Coach McGraw Named Werner Ladder Naismith Women's College Coach of the Year Semifinalist

Feb. 21, 2018

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The Atlanta Tipoff Club on Wednesday released the names of the coaches in the running for the 2018 Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year honor. Karen and Kevin Keyes Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw was announced as one of the 10 semifinalists.

From this list, the Naismith Awards master voting academy will select the four finalists, to be announced on March 14. The 2018 Werner Ladder Naismith Women’s College Coach of the Year will then be announced on March 31.

After overcoming four season-ending injuries that left the Irish with seven scholarship players, which included no true point guard or guard off the bench, Coach McGraw has still guided Notre Dame to a 25-2 record, No. 5 national ranking and No. 2 RPI, a projected No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament and two wins away from their fifth straight regular season ACC title. Keep in mind this was all achieved facing the No. 2 rated strength of schedule in the No. 1 rated RPI conference.

The Irish boast the most wins over RPI top-50 opponents with 13 and the most victories against ranked teams on the road with six. Overall, Notre Dame has secured seven wins over ranked opponents, including three against the top-10.

Lastly, fans will be able to get involved and support their favorite coach by visiting naismithtrophy.com/vote between March 19-30 to cast their ballot. The fan vote accounts for five percent of the overall final vote.