Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey was in the building to support Fighting Irish standout Sonia Citron at the WNBA Draft

The 2025 WNBA Draft marked a significant moment in the journey of one of the most exciting young players to ever lace up for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish—Sonia Citron. As Citron made the transition from a standout in the ACC to a future professional basketball star, the presence of Niele Ivey, Notre Dame’s head coach, at the WNBA Draft was both symbolic and meaningful. For Ivey, it represented more than just a personal show of support for one of her players; it was a reflection of the continued legacy of Notre Dame women’s basketball, the incredible development of Citron as both an athlete and individual, and the program’s commitment to its athletes long after they leave the collegiate scene.

A Legacy of Excellence at Notre Dame Women’s Basketball

Niele Ivey took over as the head coach of the Notre Dame women’s basketball program in 2020 after the legendary Muffet McGraw retired, leaving behind a program rich in history, success, and tradition. Ivey, a former standout player at Notre Dame herself, had big shoes to fill. However, in her short tenure as head coach, she has proven her worth by continuing the program’s reputation for developing talented athletes, achieving success on the national stage, and maintaining Notre Dame’s status as a perennial powerhouse in college basketball.

Ivey’s role in Citron’s development cannot be understated. She not only served as Citron’s head coach but also as a mentor, guiding her through the complexities of collegiate basketball while fostering an environment where Citron could grow both on and off the court. Under Ivey’s leadership, Citron’s game blossomed. Her versatility as a guard, her unselfish playmaking, and her ability to score from all areas of the court made her one of the most highly regarded players in the 2025 WNBA Draft class.

Sonia Citron’s Journey: A Rising Star

Sonia Citron arrived at Notre Dame as a highly touted prospect with a reputation for being a well-rounded, intelligent player. Coming out of Wagner College and after a successful prep career, Citron was widely regarded as one of the most dynamic athletes of her class. At Notre Dame, she quickly proved she was capable of performing on the biggest stages.

In her freshman year, Citron’s potential was clear. She immediately made an impact on both ends of the floor, contributing to the team’s strong performance in the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. Her explosive offensive game and defensive prowess were complemented by her leadership on the court, which earned her several All-ACC selections and national recognition.

What stood out most about Citron during her time at Notre Dame was her poise and maturity. As a guard with incredible court vision, she was often the primary ball handler for the Irish, leading the offense with precision and confidence. Citron also demonstrated a natural ability to take on tough defensive assignments, often matching up against some of the most formidable guards in college basketball.

By her final season at Notre Dame, Citron had developed into one of the most well-rounded players in the country. She became known not only for her scoring ability but for her leadership and selflessness. Citron’s ability to impact the game in every facet made her one of the top prospects heading into the WNBA Draft.

The WNBA Draft: A Major Milestone for Citron and Notre Dame

The WNBA Draft is always a significant event, not only for the players who are selected but for the programs that produce those athletes. For Sonia Citron, the draft represented the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination. It was the reward for a stellar collegiate career, and it marked the beginning of the next chapter of her professional basketball journey.

Citron’s selection in the 2025 WNBA Draft was met with widespread excitement from fans, fellow players, and coaches. Her combination of skill, basketball IQ, and leadership made her an attractive prospect for WNBA teams looking to build a championship-caliber roster. Throughout her time at Notre Dame, Citron had developed the tools needed to thrive at the professional level.

As Citron sat in the draft room, preparing to hear her name called, she wasn’t alone. Niele Ivey, her coach, was right there by her side, offering moral support and sharing in the joy of this defining moment. Ivey, who had mentored Citron through her college career, was just as excited as the player. For Ivey, this moment was not only about Citron’s success but also about the continued success of the Notre Dame program. Each draft pick, each career milestone for a former player, was a testament to the culture of excellence Ivey was continuing to foster in South Bend.

Coach Ivey’s Role as a Mentor and Supporter

The relationship between Niele Ivey and Sonia Citron went far beyond the basketball court. Ivey’s role as a mentor was pivotal in Citron’s growth both as a player and as a person. Ivey’s experience as a former player at Notre Dame provided her with a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed at the highest level of basketball. She was able to pass on invaluable wisdom about balancing the pressures of elite basketball with the demands of academics, mental health, and life as a young adult.

As a player at Notre Dame, Ivey had a career that included being a national champion and an All-American. She knew the sacrifices it took to reach the pinnacle of success. Now, as a coach, she was able to offer that knowledge to Citron. Their relationship was grounded in mutual respect, with Ivey constantly pushing Citron to reach new heights while offering guidance on how to handle the adversity and pressure that comes with competing at the highest level of college basketball.

The Impact of Notre Dame’s Culture on WNBA Prospects

Notre Dame women’s basketball has long been a program that develops top-tier talent. Under Muffet McGraw, the Fighting Irish became a dominant force in women’s college basketball, producing numerous WNBA players. Ivey has continued McGraw’s legacy by focusing on developing players not only as basketball athletes but as well-rounded individuals who are prepared to succeed at the next level.

Citron’s success is a direct reflection of this culture. She is the product of years of hard work, a commitment to excellence, and a program that fosters a winning mentality. The atmosphere at Notre Dame allows players like Citron to thrive by providing them with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the court.

As a result, the Fighting Irish have become a premier program for WNBA prospects. Notre Dame’s ability to develop elite talent has positioned it as a school that players aspire to join, knowing that it is a pathway to professional basketball.

Looking Ahead: Citron’s Future and Notre Dame’s Continued Success

As Sonia Citron embarks on her professional career, the eyes of the basketball world will be watching to see how she adapts to the speed and intensity of the WNBA. With her skill set, leadership, and determination, she is poised to make an immediate impact at the next level.

For Niele Ivey, supporting Citron at the WNBA Draft is just one of many moments in her journey as Notre Dame’s head coach. Ivey’s ability to guide her players to success both on and off the court continues to be a hallmark of her coaching philosophy. Citron’s selection in the draft only reinforces the strength of the program and its continued ability to develop top-tier talent.

Looking ahead, Notre Dame will remain a prominent player in women’s college basketball, with Ivey at the helm. The Fighting Irish will continue to produce top prospects for the WNBA, and Ivey’s presence at future drafts will serve as a reminder of the program’s commitment to its athletes and their long-term success.

 A Full-Circle Moment for Coach Ivey and Citron

As Niele Ivey sat in the audience at the 2025 WNBA Draft, watching Sonia Citron achieve her dream of becoming a professional basketball player, it was clear that this moment represented so much more than a simple draft selection. It was a culmination of years of work, growth, and dedication from both player and coach. For Ivey, seeing Citron’s success was a personal triumph, a testament to the bond they had formed and the legacy they had created together at Notre Dame. As Citron’s career in the WNBA begins, it’s clear that she is not only a product of her hard work but also of the strong foundation laid by Ivey and the entire Notre Dame women’s basketball program.