Born: 1955 (Pottsville, Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Ann Muffet McGraw (née O’Brien) was an American college basketball coach, widely recognized for her remarkable tenure as the head women’s basketball coach at Notre Dame from 1987 to 2020. Born on December 5, 1955, in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, McGraw’s passion for the sport and exceptional coaching abilities propelled her to become one of the most successful coaches in women’s basketball history.
McGraw’s journey in basketball began at Saint Joseph’s University, where she graduated and then briefly played professionally for the California Dreams of the Women’s Professional Basketball League. However, it was as a coach that McGraw truly made her mark. She started her coaching career at Archbishop Carroll High School from 1977 to 1979 before joining Saint Joseph’s as an assistant coach from 1980 to 1982.
In 1982, McGraw took on the role of head coach at Lehigh University. During her five-year tenure, she demonstrated her ability to cultivate talent and achieved notable success. One of her most distinguished players at Lehigh was Cathy Engelbert, who would go on to become the CEO of Deloitte.
In 1987, McGraw’s coaching prowess led her to Notre Dame, where she assumed the position of head coach. Her impact on the program was undeniable, as she transformed the Fighting Irish into a national powerhouse. Over the course of her 33 seasons at Notre Dame, McGraw compiled an impressive 848–252 (.771) record.
Under McGraw’s guidance, the Fighting Irish made 26 appearances in the NCAA tournament, including an extraordinary streak of 24 consecutive seasons from 1995 to 2019. During this period, Notre Dame reached nine Final Fours (1997, 2001, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019) and competed in seven championship games (2001, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019). McGraw led the team to two National Championships, securing titles in 2001 and 2018.
McGraw’s achievements placed her in esteemed company, as she became the sixth Division I coach to win multiple NCAA titles, joining the likes of Geno Auriemma, Pat Summitt, Linda Sharp, Tara VanDerveer, and Kim Mulkey. Her leadership and strategic acumen brought success not only to the basketball program but also to the university as a whole.
Throughout her career, McGraw amassed an astounding 50 wins over ranked opponents, with 40 of those victories coming in the last eight seasons. Under her guidance, the Notre Dame women’s basketball team appeared in the Associated Press (AP) poll 139 times, cementing their status as a perennial contender.
McGraw’s accomplishments did not go unnoticed, as she earned numerous accolades and recognition. She was awarded the US Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Coach of the Year, the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year, and the prestigious Naismith College Coach of the Year in 2001. In recognition of her significant contributions to women’s basketball, McGraw was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017. Moreover, the John R Wooden award committee honored her with the 2017 Legends of Coaching Award, solidifying her status as one of the most respected coaches in the sport.
Beyond her remarkable achievements on the court, McGraw’s influence extended beyond the realm of sports. Her unwavering dedication to the empowerment of women and the promotion of equality reverberated in every aspect of her coaching career. As a female pioneer in the sport, she broke barriers and shattered stereotypes, inspiring countless young girls to dream big and reach for greatness.
Muffet McGraw’s impact on women’s history cannot be overstated. Her legacy as a trailblazer, mentor, and unparalleled coach will forever be etched in the annals of women’s basketball. Her unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with her profound influence on society, solidifies her place as one of the most revered figures in women’s athletic history.
Awards:
– US Basketball Writers Association (USBWA) Coach of the Year in 2001
– Women’s Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2001
– Naismith College Coach of the Year in 2001
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011
– Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017
– Recipient of the 2017 Legends of Coaching Award