SOUTH BEND -- On May 1st Michaela Mabrey will step away from her current duties as Irish assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.  

Mabrey graduated from Notre Dame in 2016, and while attending she had been a stand-out guard who played on three Final Four teams, averaging 6.6 points, 1.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists over her four-year career. In 2019 she was hired by storied coach and Hall of Famer Muffet McGraw. 

Mabrey has posted an explanation for her departure on her Instagram, in part to quell rumors, but also to share that she's just ready to step away from coaching and pursue something new. She shares memories and her love for the people and the school in her post:

"A single post could never fully capture what this journey has meant to me—but I’ll do my best.

Seven years of coaching, four years of playing—Notre Dame will always be home. We’ve always said it’s the people who make the place, and in my experience, that couldn’t be more true. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to grow alongside some of the most amazing people—many of whom I’ve known since I was 16.

First, thank you to Coach McGraw for bringing me back in 2019 and giving me the opportunity to live out my dream of coaching at the place that gave me so much. And to Niele—thank you for believing in me, loving me, supporting me, and challenging me to grow in ways I’ll carry with me forever.

There are so many people who have impacted me along the way, but to CO, Quese, Charel, Los, Shar, James, Anne, G, Jas, Sarah, Shane, Ashton, Megan—thank you for the memories and for the constant joy and laughter we shared. Even on the toughest days, seeing you all made everything feel lighter. I’m so grateful for each of you.

To my girls you are the reason I chose this path. Thank you for trusting me, for allowing me to coach you, support you, and walk alongside you in your journeys. That kind of connection is never guaranteed—it’s something you choose, and I’m endlessly grateful you chose me. Thank you for the laughs, the bus talks, the hugs, the calls, the TikToks, the FUN! I love you all so much and I will forever be here for you.

To the fans and the entire Notre Dame community—there are no words for the support my family and I have felt over the past 14 years. THANK YOU!!!

God has truly blessed me with the opportunity to coach at a place I love, alongside people I love, impacting players I love & I am forever grateful. I’m excited for what He has in store next 

As Always, Go Irish."

Notre Dame, meanwhile, is coming off a 25-11 season in which the Irish reached the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight for the first time since Marina Mabrey’s 2019 team made the title game. The Irish finished No. 9 in the final AP poll. They are led by three-time All-American Hannah Hidalgo and are set to open the 2026-27 season on Nov. 1 against Villanova in Rome, Italy.