Niele Ivey’s 2-word reaction underscores Notre Dame alumni's unique WNBA feat 

Niele Ivey is thrilled by the fact that Notre Dame has the second-most alumni on WNBA rosters for the 2025 season. On Friday, the Fighting Irish coach shared a two-word reaction on social media after learning the program's incredible feat.

"Beyond Proud," Ivey tweeted, followed by shamrock, green heart, and folded hands emojis.

Three Notre Dame players were selected in the 2025 WNBA draft. The Washington Mystics selected Sonia Citron with the No. 3 pick, and she became the first Fighting Irish player to be taken off the board.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity,'' Citron told ESPN's Holly Rowe after being drafted in the first round. "What makes it so special is that I get to do it in front of my friends and family since I am from here. ... I wouldn't be here without them.''

The Chicago Sky took Maddy Westfield with the No. 16 pick, while the Los Angeles Sparks drafted Liatu King with the No. 28 pick.

Ivey has been instrumental in building a strong foundation at Notre Dame since taking over as coach in 2020. This year was the first time that three Fighting Irish players were taken in the draft since she has been at the helm.

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Niele Ivey led Notre Dame to the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Tournament

Notre Dame HC Niele Ivey (Credits: IMAGN)

Niele Ivey's Notre Dame won a share of the ACC regular season title with N.C. State this past season. The Fighting Irish qualified for the 2025 NCAA Tournament with a No. 3 seed.

Notre Dame beat SFA in the first round of March Madness before taking down Michigan in the second round. However, the Fighting Irish crashed out of the NCAA Tournament with a loss to No. 2 seed TCU in the Sweet 16. It was the fourth season in a row that Notre Dame was eliminated in the Sweet 16.

Since Ivey took charge of Notre Dame, she has led the program to a 117-38 record across five seasons.