Breaking: The USA Female Basketball Player of the Year award goes to Notre Dame Guard

Breaking News: Notre Dame Guard Named USA Female Basketball Player of the Year

In an electrifying moment for college basketball, Notre Dame has secured another milestone as Olivia Miles, the star guard for the Fighting Irish, was officially named the USA Female Basketball Player of the Year. This recognition places Miles in an elite category of athletes, celebrating her incredible talent, dedication, and outstanding performances on both the national and international stages. Her journey to becoming one of the top basketball players in the country has been nothing short of impressive, and this honor solidifies her place as one of the premier guards in women’s college basketball.

As the recipient of this prestigious award, Miles joins a list of iconic players who have left an indelible mark on the game. This recognition is not just about individual accolades but is also a testament to the level of play that is coming out of Notre Dame, a program that has consistently been one of the most successful and respected in women’s college basketball.

This article dives deep into the significance of Olivia Miles’ USA Female Basketball Player of the Year award, her journey to the top, her impact on Notre Dame’s basketball program, and what this achievement means for her future in the sport. Additionally, we’ll explore her development, the lessons she’s learned, and how she has shaped the narrative around women’s basketball.

Olivia Miles: A Superstar in the Making

At just 20 years old, Olivia Miles has already accomplished more than many players hope to achieve in a lifetime. Her combination of skills, leadership, and work ethic has made her a force to be reckoned with in women’s basketball. As a guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, she has consistently been a standout performer, earning recognition across the country for her contributions to the team’s success.

Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Olivia Miles grew up in a basketball family, where her passion for the sport was nurtured from a young age. Her father, Aaron Miles, who played college basketball, was instrumental in fostering her love for the game, often pushing her to be the best. From a young age, Olivia showed a natural ability for the game, excelling in various aspects of basketball, including shooting, ball handling, and playmaking.

Her high school career at Paul VI High School in Fairfax, Virginia, was the perfect prelude to what would become a phenomenal career in college basketball. Miles was a McDonald’s All-American, a distinction that marks the best of the best at the high school level. Her reputation as a versatile guard, capable of running the offense, scoring, and defending, made her one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation.

When she committed to Notre Dame, she chose a program with a rich history of success under head coach Niele Ivey. Ivey, a former standout player for the Fighting Irish, has been instrumental in developing Miles into one of the best players in the country. Together, they’ve formed a dynamic partnership that has propelled Notre Dame to national prominence.

A Breakout Season for Olivia Miles

Olivia Miles’ rise to national prominence accelerated in her sophomore year at Notre Dame, where she led the Fighting Irish to the Final Four and garnered attention for her incredible performances. Miles’ ability to fill up the stat sheet, while also leading her team to victory, has been remarkable. Her versatility as a guard allows her to impact the game in multiple ways—whether it’s as a scorer, playmaker, or defender.

During the 2024-2025 season, Miles averaged an astonishing 19.4 points, 8.3 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game, making her one of the top performers in college basketball. She was also one of the most efficient players, shooting nearly 47% from the field and 40% from beyond the arc, showcasing her ability to score in a variety of ways. Miles’ playmaking ability was also on full display, with her court vision and passing precision helping Notre Dame’s offense flow seamlessly.

Miles’ performances during the regular season were nothing short of spectacular. She routinely put up triple-doubles, demonstrating her all-around game and earning a reputation for being one of the most well-rounded players in women’s college basketball. However, it was her performances on the national stage that truly set her apart.

In the NCAA Tournament, Olivia Miles had some of her best games, particularly during Notre Dame’s run to the Final Four. In an intense showdown against Stanford, Miles scored 28 points while dishing out 10 assists in an overtime thriller that sent the Irish to the semifinals. Her clutch shooting, combined with her leadership and poise under pressure, earned her recognition as one of the top players in the country and solidified her place in history as one of the most talented guards in college basketball.

Her performances earned her numerous honors, including All-American and All-ACC selections, and she quickly became the consensus pick for USA Female Basketball Player of the Year. The award, given annually to the top female basketball player in the United States, is one of the most prestigious honors in women’s sports and speaks to Miles’ incredible season.

USA Female Basketball Player of the Year: What It Means

The USA Female Basketball Player of the Year is awarded by USA Basketball and recognizes the top female basketball player in the United States, irrespective of age or college affiliation. This honor is given to a player who has exhibited exceptional talent, leadership, and dedication to the game, while also making significant contributions to the sport. It is a prestigious award that celebrates the best of the best in women’s basketball.

By being named USA Female Basketball Player of the Year, Olivia Miles has firmly established herself as one of the top players not only in college basketball but also on the national and international stage. This honor puts her in the same company as legendary players such as Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi, and Sue Bird, all of whom have received similar accolades during their careers.

For Notre Dame, this recognition is a huge victory, as it continues to solidify the program’s place among the elite in women’s college basketball. Under coach Niele Ivey’s leadership, the Irish have become a powerhouse, and Miles is a central figure in that success. Her ability to lead, perform under pressure, and contribute across all areas of the game has made her a fan favorite and a true ambassador for the program.

The Impact on Notre Dame Women’s Basketball

Olivia Miles’ recognition as USA Female Basketball Player of the Year is not just a personal achievement—it’s a testament to the continued success of Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program. Since coach Niele Ivey took the helm, the Fighting Irish have been consistently competitive, making deep runs in the NCAA Tournament and producing top-tier talent. Ivey, a former Notre Dame player herself, has created a culture that attracts the best players in the country, and Miles is the embodiment of that vision.

The honor also raises the profile of Notre Dame women’s basketball on a national scale. As one of the most prestigious programs in the country, Notre Dame has long been associated with elite talent and high-level basketball. With a player like Miles leading the charge, the program is positioned to continue its dominance in women’s college basketball for years to come.

For the players who will follow in Miles’ footsteps, her achievements provide a roadmap for success. As a young, talented player who has worked her way to the top, Miles offers a blueprint for what it takes to achieve greatness. Her commitment to hard work, attention to detail, and unyielding drive to improve have set a high standard for future generations of Notre Dame players.

The Future of Olivia Miles

As Olivia Miles receives the USA Female Basketball Player of the Year honor, her future in the sport seems limitless. While she is still a sophomore in college, Miles has the potential to dominate the game at the professional level. Her skill set is already well-rounded, and with her ability to make an impact in every aspect of the game, she is poised to have a successful career at both the WNBA and international levels.

Having already earned a spot on the USA Basketball Women’s National Team, Miles has proven she can compete with the best in the world. Her leadership on the court, combined with her work ethic and desire to improve, make her a future cornerstone of USA Basketball. As the sport continues to grow globally, Miles is well-positioned to be one of the faces of women’s basketball for years to come.

In the near future, it’s likely that Miles will declare for the WNBA Draft, where she is expected to be one of the top picks. The WNBA, which has grown exponentially in popularity, would provide Miles with the platform to continue showcasing her incredible talents on a national stage. Whether she stays at Notre Dame for another year or enters the professional ranks, her impact on the game will be felt for years to come.