Cheer Her Name: Celebrating 50 years of Notre Dame Women's athletics

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The first women's varsity program launched in 1976 with tennis and the Irish just keep building. 

Notre Dame has now achieved 13 women's athletic programs and 16 national championships. 

This year isn't about adding another trophy to the case, but celebrating the journey called Cheer Her Name.

In 1972, when Title IX reshaped college athletics, that opened a door that led to the sidelines of Purcell Pavilion, where Muffet McGraw built belief and a program. 

Notre Dame women's basketball became a national powerhouse under McGraw, winning championship and producing all Americans. 

“I want these women to see the kind of the power that they have and gain confidence because it’s a proven fact that woman that play sports – I think 94 percent of CEOs – all played a sport. So, it really builds confidence and leadership” states McGraw. 

Three-time national champions, Notre Dame women's soccer, continues to set the standard by being led by head coach Nate Norman. 

“When I think about my ‘why’ of why I coach — it’s about giving people opportunities to grow and push themselves further than they thought they could go.” states Norman.

Notre Dame is celebrating 50 years with one message, Cheer Her Name, because tradition isn't just inherited, it's earned.