Notre Dame Head Coach Niele Ivey Reunites With Former Stars Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld in Emotional Courtside Moment
On a night that was already filled with excitement, intensity, and high-level basketball, it was a courtside reunion that caught the attention of fans and media alike. Notre Dame women’s basketball head coach Niele Ivey was in the building, watching closely as two of her former players—Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld—took the floor and reminded everyone why Notre Dame continues to be one of the premier programs in college basketball. The moment was not just about basketball. It was about legacy, connection, and the enduring bond between coach and player.
For Ivey, it was more than just another night at the arena. It was a chance to see two of the players she had helped mold into stars at Notre Dame showcase the skills, confidence, and competitive fire they built under her guidance. Sitting just a few feet from the action, Ivey could be seen locked in—smiling during big moments, standing up for key plays, and exchanging warm hugs after the final buzzer. Her presence was subtle but powerful, a silent but clear nod to the impact she continues to have on the lives of her former players long after they leave South Bend.
Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld represent more than just past success for the Fighting Irish—they embody the culture and resilience that Ivey has worked tirelessly to establish since taking over as head coach. Both were key figures during their time at Notre Dame, contributing to multiple NCAA Tournament runs and establishing themselves as elite players on both ends of the court. But beyond the stat sheets and accolades, they were leaders, the kind of players every coach hopes to build a program around. Seeing them thrive beyond Notre Dame is a reminder of how strong the foundation really is.
Citron, known for her silky smooth jumper and relentless defensive tenacity, was one of the most complete guards to come through Notre Dame in recent memory. Her ability to take over a game while also lifting her teammates was a hallmark of her collegiate career. Maddy Westbeld, meanwhile, brought an inside-out versatility that made her a matchup nightmare. Her length, high basketball IQ, and ability to guard multiple positions made her indispensable during her years in South Bend. Together, they were cornerstones of Ivey’s early years at the helm, helping to stabilize and elevate the program after a leadership transition.
The relationship between Ivey and her players has always gone deeper than basketball. A former Notre Dame star herself and a trailblazer in both college and professional ranks, Ivey knows firsthand the unique challenges and pressures that come with being a high-level athlete. Her coaching style reflects that awareness—firm but empathetic, demanding but personal. She invests deeply in her players, not just to win games, but to help them grow into strong, confident women ready to thrive in all areas of life. That’s what made her appearance so meaningful. It wasn’t just about watching a game. It was about continuing to support the players she once coached through the next chapter of their journey.
Those around the arena noticed the energy. Ivey’s presence sparked conversations among fans, alumni, and media members alike. There’s something unmistakably special about seeing a coach continue to pour into her players even after they’ve moved on. It speaks to trust, respect, and the kind of culture that separates good programs from great ones. And as Citron and Westbeld took the court with poise and purpose, it was easy to see that their time at Notre Dame had left a lasting imprint—not only on their skills, but on how they carried themselves.
As the game progressed, it became clear that Citron and Westbeld were not just participating—they were leading. Their fingerprints were all over the action: big shots in crucial moments, lockdown defensive possessions, vocal leadership in huddles. Ivey watched with pride, a coach seeing the fruits of her labor unfold in real time. The connection between them wasn’t loud or performative—it was lived-in, built over years of early morning practices, postgame film sessions, and heart-to-heart conversations.
After the game, the moment many had hoped for finally arrived. Ivey greeted both players with warm, heartfelt embraces. There were smiles, shared words, and unmistakable joy. It was more than just a coach seeing her former players. It was family reconnecting. And it was clear from their body language and expressions that the feeling was mutual. Citron and Westbeld didn’t just look back at Ivey with admiration—they looked back with deep gratitude.
The significance of Ivey’s courtside appearance goes beyond just one night. It reflects the strength of the Notre Dame program and the culture she has cultivated since becoming head coach. In an era of constant change in college athletics—where the transfer portal, NIL, and coaching turnover have created unprecedented movement and uncertainty—moments like this serve as a reminder that real relationships still matter. And at Notre Dame, those relationships are thriving.
Niele Ivey has never shied away from the challenge of leading a storied program. Following in the footsteps of legendary coach Muffet McGraw, she took over with grace, ambition, and an unwavering belief in what Notre Dame basketball could be. Since then, she has guided the Fighting Irish through deep tournament runs, elevated the team’s national profile, and—perhaps most importantly—continued to attract and develop the kind of players who leave the program better than they found it. Players like Citron and Westbeld are living proof.
Their reunion with Ivey was a full-circle moment. From recruits with big dreams to leaders of a nationally ranked team to professionals forging their own paths, their journey under Ivey’s watch was transformative. And it’s a journey that clearly hasn’t ended. That’s the beauty of programs built the right way—they don’t just produce wins, they produce lifelong connections.
For Notre Dame fans, seeing Ivey courtside brought a surge of pride. Pride in the program, pride in the players, and pride in the coach who continues to carry the torch forward. It was a quiet but powerful reminder that the Fighting Irish are more than just a team—they’re a family. One that celebrates together, supports each other through every stage of life, and always shows up.
And for Citron and Westbeld, having Ivey in the crowd meant everything. In a world where the spotlight can often be fleeting, where athletes move on and relationships fade, theirs is one built to last. It’s the kind of bond that reminds you why sports matter—because of the people, the growth, the shared purpose.
As they left the court that night, with fans cheering and cameras flashing, it wasn’t just about the stat lines or the final score. It was about a connection rekindled, a legacy reinforced, and a message sent to every current and future Notre Dame player: once you’re part of this family, you’re part of it forever.
Coach Ivey came to watch her players—but in doing so, she reminded the world of who she is and what she stands for. And in that arena, as Citron and Westbeld put their stamp on yet another game, the spirit of Notre Dame women’s basketball was alive and well.
