Hall Of Fame Women's Basketball Coach At Notre Dame
Notre Dame women's basketball team has one of the most successful collegiate programs with legendary coach Muffet McGraw. She has been the head coach of the Fighting Irish for over 33 years and has led the team to two National Championships, nine Final Four appearances, and 848 wins, making her the 6th most winningest coach in women's basketball history.
Early Beginnings
Muffet McGraw was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, on December 5, 1955. She attended Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia and played as a guard for the school's women's basketball team. She graduated in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and a minor in English.
Coaching Career
McGraw began her coaching career as an assistant coach at Saint Joseph's in 1980. She later went on to become head coach at Lehigh University and then Auburn University. In 1987, she took over as head coach at Notre Dame and remained there for over three decades. During her tenure, Notre Dame won a total of 848 games and competed in nine Final Fours. McGraw retired as Notre Dame's head coach on April 22, 2020.
Accomplishments
McGraw's career at Notre Dame included 7 conference coach of the year awards, 3 national coach of the year awards, 2 National Championships (in 2001 and 2018), and an induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011. She also coached several future WNBA stars, including Skylar Diggins-Smith, Ruth Riley, and Lindsay Allen.
Impact on Women's Basketball
McGraw's impact on women's basketball extends beyond the court. She is known for her outspokenness on issues of gender inequality and sexism in the sport, particularly in the coaching ranks. In 2019, she made headlines when she announced that she would only hire female assistants, citing the lack of opportunities for women in the coaching profession. McGraw's advocacy has made her a trailblazer for gender equality in sports and has helped to inspire future generations of female coaches and players.
Conclusion
Muffet McGraw's impact on women's basketball is undeniable. Her success on the court at Notre Dame was matched only by her advocacy for gender equality off the court. McGraw's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of female athletes and coaches for years to come.