From ACL injury to court domination, Olivia Miles is rewriting her story. Projected as the fourth pick in the WNBA draft, the Notre Dame star is making everyone wonder: could she climb even higher? After being benched for over a year and playing just 71 in her collegiate career, she’s returned with a mission this season. With WNBA scouts from the LA Sparks and Dallas Wings sitting courtside, how could she have missed her chance?

The talent evaluators from the Dallas Wings and LA Sparks, who hold the top two picks in the upcoming draft, were in attendance for Notre Dame’s clash. The WNBA Central’s X handle shared a video of Cameron Brink hugging Olivia Miles, captioned, “Cameron Brink arrives at the Notre Dame vs. USC game and shares a moment with Olivia Miles. The LA Sparks have the number 2 overall pick in the WNBA draft.” 

While Juju Watkins, USC’s sophomore sensation, scored a solid 24 points, it wasn’t enough to take the Trojans to the finish line, and the Irish Fighters took them down by 74-61. The game may have started with USC hype, but Notre Dame owned the night. The Irish came out strong, racing to a 20-10 first-quarter lead and never trailing after that.

Olivia Miles was in full command, racking up 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. She showcased her improved three-point shooting, hitting 4-of-5 from deep for an 80% clip. Miles was the engine that kept Notre Dame humming, and scouts took notice.

USC struggled without starting guard Kennedy Smith. With 21 turnovers and a dismal 1-of-13 showing from three-point range, the Trojans couldn’t match Notre Dame’s depth. Hannah Hidalgo led Notre Dame with 24 points, six rebounds, and eight assists. But this season is special for the WNBA Draft’s project No. 4 pick. 

After a season-ending ACL injury last year, she is back with a much-improved game. “I feel like I was able to come back stronger, both physically and mentally, and just more confident,” she said. “I mean, I feel better than I’ve ever felt.” And we can second that. However, this could be counted as her first season of actually establishing herself. But can she change the draft story?

Could Olivia Miles be the Sparks’ next star?

The LA Sparks, who hold the No. 2 pick in the draft, might have been scouting their next franchise star. As Cameron Brink, the Sparks’ second pick last year, was courtside and shared a moment with Miles, we never know what’s cooking. But undoubtedly, the Sparks have their eyes on her, and for good reason.

Miles has been on fire this season, averaging 20 points in three of her first five games. Her 47.4% three-point shooting this season is a marked improvement, making her a more complete threat on the court. Chicago Sky GM Jeff Pagliocca already describes her as “one of the best passers in college basketball.”

While ESPN currently projects Miles as the fourth pick for the Washington Mystics, her stock is rising. With performances like these, who’s to say she couldn’t leapfrog into the top two? And not to forget, Notre Dame guards already have a history of shining in W. Only time will tell where she ends up!