Notre Dame’s women’s basketball program faced a significant development today as star guard Olivia Miles announced her decision to forgo the WNBA Draft and enter the NCAA transfer portal for her final year of eligibility. This unexpected move follows the recent entries of three of her teammates into the transfer portal, signaling a period of transition for the Fighting Irish.
Miles, 22, was widely projected as the No. 2 pick in the upcoming WNBA Draft. Her decision to transfer has sent shockwaves through the basketball community. In her announcement, Miles expressed deep gratitude towards Notre Dame, her coaches, teammates, and the fans who supported her throughout her collegiate career. She emphasized the difficulty of her choice, highlighting her desire to explore new opportunities and challenges in her final year of college basketball.
During her tenure at Notre Dame, Miles showcased exceptional talent and leadership. After missing the 2023-24 season due to a knee injury, she returned to average 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 5.6 rebounds per game, leading the team to the Sweet 16. Notably, she became the first ACC player to record consecutive triple-doubles and led the nation with three total triple-doubles in the season.
Miles’ decision comes on the heels of three of her teammates entering the transfer portal, indicating a significant shift within the program. While the specific reasons for these departures vary, the collective movement suggests a reevaluation of individual goals and team dynamics.
The departure of such a pivotal player as Miles presents challenges for Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team. Her leadership on and off the court will be missed, and the coaching staff will need to strategize on filling the void left by her and her departing teammates. This period of transition may also open opportunities for emerging talents within the team to step up and assume more prominent roles.
As Miles explores her options in the transfer portal, she remains a highly sought-after player, with numerous programs likely vying for her commitment. Her decision will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the landscape of women’s college basketball in the upcoming season.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring these developments, eager to see how Notre Dame adapts to these changes and where Miles and her teammates will continue their athletic and academic pursuits.
