Olivia Miles Shares Excited Reaction On How She Wants To Grow In WNBA

The WNBA season is still fresh, and fans have already gotten a glimpse of the exciting rookie class, which is promised to be one of the most talented and deepest draft classes ever. While top rookies like Azzi Fudd and Lauren Betts got off to a winning start, Olivi Miles, Flau’Jae Johnson, and Raven Johnson lost their opening games of the season.

Yet the one star that impressed most was Lynx’s rookie, who won the coach’s trust to be part of the final possession of the game. Coach Cheryl Reeve has a lot of good things to say about her rookie, Miles, and the player also showed her intentions to grow in the recent press conference.

Olivia Miles Excited On WNBA Journey

When the player joined the Lynx training camp, megastar Napheesa Collier showed complete trust in the guard and mentioned that she is excited to play alongside Miles in the game. While the forward is out injured, the former TCU player showcased her capability on the floor. The one-point loss was heartbreaking for the side and the rookie, who mentioned that she is looking to learn more and more in the game.

“Yeah, definitely was feeling it wind-wise, you know, the pace and intensity are different, obviously, you’re being very physical both on and off the ball. I’m kind of beating myself up for the end there but my teammates are assuring me I’ll learn. I can’t wait to just grow after every game and see more and more and learn more and more,” Miles said.

Olivia Miles on her WNBA debut

“Yeah definitely was feeing it wind wise, you know the pace and intensity is different obviously you’re being very physical both on and off the ball. I’m kind of beating myself up for the end there but my teammates are assuring me I’ll learn. I… pic.twitter.com/v5Duzls7YM

— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) May 10, 2026

The player missed a possible game-winner, and after that, her teammate also couldn’t finish off the game following Miles’ exquisite pass under the basket.

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But it’s important to note that the player showcased her capability and could be a strong challenger for the Rookie of the Year award in 2026.

Olivia Miles Could Be Front-Runner For Rookie Of The Year Accolade

Following a historic debut, Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles has immediately established herself as a frontrunner for the 2026 WNBA Rookie of the Year accolade. Selected second overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Miles justified the high draft pick by putting up 21 points, eight assists, three rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 34 minutes during the season opener. Her performance was historic, making her only the fifth player in league history to record at least 20 points and 5 assists in her first game, a feat not accomplished since 2008

Olivia Miles (21 points, 8 assists) became the 5th player to record 20+ points and 5+ assists in their WNBA debut, joining Candace Parker, Tonya Edwards, Dawn Staley and Cynthia Cooper

— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) May 10, 2026

With the Lynx facing early-season injuries to key players, including Napheesa Collier, Miles is expected to shoulder a high-usage role, providing her ample opportunity to showcase her elite playmaking and scoring abilities.

Courtney Williams even mentioned that she is ready to give up her role for Miles, highlighting the impressive gameplay by the 23-year-old star. Her immediate integration as a primary playmaker in coach Cheryl Reeve’s system gives her a strong advantage over other top rookies for the ROY title.