Muffet McGraw

Muffet McGraw is a retired American college basketball coach, best known for her legendary tenure as the head coach of the University of Notre Dame women's basketball team. She led the Fighting Irish to two NCAA national championships in 2001 and 2018, cementing her status as one of the most successful coaches in the history of the sport. Over her 33-year career at Notre Dame, McGraw amassed over 900 victories, nine Women's Final Four appearances, and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. A vocal advocate for Title IX and women's leadership, her influence extends far beyond the basketball court.

Early life and education

Born Ann O'Brien on December 5, 1955, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, she earned the nickname "Muffet" as a child. She was a multi-sport standout at Pottsville Area High School, excelling in both basketball and tennis. For her collegiate education, she attended Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, where she played point guard for the Hawks from 1974 to 1977. Under coach Jim Foster, she helped lead her team to three consecutive AIAW national tournament appearances and graduated in 1977 with a degree in sociology.

Playing career

Following her graduation from Saint Joseph's University, McGraw's playing career was brief but impactful. She spent one season as a professional player with the California Dreams of the short-lived Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL). Her experience in the pioneering league, which featured stars like Carol Blazejowski, provided her with early insights into the professional game and the challenges facing women's sports during that era. This period solidified her commitment to a career in coaching and advancing opportunities for female athletes.

Coaching career

McGraw began her coaching career as an assistant at her alma mater, Saint Joseph's University, in 1977. Her first head coaching position came in 1982 at Lehigh University, where she spent five seasons and led the Mountain Hawks to their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 1985. In 1987, she was hired by the University of Notre Dame to rebuild its struggling program. She transformed the Fighting Irish into a national powerhouse, winning her first national title in 2001 behind stars like Ruth Riley and Alicia Ratay. Her second championship came in 2018, led by Arike Ogunbowale and Jessica Shepard. Throughout her tenure, McGraw's teams were known for their disciplined offense, tenacious defense, and consistent success in the ACC and the former Big East Conference. She retired in 2020 with a career record of 936 wins.

Legacy and impact

Muffet McGraw's legacy is defined by competitive excellence and fierce advocacy. Her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame recognizes her profound impact on the game. Beyond wins, she became a prominent national voice for gender equality, famously using her platform at the 2018 Women's Final Four to call for more women in leadership roles. She mentored numerous players who became professionals in the WNBA, such as Skylar Diggins-Smith and Jewell Loyd, and coaches, including Niele Ivey, her successor at Notre Dame. Her career stands as a testament to the growth of women's college basketball following the implementation of Title IX.

Personal life

Muffet McGraw is married to Matt McGraw, a former college basketball player and longtime scout for the Notre Dame men's team. The couple has one son, Murphy. She has been actively involved with various charitable organizations, including the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, and remains a respected figure in the South Bend, Indiana community. Since retirement, she has worked as a television analyst for NBC Sports and continues to speak on issues related to sports and leadership.

Category:American women's basketball coaches Category:Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees Category:University of Notre Dame faculty