Whenever Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey is asked about Olivia Miles or Hannah Hidalgo, she doesn’t hesitate—there’s one word she always uses: “Dynamic.” And it’s easy to see why. With Ivey, one of the best point guards in Notre Dame history, who led the Irish to their first national title in 2001, coaching two top-tier guards, it’s no surprise people call the team “Point Guard U.” But not anymore.
It all stems from one of the best WNBA prospects leaving Notre Dame. The projected No. 2 overall pick in the WNBA Draft first shocked everyone by forgoing the draft and then entering the transfer portal in March. Why’d she leave? Miles wanted a fresh start where she could lead and grow, and TCU, fresh off an Elite Eight run, offered just that—plus a hefty NIL deal that rivals what she’d earn as a WNBA rookie. But that led to some serious consequences.
How? In a recent interview with Sportskeeda, Hidalgo was asked about Miles’ departure, and she responded bluntly.
Miles showed promise in just six games as a freshman at Notre Dame but didn’t break out until her sophomore year. She averaged 13.7 points, 7.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds, announcing her presence to the college basketball world. She was equally impressive as a junior before missing the entire 2023-24 season due to an ACL injury.
While Miles was sidelined, Notre Dame was led by freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo, who immediately looked like one of the best players in the game. The thought of a healthy Miles alongside Hidalgo was a terrifying notion for Notre Dame’s opponents.
“You know, it was her decision. If that’s what she thought the best decision for her was, then that’s what is best for her. I don’t know what’s best for her. Only she knows what’s best for her,” Hidalgo shared. Vague but true. And honestly, this response makes sense, too. Miles and Hidalgo have combined to average 43 points, 14 rebounds, nine assists, and seven steals per game through their last four NCAA games.
But don’t worry—Miles has someone backing her up too.
Recently, Miles appeared on BRW Sports for an exclusive interview to discuss her controversial move. But, to her surprise, she ended up receiving a special message from one of the WNBA’s biggest vets.
“What’s up, Olivia? I hope you’re doing well as you tackle your next journey. You know, we have similar styles of play. I’ve been told that—just the way you dictate action and pass the ball on the open court. Each year, you’ve gotten better and added to parts of your game. So, this next year, make sure you come back even better. Quiet the noise and just enjoy playing,” Chelsea Gray said.
Gray’s words hit home because she’s not just any vet—she’s a three-time WNBA champ and six-time All-Star who’s been dropping dimes for years, averaging 4.9 assists in 2024 and lighting up Unrivaled in 2025. Miles, with her 5.8 assists and pinpoint passes, is cut from the same cloth, and Gray’s nod is like a passing of the torch.
Miles played her entire college career in South Bend, starting 95 of her 101 appearances for Notre Dame. This past season, she was the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 15.4 points on over 48% shooting from the floor and 40% from three. So no doubt, the praise was well deserved. But it couldn’t have come at a better time, as Gray’s words added a confidence boost for Miles—especially after her former teammate’s blunt remarks.
Gray didn’t just applaud Miles for her moves and transition passes—she also reminded her: “You don’t get these college years back. So have fun. Stay in the moment.” And Miles is taking that advice to heart at TCU, where coach Mark Campbell’s fast-paced system is tailor-made for her game. With stars like Sedona Prince and Jaden Owens gone, and Hailey Van Lith now with the Chicago Sky after going No. 11 in the draft, Miles is ready to run the show in Fort Worth.
Well, Miles joined the TCU team with precision. In recent history, it’s the third consecutive year that TCU has landed a big name from the transfer portal. And it couldn’t have come at a better time, as Sedona Prince and Jaden Owens have just exhausted their eligibility.
On the other hand, Hailey Van Lith was drafted No. 11 overall by the Chicago Sky, leaving the floor wide open for Miles to take center stage in Fort Worth. So, definitely a win-win situation for TCU. But this isn’t the first time Miles and Gray have interacted.
Chelsea Gray’s influence is shaping Olivia Miles into the WNBA’s next great “Point Guard”
There have been plenty of moments that have showcased the mutual admiration between Olivia Miles and WNBA star Chelsea Gray. In fact, it’s no secret—the best point guard in the W is a huge fan of Miles. That’s why, when the Notre Dame standout showed up to watch her favorite player compete at Unrivaled, Gray took to X to share a playful moment of inspiration.
“Olivia Miles was in the crowd tonight. Was gonna try the transition between-the-leg bounce pass,” Gray posted, signaling just how much respect she has for Miles’ game.
This isn’t just a fan-player dynamic, it’s more like a basketball lineage. Miles has long admired Gray and, over time, has molded her own game to reflect many of the veteran’s signature traits. Whether it’s the no-look passes, the clutch court awareness, or the ability to thread the ball through defenders in the tightest windows, Miles is carrying forward Gray’s legacy with a touch of her own creativity.
Statistically, the comparison holds up. Miles has led the ACC in assists in three of the last four seasons—and the only time she didn’t was due to an injury setback. Now healthy, she’s averaging 5.8 assists per game, dishing out highlight-reel passes with confidence and flair.
Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles (5) drives the ball into the paint during a NCAA women’s basketball game against James Madison at Purcell Pavilion on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in South Bend.
Miles, of course, didn’t miss the shoutout, and her response revealed just how much the moment meant to her.
“I don’t know if you remember that,” Miles said, reflecting on Gray’s praise. “But she was, you know, talking about all my games and just the way she is.”
Just like Gray, who averages nearly 5 assists per game in the WNBA, Miles controls the game’s tempo and brings the offense alive. She doesn’t just pass; she orchestrates.
But Miles has taken it one step further this season. One of the biggest knocks on her game had always been her jump shot. Prior to this season, she had never shot better than 27% from beyond the arc. But now? She’s flipping the narrative. Miles is currently shooting a sharp 40% from three-point range on 5.5 attempts per game—a leap that doesn’t just show growth, but confidence.
And that newfound confidence is going to be a problem for a lot of teams heading into the NCAA tournament. So while Chelsea Gray might still be the gold standard, it’s clear Olivia Miles isn’t far behind, and she’s got the game, the stats, and the mentorship to prove it.
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