Niele Ivey Shows Up Big for Sonia Citron on Her Special Night at the WNBA Draft
The bright lights of Brooklyn’s Spring Studios beamed down Monday night, illuminating not just the rising stars of the WNBA but also a testament to what makes Notre Dame women’s basketball a program built on legacy, loyalty, and love. When Fighting Irish standout Sonia Citron heard her name called at the 2024 WNBA Draft, she wasn’t alone in that life-changing moment—her college coach and mentor, Niele Ivey, was right there in the building, a quiet but powerful presence of support.
For Ivey, the decision to attend the draft wasn’t about publicity or recruiting. It was personal. It was about family. After guiding Citron through the most formative years of her basketball journey, the Notre Dame head coach made it clear that her belief in her players doesn’t stop when the final buzzer sounds in their last collegiate game. It endures.
Citron, a 6-foot-1 guard from New York, developed into one of the most dynamic players in the country under Ivey’s tutelage. Known for her smooth shooting stroke, elite footwork, and calm-under-pressure poise, Citron turned heads from the moment she arrived in South Bend. But just as much as her game grew, so did her leadership. By the time she declared for the draft, she was a team captain, a vocal anchor in the locker room, and a living embodiment of what it means to wear the blue and gold.
As draft night unfolded, Citron’s name was called, and she made the walk across the stage—graceful, confident, smiling through the nerves. Cameras flashed, hugs were exchanged, and the moment felt like the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another. But in the crowd, Niele Ivey’s quiet support was just as significant. It was a reminder of where Citron had come from and who helped get her there.
For Ivey, this kind of presence isn’t new. She’s made it a hallmark of her coaching style. Having once walked the very same journey herself—from Notre Dame standout to WNBA player to a trailblazing coach—she understands, better than most, the emotional weight of draft night. It’s not just about what team selects you; it’s about how your story, sacrifices, and sweat equity are finally recognized on the sport’s biggest stage.
That Ivey made the trip to Brooklyn spoke volumes. With the offseason in full swing and transfer portal news flying fast, many coaches choose to stay home, working the phones, managing rosters, planning for the next season. But Ivey chose to be there for Citron, fully present and soaking in a celebration that was as much about the past as it was the future.
Citron’s career at Notre Dame was decorated. From ACC honors to deep NCAA Tournament runs, she delivered in the biggest moments. Her signature performances—clutch shots, lockdown defense, and intangible leadership—will live on in Fighting Irish lore. But more than stats or accolades, it was her commitment to the program and her bond with Ivey that set her apart.
The chemistry between player and coach was evident from day one. Ivey, who took over the Notre Dame program from the legendary Muffet McGraw in 2020, brought a fresh energy and a deeply personal investment in her players. Citron was one of the first major recruits to fully buy into Ivey’s vision. Their relationship grew beyond the court—built on mutual trust, honest communication, and shared goals.
That trust showed up in tough practices, in big game-time decisions, and in quiet moments behind the scenes. Ivey pushed Citron to reach her full potential, and Citron responded with relentless work ethic and team-first mentality. That dynamic made the Irish better. It also shaped Citron into the pro she is now becoming.
On draft night, while other players were surrounded by agents, friends, and cameras, Citron had her coach there as a grounding force. Ivey didn’t need to say much. Her presence alone was a powerful statement. It said: I believe in you. I’m proud of you. And I’ll be in your corner no matter where this journey leads.
Moments like these reflect the true essence of Notre Dame’s program. It’s not just a stop on the way to the pros—it’s a family. And under Ivey, that family atmosphere has only grown stronger. Her background as both an elite player and a high-level coach gives her a unique lens into what her players experience. She leads with empathy, grit, and vision. She’s fiercely competitive but never loses sight of the human side of the sport.
Citron’s draft moment is just the latest example of how Ivey’s impact resonates far beyond the hardwood. It was a full-circle night in many ways—coach and player sharing a proud moment that represented years of hard work, sacrifices, and growth. And in a league that continues to expand its reach and popularity, having Notre Dame alumni step into WNBA roles only strengthens the brand and tradition of excellence that Ivey is building.
As Citron begins her pro career, she does so with the confidence that she is fully prepared. And a big part of that preparation came from her time with Ivey. The drills, the film sessions, the honest conversations—they were all part of the blueprint. But so was the unwavering belief from her coach.
For the fans back in South Bend, this moment was just as much theirs. Citron’s name being called wasn’t just a win for her—it was a win for the entire Irish community. And seeing Ivey there brought that full circle. It showed that Notre Dame doesn’t just produce pros—it produces leaders, teammates, and well-rounded individuals ready to make an impact.
Draft night may have only lasted a few hours, but its significance will echo for years. Citron is now on the path to a new challenge, ready to make her mark on the WNBA. She’ll join a league filled with talent, with pressure, with expectations. But she’ll also carry with her the lessons learned at Notre Dame—and the knowledge that her coach has her back.
In a time when college basketball is constantly evolving, with players transferring, teams rebuilding, and seasons moving fast, moments like these are grounding. They remind us what college sports are truly about: development, mentorship, and lasting relationships. Ivey’s presence on draft night wasn’t just symbolic—it was the heartbeat of a program built on real connection.
As the cameras fade and the draft recaps roll in, Citron begins her next chapter with gratitude and anticipation. And in the background, standing steady as ever, Niele Ivey remains a reminder that when Notre Dame says “family,” they mean it. Through every shot, every setback, and every success—they’re in it together. And for Citron, that bond was on full display the night her dreams turned into reality.
