Olivia Miles Thrilled With Decision to Delay WNBA Draft

Rookie standout reflects on resilience and self-worth after being selected No. 2 overall by Minnesota Lynx

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:06pm

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An abstract, energetic painting using vibrant neon colors and rapid brushstrokes to depict the dynamic movement of a basketball player driving to the hoop, conveying the raw athletic energy and emotional journey of Olivia Miles' path to the WNBA.Olivia Miles' delayed WNBA draft decision has paid off, as the young star joins the Minnesota Lynx with a renewed sense of self-worth and resilience.Notre Dame Today

Olivia Miles, a projected top WNBA draft pick in 2025, made the surprising decision to forego the draft and return to college for one more year. After being selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Miles discussed how that decision ultimately benefited her and allowed her to join a talented Lynx roster led by head coach Cheryl Reeve.

Why it matters

Miles' choice to delay entering the WNBA was an unconventional move, but it paid off as she was able to develop her skills further in college and join a championship-contending team in Minnesota. Her story highlights the importance of self-belief and the value of taking risks to pursue one's goals, even when it goes against conventional wisdom.

The details

In 2025, Miles was expected to be a likely No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft. However, she made the surprising decision to forego the draft and return to college, transferring from Notre Dame to TCU. Despite facing criticism from some for the move, Miles said she learned about her own resilience and self-worth, ultimately leading her to be selected No. 2 overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2026 draft.

  • In 2025, Miles was projected to be a likely No. 1 overall WNBA draft pick.
  • In 2025, Miles decided to forego the WNBA draft and return to college, transferring from Notre Dame to TCU.
  • On April 16, 2026, Miles was selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA draft.

The players

Olivia Miles

A standout college basketball player who made the unconventional decision to delay entering the WNBA draft, ultimately being selected No. 2 overall by the Minnesota Lynx in 2026.

Cheryl Reeve

The head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, who has called Miles a "generational talent" and will now have the opportunity to coach her.

Minnesota Lynx

The WNBA team that selected Olivia Miles as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 draft, adding her to a roster that includes other standout talents such as Napheesa Collier, Courtney Williams, Kayla McBridge and Natasha Howard.

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What they’re saying

“I learned that I could be pretty resilient amongst a lot of people who were upset at me for doing so, and I think, two-fold, I learned my self-worth and to bet on yourself in moments where it may seem risky or it may not work out in your favor. I mean, look where I'm at now. And I'm so grateful that I waited one more year, or else I wouldn't have been (in Minnesota).”

— Olivia Miles, Rookie, Minnesota Lynx

What’s next

Miles will now join the Minnesota Lynx roster and have the opportunity to be coached by Cheryl Reeve, who has praised her as a "generational talent." Expectations will be high for Miles as she looks to make an immediate impact in the WNBA.

The takeaway

Olivia Miles' decision to delay entering the WNBA draft and instead return to college for one more year proved to be a wise move, as she was ultimately selected No. 2 overall by the Minnesota Lynx. Her story serves as an inspiration for athletes to trust their instincts and have the courage to take unconventional paths in pursuit of their goals, even when facing criticism from others.