LaPhonso Ellis wasn’t the only Notre Dame legend to be inducted into the Purcell Pavilion Ring of Honor this weekend. One day after Ellis was honored during the men’s basketball team’s upset win over Kentucky, women’s basketball coaching legend Muffet McGraw got her day during the Irish’s 78-41 victory over Purdue-Fort Wayne. Athletic director Jack Swarbrick indicated that McGraw also eventually would get a statue outside the building. With all these good things happening to her both now and in the future, the Hall of Famer addressed the crowd and everyone else who was in attendance to honor her:
"There truly is no place like home — and standing in this arena will always feel like home to me."
Former @NDwbb head coach @MuffetMcGraw became the newest member of the Purcell Pavilion Ring of Honor with her induction on Sunday.#GoIrish pic.twitter.com/YnizGY3Iwd
— The Fighting Irish (@FightingIrish) December 12, 2021
McGraw’s honor did not go unnoticed by men’s coach Mike Brey, a school legend in his own right:
Congratulations @MuffetMcGraw
for taking your rightful place in the Ring of Honor.You continue to be an inspiration to me and our program. pic.twitter.com/oNxEZttOti
— Mike Brey (@NDMikeBrey) December 13, 2021
McGraw retired after the 2019-20 season, and two national championships and four national coach of the year awards among many other accolades meant this honor was a long time coming. Here’s to others in her former position following her example in the years to come.