Niele Ivey’s Dominance: Notre Dame Ranked No. 2 with 17-Game Streak and Perfect ACC Record
In a season where consistency and dominance have separated the great from the elite, Notre Dame women’s basketball, led by head coach Niele Ivey, has emerged as a formidable force, silencing critics and elevating expectations. As of this week, the Fighting Irish have climbed to the No. 2 spot in both the Associated Press (AP) Poll and the USA Today Coaches Poll—a testament to their powerful, relentless campaign. With a 22-2 overall record and an immaculate 13-0 run in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Notre Dame is not just winning—they are dominating.
After several seasons of rebuilding following the departure of legendary coach Muffet McGraw, Notre Dame has not only found stability but is thriving under the leadership of Niele Ivey. A former Irish point guard and WNBA standout, Ivey brings a unique mix of grit, tactical intelligence, and emotional investment into her role. She knows the culture of the program better than most, having won a national title as both a player and an assistant coach. But now, as the head coach, she is creating a legacy all her own.
The current season has been nothing short of phenomenal. With an ongoing 17-game winning streak, the Irish have not only beaten their competition—they’ve overwhelmed it. Their performances reflect poise, discipline, and relentless intensity on both ends of the floor. Few teams in the country can match the Irish in terms of offensive depth, defensive tenacity, and game-by-game improvement.
At 22-2, Notre Dame boasts one of the best records in the country. What stands out even more is their unblemished 13-0 record in ACC play—a conference known for its competitiveness and deep talent pool. Teams like NC State, Virginia Tech, and Louisville have traditionally set the standard, but this year, the Irish have flipped the script.
What makes this run so impressive is not just the wins, but the way they’ve won. The Irish have demonstrated resilience in tight games and sheer dominance in blowouts. They’ve been unselfish with the ball, aggressive on defense, and consistent in their intensity. Every player knows their role, and every game shows continued evolution in Ivey’s system.
Their resume includes key victories over ranked opponents and convincing road wins that have silenced doubters. Notre Dame’s ability to stay composed under pressure, especially in close fourth quarters, reflects the culture Ivey has instilled—one rooted in preparation, execution, and confidence.
Niele Ivey’s coaching trajectory is one of the most inspiring in college sports. She played for Notre Dame from 1997 to 2001, helping lead the team to its first-ever national championship in 2001. After a brief but impactful stint in the WNBA, she returned to South Bend as an assistant coach and later became the associate head coach under Muffet McGraw.
Her journey took her to the NBA, where she served as an assistant with the Memphis Grizzlies before being called back to Notre Dame in 2020 to take the helm. Since then, Ivey has steadily rebuilt the program from its post-McGraw lull, developing young stars and reestablishing Notre Dame as a national contender.
This season marks a turning point in her coaching legacy. Ivey is no longer just the successor to a legend—she is becoming one in her own right. Her tactical flexibility, recruiting acumen, and emotional connection with her players have created a winning formula that rivals any in the country.
Notre Dame’s success isn’t just about coaching; it’s also about a roster that blends experience, athleticism, and versatility. The team’s starting lineup and bench have delivered game after game, thanks to a balanced attack and strong leadership on the court.
Key players—many of whom are potential All-Americans—have stepped up in major ways. The backcourt has shown quickness and court vision, while the frontcourt dominates the glass and protects the rim. Every player contributes, whether it’s scoring, rebounding, defending, or setting up plays. This depth has made the Irish unpredictable and hard to defend.
In addition, Ivey’s recruitment over the past few years has brought in high-character athletes who are not only skilled but also committed to the program’s long-term vision. The chemistry is obvious. The bench erupts with energy, and players celebrate each other’s success. This camaraderie has turned Notre Dame into a true team—one greater than the sum of its parts.
While much attention is often given to offensive statistics, Notre Dame’s defensive identity has been equally responsible for their rise. The Irish rank among the top in the nation in points allowed, steals per game, and defensive rebounding percentage. Their ability to force turnovers and convert them into fast-break points makes them a nightmare for opposing teams.
Offensively, Notre Dame spreads the floor with smart ball movement and spacing. Ivey’s system emphasizes inside-out play, enabling guards to create off the dribble and bigs to dominate inside. Their shooting percentages reflect good shot selection and discipline, while their assist numbers highlight unselfish basketball.
