Notre Dame headed into this season knowing that it was probably the last time the Fighting Irish would have a core of Hannah Hidalgo, Olivia Miles, Sonia Citron, and Liatu King. Most of them were in their senior year, and while they have another year of eligibility, there’s no guarantee they’ll stick around. It was a make-or-break season for Niele Ivey’s squad. But it all came crashing down tonight as TCU ended their dance. Is this the end of this core? Or will they give it one last shot next year?

Star guard Olivia Miles could be the first name to leave from the big list of Notre Dame seniors. For a long time, fans had assumed this would be the guard’s final year. Miles herself addressed the fans after their second-round win against Michigan and thanked them for supporting her throughout her career. It was only a matter of time.

But the moment might not be here just yet. After Notre Dame’s Sweet 16 exit to TCU, many expected Olivia Miles to announce her decision to turn pro. But that wasn’t the case. “I truly do not know what I want to do,” Miles admitted when asked about her future. “I literally have no idea. I need to make a few calls and talk to some people.”

Olivia Miles has established herself as one of the most dynamic guards in the country. This season, she put up nearly 15 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds per game. But injuries have been a thorn in her side. A right knee injury cut short her 2023-24 season, and even during the Big Dance, she was not fully fit. Yet for Miles, the decision isn’t about injuries.

“There’s always a risk,” said Miles, who has played 101 career games. “I could get hurt walking to the bus right now. Injury risk is always a constant whichever way I go.”  But it seems like Coach Niele Ivey might’ve already hinted at Olivia Miles’ future plans. Let’s see what she had to say about it.

Niele Ivey drops a major hint after thanking Olivia Miles and the rest of the Notre Dame seniors

It feels like Notre Dame just can’t shake off their Sweet 16 curse! This marks the fourth straight year the Fighting Irish have fallen at this stage. Niele Ivey hasn’t been able to deliver a finish higher than a sweet 16 yet, but in her post-game conference she made sure to thank the three seniors in her team–Olivia Miles, Sonia Citron, and Liatu King.

“Well, tough loss today. I want to start off thanking my seniors. Exactly what I said after the game in the locker room, these three believed in my vision and they are so loyal, amazing young women that have a lot of great basketball ahead of them. I am just really grateful for what they have done for me and for our program. I’m really proud to be their coach.” she said.

This all but confirms it. The trio might be heading to become pros soon! Olivia Miles has dished out 654 assists, which is the fifth most in Notre Dame history. Yahoo Sports’ latest draft projection has her going 2nd overall, right after Paige Bueckers. So why not just join the W? Whatever decision Miles makes, she stands to gain from it. Either a final shot at a title or a fresh start in the pros. It’s a win-win for the superstar.