Olivia Miles Prioritizes Her College Career Over the WNBA
The talented basketball player, Olivia Miles, has made a decision that has surprised many. Instead of opting for the WNBA draft, where she was expected to be a high pick, Miles has decided to continue her career in college basketball. The TCU quarterback, who previously played for Notre Dame, explained that the current situation of collective bargaining in the WNBA influenced her decision. “The WNBA is resolving its own issues [with the CBA] while we watch,” Miles commented.“Let them figure it out, and for one more year, I’ll enjoy college.”
Olivia MilesAfter his junior season with Notre Dame ended in March, many expected Miles to declare for the draft. However, he opted to transfer to TCU to use his final year of eligibility. Miles, who is projected as the second pick in the 2026 draft, recognizes the importance of collective bargaining negotiations. However, for now, he prefers to focus on the present. “Right now, it’s all opinions about what’s going to change,” Miles said about the CBA. “We hear there will be a lot of player movement and the league will look different next season. So, for now, I just prioritize what’s in front of me. I’ll start thinking about everything else later.” Miles has a lot to achieve in college. TCU is the favorite for the Big 12 season, according to the league’s coaches. At Notre Dame, Miles was a three-time All-ACC first team selection, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 101 games. She missed the 2022-2023 postseason and the entire 2023-2024 season due to a knee injury. Although she averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists last season for the Irish, Miles felt she still wasn’t fully prepared for the WNBA, so she decided not to participate in the 2025 draft. “It was a lot to leave on the table,” Miles said, adding with a smile: “My parents thought I was crazy. Everyone thought I was crazy. Hell, I still hear comments like: ‘It doesn’t make sense. Why would she go back? Why did she go there?’ “But I still wasn’t in good shape, mentally. I had a great season last year, but I still wanted to be more consistent and more disciplined, and be in better physical shape. I didn’t think I was ready. Being at TCU feels so aligned; I couldn’t pass up the opportunity, especially with their style of play. Why not stay in college? The pros will still be there.” The Horned Frogs had a standout season in 2024-2025, with a 34-4 record and winning the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles before reaching the quarterfinals, all unprecedented achievements for the program. However, TCU lost four senior starters and needed an injection of experience and talent. Miles, the Big 12 preseason freshman of the year, provides that, and coach Mark Campbell’s program offers a pick-and-roll offensive system that will help Miles when she turns pro after this season. “She’s going to be the player who will dominate the ball, and she’s going to have the usage; all our actions will revolve around her,” Campbell said. “I wanted to use this year to really, really get her mind in order and prepare her for the pros. And she has acted like a professional from day one.”
