Injury Update:: Olivia Miles suffered a left ankle sprain in the first round against Stephen F. Austin but played 28 minutes in the second-round win over Michigan.
Playing Through Pain:: Miles estimated her ankle was only 45% healthy against Michigan but reported feeling 'about 75%' recovered heading into the Sweet 16 game. She has received extensive treatment and practiced without a visible limp or brace recently.
Determination:: Miles expressed strong resolve, stating, 'I can’t not play. I refuse not to play,' highlighting the urgency of the tournament's elimination format.
Performance:: Despite the injury, Miles contributed 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists against Michigan.
WNBA Prospect:: Miles is a projected top-5 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, making these potentially her final collegiate games.
Why this matters:: Miles is a crucial player for Notre Dame, forming a dynamic backcourt duo with Hannah Hidalgo. Her health and effectiveness are vital to Notre Dame's chances of advancing past the Sweet 16, a stage they haven't surpassed since 2019.
Olivia Miles' journey through the NCAA tournament took an unexpected turn when she sprained her left ankle late in Notre Dame's dominant first-round victory. The injury immediately cast doubt on her availability, but Miles quickly underwent intensive rehabilitation. Just days later, she was back on the court against Michigan, albeit visibly hampered.
Her determination shone through as she logged significant minutes and contributed across the board. Coach Niele Ivey noted the role of adrenaline and praised Miles' commitment to rest and treatment protocols during the week leading up to the Sweet 16. Miles herself indicated significant improvement, upgrading her ankle's status from roughly 45% to 75% health.
The matchup against No. 2 seed TCU carries extra weight. The Horned Frogs handed No. 3 Notre Dame a stinging 76-68 defeat back in November during the Cayman Islands Classic, a game where TCU rallied from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Irish 31-12 in the final period. Miles admitted watching the film of that loss was 'cringing' but motivating, showing the team's growth since then.
TCU, led by coach Mark Campbell, has rapidly rebuilt its program primarily through the transfer portal, featuring prominent players like Hailey Van Lith (facing Notre Dame for the 9th time in her career) and 6-7 center Sedona Prince. Their success represents the modern landscape of college basketball roster construction.
For Notre Dame, overcoming TCU not only means advancing to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019 but also avenging that earlier season loss. Miles' presence, even if not at 100%, provides invaluable leadership and playmaking for the Fighting Irish.
What injury did Olivia Miles suffer?
Olivia Miles suffered a left ankle sprain during the first round of the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.
Will Olivia Miles play in the Sweet 16 game against TCU?
Yes, Olivia Miles has stated she 'refuses not to play' and has been practicing. She estimates her ankle is about 75% recovered.
How did Miles perform in the last game while injured?
Despite estimating she was only 45% healthy, Miles played 28 minutes against Michigan in the second round, contributing 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Is this Olivia Miles' last season?
While she technically has another year of eligibility, Miles is widely projected as a top-5 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft and is expected to turn pro.
Resilience is Key:: Olivia Miles exemplifies toughness by playing through a significant injury during the most critical part of the season.
High Stakes:: This Sweet 16 game is crucial for Notre Dame's tournament hopes and serves as a redemption opportunity against TCU.
Monitor Performance:: Watch how Miles moves on the court and how effective she is, as her health is a major factor in Notre Dame's potential success.
Future Star:: Witness potentially the final collegiate games of a top WNBA prospect.
Olivia Miles' determination is inspiring! How much impact do you think her ankle injury will have on Notre Dame's performance against a tough TCU team?
*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*
Illinois guard Andrej Stojakovic faces a crucial decision regarding the 2026 NBA Draft, with the deadline for early entrants looming. His ch...
Kam Mercer, a highly-rated sophomore basketball player from Princeton High School, has verbally committed to the University of Cincinnati (U...
LSU basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal added another achievement to his long list of accomplishments, receiving a Master of Liberal Arts deg...
Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady is set to become a strategic advisor for Wagner College’s men’s basketball team, joining his son Laymen, who rec...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer