In a move that has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world, Olivia Miles, one of the most dynamic and sought-after players in women’s basketball, has entered the transfer portal. The announcement has left fans, analysts, and coaches buzzing with speculation about where the Notre Dame star will land next. With her impressive playmaking ability, leadership, and versatility, Miles is expected to be one of the hottest commodities in the transfer market. But could TCU (Texas Christian University) be the perfect fit for the young star?

Olivia Miles questions as Notre Dame star transfers instead of WNBA

Olivia Miles: A Talent on the Rise

At just 19 years old, Olivia Miles has already made a name for herself as one of the most talented point guards in women’s college basketball. After an outstanding freshman year at Notre Dame, where she earned All-American honors, Miles was poised to be the cornerstone of the program moving forward. Known for her ability to control the tempo of the game, create plays for teammates, and score when needed, Miles quickly became one of the most exciting prospects in the country.

Her decision to enter the transfer portal comes as a bit of a surprise, as many expected her to continue her career with the Fighting Irish. However, after an unexpected exit from the NCAA Tournament and some internal program shifts, Miles seems to be exploring her options.

Notre Dame's Olivia Miles shocks with transfer portal decision, bypassing  WNBA Draft

Why TCU Might Be the Best Fit for Olivia Miles

While there will be no shortage of schools vying for her services, TCU could emerge as one of the best landing spots for Olivia Miles. Here’s why:

1. A Strong Culture of Growth and Opportunity

Under the leadership of TCU head coach Raegan Pebley, the Horned Frogs have built a strong, competitive program in the Big 12. TCU is on the rise, with a roster that has shown significant promise in recent seasons. With a focus on developing young talent and competing in one of the top women’s basketball conferences, TCU could provide Miles with the platform she needs to continue growing her game while helping elevate the program to new heights.

In addition, TCU is in a position to offer Miles a leading role right away, allowing her to be the face of the program, similar to her role at Notre Dame. This would provide her with the opportunity to showcase her talents on a national stage and possibly boost her stock for a future WNBA career.

Notre Dame's Olivia Miles to forgo WNBA draft, enter transfer portal - The  Washington Post

2. Strong Conference Competition and Exposure

The Big 12 Conference is home to several competitive teams, and joining a conference like this would allow Miles to continue testing her skills against top-tier competition. Schools like Texas, Baylor, and Kansas are all formidable opponents in women’s basketball, meaning the games will be competitive and highly visible. For a player of Miles’ caliber, being in a high-profile conference is key to getting the national recognition she deserves.

Moreover, TCU’s exposure on television networks like ESPN and Fox Sports means Miles would be playing in front of a large audience, attracting scouts, fans, and media attention from across the country. This is crucial for any player looking to elevate their game and make an impact at the professional level.

Notre Dame guard Olivia Miles to enter transfer portal instead of WNBA  draft, AP source says

3. The Chance to Elevate a Program

One of the most compelling reasons Miles may be considering TCU is the opportunity to turn the Horned Frogs into national contenders. While TCU has had its ups and downs over the years, the program is steadily building. Bringing in a talent like Olivia Miles could be the catalyst that propels TCU to new heights, making them a true contender in the NCAA Tournament.

With Miles’ leadership on and off the court, she could help bring TCU into the spotlight, elevating the program’s reputation and potentially making them one of the most formidable teams in the country. Her ability to transform a team’s offense and get the best out of her teammates could be just what TCU needs to compete at the highest level.

Notre Dame star Miles undecided on playing future | theScore.com

4. Familiar Faces and Support Systems

While Miles’ decision to leave Notre Dame may be difficult, transferring to TCU could offer a similar type of support system and team chemistry that she enjoyed in South Bend. The Horned Frogs’ coaching staff and players are known for their close-knit atmosphere and emphasis on developing strong relationships both on and off the court.

Additionally, with the rise of transfer players in women’s college basketball, many top schools, including TCU, are focusing on providing a supportive and encouraging environment for incoming players to adapt quickly. This would allow Miles to continue her growth without missing a beat, whether it be in her scoring, passing, or leadership development.

Star prospect's WNBA Draft admission will worry potential suitors

What Could TCU Offer Olivia Miles That Notre Dame Couldn’t?

While Notre Dame has been an incredible program for Olivia Miles, TCU could present a fresh new challenge for her. Here are some things TCU could potentially offer that Notre Dame could not:

Immediate Role and Responsibility: At TCU, Miles would be stepping into a program where she could instantly become the star player. While Notre Dame is an elite program, TCU might provide Miles the chance to step into an even larger leadership role right from the start, making her influence on the game even more pronounced.

A New Environment and Growth: After spending time at Notre Dame, a change of scenery could help Miles develop further as a player. Sometimes a fresh start can help a player refine their skills and grow in new ways.

The Potential for Instant Impact: TCU has a solid roster, but adding Miles to the mix could push the team to the next level. She would likely be the centerpiece of the team, and this could allow her to take on even more responsibility and showcase her skills in a way that benefits both her and the team.

 

Notre Dame's Olivia Miles shocks with transfer portal decision, bypassing  WNBA Draft

 

What’s Next for Olivia Miles?

While TCU seems like a strong contender, other schools will certainly be in the mix for Olivia Miles’ services. With her unique skill set and leadership abilities, the transfer portal has become a hotbed of activity, and it’s clear that many programs will try to lure her in.

For now, Miles will have a lot of decisions to make regarding her future. As the transfer portal period continues, all eyes will be on Olivia Miles and where she ultimately lands. One thing is for sure—wherever she goes, Olivia Miles is poised to make an immediate impact and continue her journey toward becoming one of the top players in the country and, eventually, the WNBA.

 

TCU could very well be the place where she writes the next chapter of her career. Only time will tell if the Horned Frogs will be the perfect fit for this emerging star.