Olivia Miles: The Star of Women’s Basketball Chooses the Collegiate Path
TCU’s talented guard, Olivia Miles, surprised many by deciding to stay in college basketball instead of entering the WNBA draft this year. Miles, who transferred from Notre Dame for her final season, has chosen to observe the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement debate from a distance. The WNBA is handling its own business [with the CBA] while we watch. So, let them figure it out, and for one more year, I’ll enjoy college. After his junior season with the Fighting Irish ended in March, many expected Miles to declare for the draft. However, he opted to transfer and use his remaining season of eligibility at TCU. Miles acknowledges the importance of negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, which must be signed before the league moves forward with the expansion draft, the lottery for the 2026 regular draft, and free agency. Although all of this will impact his future, for now he prefers to focus on the present.Miles has a lot to achieve in college. TCU is the preseason favorite in the Big 12, according to the league’s coaches. At Notre Dame, she was a three-time selection for the ACC first team, averaging 14.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 101 games. After missing the 2022-2023 postseason and the entire 2023-2024 season due to a knee injury, Miles felt that, despite averaging 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists last season for the Irish, she still wasn’t 100% sure of her readiness for the WNBA. Therefore, she decided not to participate in the 2025 draft.Right now, it’s all opinions about what’s going to change. We hear there will be a lot of player movement and the league will look different next season. So, for now, I’m just prioritizing what’s in front of me. I’ll start thinking about everything else later.
Olivia Miles
Miles continued by saying that he still needed to improve mentally, be more consistent, disciplined, and be in better physical shape. The opportunity to play at TCU feels aligned with his goals, especially with their style of play. 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 Elite Eight, historic achievements for the program. With the loss of four senior starters, TCU needed experience and talent. Miles, the Big 12 preseason freshman of the year, brings just that. In addition, coach Mark Campbell’s pick-and-roll offensive system will help Miles when she turns pro after this season.There was a lot I was leaving on the table. My parents thought I was crazy. Everyone thought I was crazy. I still hear comments like: ‘It doesn’t make sense. Why would she go back? Why did she go there?’
Olivia Miles
She will be the dominant player with the ball, and will have the use – all our actions will revolve around her. She wanted to use this year to really, really get her mind in order and prepare for the pros. And she has acted like a professional from day one.
Mark Campbell
