SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Niele Ivey often reflects on those photos — images of her younger self, covered in confetti as the newly crowned 2001 national champion. She remembers orchestrating Notre Dame’s comeback on a twisted ankle, just minutes away from where her love for the game first began. And as she looks back, she sees the joy radiating from her body, capturing one of the best moments of her life.
But now, as she looks at those photos, one person stands out the most — Philippe. In the second row, sporting an Irish shirt and dreadlocks tucked into a crocheted tam he made himself, Philippe is front and center. He is flanked by Niele’s three other brothers and her parents.
Seven months later, Niele and her mom, Theresa, would find themselves in a cold room at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, being led by a hospital escort and police officer. They were there to identify Philippe’s body. The memories of that moment haunt Niele, refusing to fade away.
But amidst the pain, Niele holds on to another memory from that day in St. Louis. A moment when the whole family was together, when everything made sense. Philippe’s joy cut through the confetti, and his smile was even brighter than Niele’s, who had just won a national title. It’s Philippe who brings her back to that moment time and time again.
Niele Ivey is an organized and scheduled person. She studied history because it provided answers and structure. However, her first year out of college came with many unanswered questions. Frustration with her on-again-off-again relationship, uncertainty about motherhood looming in her third pregnancy trimester, and the fear of her upcoming WNBA season left her feeling overwhelmed.
It was a last-minute decision to drive to St. Louis that November weekend. She knew being with her family might bring some comfort amidst the chaos. On the drive, Niele’s excitement to see Philippe overshadowed everything else. He was the one who always helped her make sense of things.
Philippe was her closest brother in age, and their small three-bedroom house was always filled with activity and friends. He was the quietest of the brothers but offered the best advice. Niele respected him and could always rely on him to listen. They spent their days at the park or on the front porch, enjoying each other’s company.
When Niele decided to attend Notre Dame, Philippe was bursting with pride. He told all his friends about his baby sister being the first in their family to go to college.
During Niele’s visit to St. Louis, Philippe suggested going for a walk in the park. She shared her fears and uncertainties, and in that moment, Philippe placed his hand on her belly. When their baby kicked, Philippe reassured Niele that everything would be fine as long as she trusted herself.
The next day, Niele and her best friend Tonya decided to attend a St. Louis Rams game. Philippe offered to drive them. After the game, Niele and Tonya waited for Philippe at the corner of Washington and 9th, but he never showed up. Niele’s worry grew as they returned home and found her car missing.
Later, a police chaplain and officer informed Niele and her family that Philippe had been killed in a car accident. He had been struck by a vehicle during a police chase. The news devastated the family, with Niele seeing her father cry for the first time in her life.
A week later, Philippe was buried, and Niele wore a black dress she had to buy from the maternity section of a local store. The church was filled with mourners, each with a unique story about Philippe.
As Niele reflects on those photos from her national championship victory and Philippe’s presence in them, her mind is filled with a mixture of joy and pain. Philippe’s memory brings her back to that special moment, where everything was right in the world.