A Legacy of Preparation
The 2026 All-Star Game will showcase five former Notre Dame women’s basketball stars: Sonia Citron, Marina Mabrey, Olivia Miles, Jessica Shepard and Jackie Young. Their inclusion underscores a program that has cultivated not only elite athletes but also professionals ready for the demands of the WNBA and life beyond the court.
Marina Mabrey, now a key contributor for the Washington Mystics, has spoken openly about how the university’s emphasis on time management, discipline and self‑awareness prepared her for the rigors of professional play. Sonia Citron, also with the Mystics, echoes the sentiment, noting that the foundation she received in South Bend continues to guide her daily routine.
Olivia Miles, another alumna selected for the All-Star roster, highlights the same blend of athletic and personal development, describing the habits instilled at Notre Dame as transferable to any career path. Jackie Young, who has built a reputation for versatility, credits the program’s culture of accountability for her steady rise in the league.
The success of these former players is not lost on their former coaches. Niele Ivey, now the head coach at Notre Dame, expresses pride in watching her protégés excel, while retired legend Muffet McGraw continues to mentor them from the sidelines. Cheryl Reeve, president of basketball operations for the Minnesota Lynx, has publicly praised the professionalism and preparation of Notre Dame alumni, noting that their readiness often exceeds that of peers from other programs.
Although the Fighting Irish have not returned to the Final Four since 2019, the trajectory of their graduates suggests a different metric of success. The program’s impact reverberates through the WNBA, where former students are celebrated for their work ethic, adaptability and the life skills that complement their on‑court achievements.