A Dream Realized in Mexico
Niele Ivey, the head coach of the University of Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program, guided the United States under‑18 women’s team to an unblemished 5‑0 run at the FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup in Mexico. The squad outscored every opponent by a combined 291 points, a testament to the depth and execution Ivey cultivated during the tournament.
The championship clash against Canada ended 90‑72 in favor of the Americans, with Kaleena Smith leading all scorers with 26 points. Jordyn Palmer added 24, while Jezelle Banks contributed 14, underscoring a balanced offensive attack that left little room for the Canadian side to respond.
For Ivey, the victory marked more than a trophy; it was a long‑held aspiration. “Coaching the USA team has always been a dream of mine,” she said after the final, reflecting on her previous gold medals as an assistant with the 2024 U18 and 2025 U19 squads. Her journey from assistant to head architect was seamless, a narrative she credits to the supportive environment at Notre Dame and the broader USA Basketball network.
Back on campus, the momentum carries into the upcoming 2026‑27 season. Notre Dame has already begun summer workouts at Rolfs Athletic Hall, and the team is slated to open its regular season on November 1 against Villanova in Rome, Italy. The early‑season matchup promises to showcase the same competitive fire that defined the AmeriCup campaign.
Recruiting efforts are also gaining traction. Ivey’s staff has extended offers to five uncommitted prospects from the U18 pool, including Bella Flemings, a future ACC rival who will join Duke’s roster. The ripple effect of those overtures is already being felt across the recruiting landscape.
Support staff continue to play a pivotal role. Charmin Smith, head coach at California, served as an assistant on the USA bench, while Kara Lawson and Teri Moren contributed their expertise throughout the tournament. Their collective experience adds a layer of strategic depth that Ivey values highly.
Beyond the national team, Ivey’s influence extends to the next generation of college stars. Isabella Sangha, a Notre Dame commit who represented Canada in the competition, averaged 3.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, illustrating the caliber of talent Ivey is attracting to South Bend.