‘So special to be back’: Ex-TCU star enjoys return to DFW early in WNBA career
Olivia Miles arrived in Fort Worth last year looking to ready herself for the WNBA with the TCU Horned Frogs, and after being drafted No. 2 overall, she’s quickly establishing herself as a force in the league.
Miles and the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Dallas Wings 90-86 on Thursday in Arlington. Before the game, Miles talked about TCU coach Mark Campbell’s impact on her.
“It’s been great, so special to be back here,” Miles said. “Obviously, a lot of people are gonna be coming to the game from TCU, so credit to them, they’ve got me to where I am now. So it’s just so special.”
Campbell attended the game, and Miles talked about how he helped her find her voice on and off the court.
“Mark allowed me to do that, gave me the freedom that I was so longing for,” Miles said. “It literally all year was like, ‘Liv, go hoop,’ and I feel like that kind of translated to the league. In the league, it’s very easy to be put in a box and to, you know, play small or to not be you, especially as a rookie, but I’ve learned that I have to go out there and be me. And, again, luckily I’m in such a great situation where I have coaches who kind of allow me to do that, and I can express myself more, both on and off the court.”
While it’s only been three games, Miles has gotten her career off to a hot start, entering Thursday’s game making 60% of her shots at the rim, showing of her scoring prowess while also averaging 7.5 assists per game.
“I have my coaches and my team’s support already, that’s all I can ask for,” she said. “They give me so much confidence. They need me to attack and put pressure on the rim, and obviously I can pass the ball, so it helps the rest of our team as well.
“I think a lot of it is credited again to my time at TCU and just Coach Mark allowing me to get a lot of reps in a pro-like system, but ultimately, obviously, I’m very gifted and talented, so I’ll be able to use those gifts to my advantage in the league. When you have a great IQ and a good feel for the game, it can translate kinda anywhere, so I’m just blessed that I have that talent.”
Despite being new to the league, Miles isn’t one to back down, evident when she started jawing with Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas.
“I’m not scared of a challenge,” Miles said. “Obviously, I respect every opponent, but at the end of the day, it’s basketball out there and you gotta hold your own.”
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve talked about what she’s seen out of the rookie so far.
“I think Liv is appropriately humble but also confident at the same time,” Reeve said. “She’s been very mature, very curious, funny, all the things. ... She basically gets people easy shots, you run everything through her, she has a real knack for knowing when to call her number and then also generating easy shots with her vision.”
While it’s only her third game, Miles acknowledged the WNBA schedule as the biggest adjustment for her.
“I think the frequency of games, it’s a lot of games,” she said. “I know we’re only in Game 3, but I played obviously the other day and then now I had to travel a different time zone, and play again tonight. Taking care of your body is really important, but again, Minnesota has tip-top facilities, training, people, staff to get you there.”
Miles performs in the clutch
The Lynx came into Thursday’s game against the Wings looking for their second win of the season and Miles looked in tip-top shape, continuing her excellent play by putting up 15 points, six assists and a block.
Miles’ scoring and passing ability were on display on three straight possessions that came with under two minutes left in the game. The first was finding Natasha Howard on a cutting layup to tie the game, then tying it up herself on a layup after an Odyssey Sims jumper, then finding Howard once again with 51 seconds remaining to give the Lynx a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 9:01 PM.
