For 14 straight seasons starting in 2012, at least one of the Mabrey sisters, Michaela, Marina, or Dara, has been associated with Notre Dame women's basketball, but that streak will end this season, with the separation of Michaela.

On April 23, Michaela shared a heartfelt Instagram post to announce her departure from Notre Dame, where he had spent the last seven years and an assistant coach. The team will head into the 2026 season without her guiding them from the sidelines.

“Seven years of coaching, four years of playing—Notre Dame will always be home,” she wrote on Instagram, with a carousel of snaps from her Notre Dame years, marking the end of her long journey with the team.

But what really stands out is what her departure means. Since 2012, at least one Mabrey sister has been part of the program, either as a player or a coach.

Michaela Mabrey started it as a guard from 2012 to 2016, and later, her sisters Marina and Dara followed, helping carry that presence across different phases of the team.

Michaela returned in 2019 as an assistant coach, extending that connection even further. Now, with her stepping away, that long-standing Mabrey presence with the program comes to an end.

"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," the 32-year-old told her players.

With that era coming to an end, the focus now turns to what lies ahead for Michaela Mabrey.

Michaela Mabrey's Notre Dame Exit Opens Door to Something New

Michaela Mabrey’s Instagram post thanked her players and the program she calls home, while leaving people wondering what she’ll do next.

According to Eric Hansen of On3, there’s a belief around the program that she could be stepping away from coaching altogether to try something new. And honestly, that idea doesn’t seem far-fetched.

Mabrey has a degree in Film, Television & Theatre, which opens up options beyond coaching. With how closely storytelling, media, and basketball are connected today, moving into sports media or broadcasting would make sense for someone with her background and personality.

Michaela Mabrey hasn’t confirmed her next move yet, but she has shared how she feels about this moment and what’s ahead.

“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,” she added in her message.

For now, her next step is unclear, but what do you think she’ll get into next? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Souvik Roy