TCU star becomes program’s highest-ever selection in WNBA draft
TCU star guard Olivia Miles was selected by the Minnesota Lynx with the No. 2 pick in the first round of the 2026 WNBA draft Monday in New York City.
“It’s an incredible feeling, so much anticipation,” Miles said after being drafted. “The anticipation is unlike anything I’ve felt before and then to actually hear it and have your dreams come true, it’s amazing.”
It’s the second season that TCU coach Mark Campbell has produced a first-round pick after Hailey Van Lith was selected No. 11 last year by the Chicago Sky.
Miles is the highest WNBA draft selection in TCU’s history, surpassing Sandora Irvin, who went No. 3 in 2005.
The Horned Frogs made program history with three players selected in the WNBA draft for the first time Monday. Forward Marta Suárez went No. 16 overall to the Seattle Storm before being traded to the Golden State Valkyries, and guard Taylor Bigby was taken No. 37 overall by the expansion Portland Fire before being traded to the Connecticut Sun.
TCU only had three others players selected in the history of the WNBA draft before Monday — Irvin, Van Lith and Madison Conner (2025).
TCU said Miles was the first Horned Frog to be selected No. 1 or No. 2 overall in a major professional draft since Charles “Ki” Aldrich was taken first in the 1939 NFL draft.
Miles would’ve been a top-five pick in last year’s draft, but turned down the WNBA to spend her senior season at TCU.
Miles’ decision led to her having the best year of her career as she averaged a career-high 19.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game in her lone season in Fort Worth. One of the most versatile players in college basketball, Miles’ 12 triple-doubles are the third-most in NCAA history.
The 5-foot-10 Phillipsburg, New Jersey, native was voted the Big 12 Player of the Year, an All-American and led the Horned Frogs to their second straight Big 12 regular-season championship. Miles was also the catalyst in TCU reaching the Elite Eight for the second straight year.
Some were skeptical of her decision to transfer to TCU, but Miles said her success helped her learn to trust her gut.
“Betting on myself, you know at the end of the day you and your family are the ones that need to have your back,” Miles said. “I trusted in myself and knew that this decision was right for me. I think it worked out pretty well.”
Prior to TCU, Miles spent four seasons at Notre Dame, where she established herself as one of college basketball’s top point guards.
Miles played in 101 games at Notre Dame with 95 starts while earning multiple All-American honors and being voted first team All-ACC three times.
In her final season with the Irish, Miles lost to TCU twice, including in the Sweet 16.
While she only spent a season in Fort Worth, she’ll leave a lasting legacy as she holds the program’s single-season records for points and assists.
Miles joins a franchise with a championship pedigree as Minnesota has won four championships since 2011 with the most recent in 2017. The Lynx reached the WNBA Finals in 2024 and were a playoff team last season. Miles believes she can provide an instant impact for Minnesota.
“I think I have the highest IQ as a guard, and my feel for the game is unmatched,” Miles said. “The way that I play and the way that I flow with the game, I feel like I can add to the team really well.”
This story was originally published April 13, 2026 at 6:21 PM.
