ROCHESTER, Mich. – Oakland women's basketball assistant coach Ariel Braker was a member of the University of Notre Dame women's basketball team from 2010-14, under Naismith Hall of Fame inductee, Muffet McGraw. The legendary head coach announced her retirement on Wednesday after 33 seasons with the Fighting Irish. 
 
Braker was a member of the winningest class in program history, finishing with a record of 138-15 with four Final Four berths and three appearances in the national championship game. She helped Notre Dame to three straight conference championships, including an undefeated run through the ACC in 2013-14. A two-year starter and tri-captain, Braker averaged 5.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game as a junior in 2012-13, and 4.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game as a senior. She made 130 appearances and 70 starts during her career, with the team going 67-3 in those games.

Braker reflects on her four years under the guidance of McGraw and how she applies what she learned to her current role with the Golden Grizzlies. 
 
TALK ABOUT YOUR RECRUITING PROCESS AND THE FIRST TIME YOU CAME FACE TO FACE WITH COACH MCGRAW
The recruiting process with Coach McGraw was an awesome experience. I believe the first time I officially met her was the summer of my sophomore year at a basketball camp with my high school team.
 
WHAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK BACK TO YOUR FIRST PRACTICE AT NOTRE DAME AND COACH MCGRAW?
My first practice at Notre Dame was hard, but I remember after it thinking something like wow Coach is honest. I will know exactly what she wants and expects from me as a player because she will flat out just tell me.
 
WHAT WAS IT LIKE THE FIRST TIME COACH MCGRAW REALLY GOT AFTER YOU? DID IT HAPPEN OFTEN?
I can't remember the first time she got after me, but I'm sure it was hilarious to the rest of my teammates. I don't recall it happening often either, but I was also the queen of not subbing into any drills if I didn't know what was going on.
 
WHEN YOU HEAR COACH MCGRAW'S VOICE IN YOUR HEAD, WHAT IS SHE SAYING?
As a player I would always hear her voice in my head about something we had practiced defensively that was game specific. And I always heard her saying rebound (haha). But as an alum, I always hear her voice when there's an issue I'm trying to tackle in life and imagine her saying, "This is a perfect opportunity for you to use your voice."
 
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE MEMORY OF YOU AND COACH MCGRAW?
I have a lot of memories with her, but I really enjoyed getting to coach against her while I was at Lehigh. It also happened to be her 900th win. But we talked before and after the game and it was just a different feel of going back to South Bend to play a game against my Alma Mater.
 
WHAT IS ONE LESSON YOU LEARNED FROM COACH MCGRAW THAT YOU TRY TO PASS ON TO YOUR TEAM?
Empowerment of your players. Coach was always honest with us and wanted us to lead, so I think if I've taken anything away from her, it's how to empower your players to do great things not only on the court, but out in the world when they are done playing. If you look at all the people she has coached, you can see they are all out doing that now. 
 
HOW DID YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH COACH MCGRAW CHANGE YOUR LIFE?
I grew up a lot playing under Coach, and I think the way she keeps in contact with her players after the four years is up, is something really special. Every year since I've graduated she has still called me for my "end of the year meeting" and gives me advice about what to do moving forward.
 
ANY TIPS FOR FUTURE PLAYERS AT NOTRE DAME, REGARDING COACH IVEY?
Most of the future players know about Niele, she's a ND Great. I'm so proud of her and I know how hard she's been grinding for such a big opportunity and I couldn't be happier for her to be the next leader.