reach their potential here. We look forward to working closely with her in the years ahead.”

“Muffet has been a loyal friend and great colleague during our time together at Notre Dame. I have enjoyed seeing her passion as a coach and the respect she commands for the teams. Off the court, she has been an equally impressive role model with her family and in the community.

“I have always admired Muffet and the way she has mentored her players and staff. She has a unique way of making a lasting impact on people.

“Father Ted. Rocke. Leahy. Ara. Lou. Moose.

“Muffet leaves a legacy of success that puts her in that iconic group of leaders from Notre Dame. She is truly Irish royalty.”

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