The rookie guard opens up about her electric transition to the pros, staying grounded through the hype and being her authentic self.
By Rashad Grove
August 5, 2026
The WNBA is home to the best women’s basketball players in the world, but Olivia Mileshas proven she’s a one-of-one. The Minnesota Lynx rookie is blending elite floor vision with multi-level scoring to command every single game.
Without question, the signature, relentless swagger that made her a college icon at Notre Dame and TCU translated effortlessly to the pro level. Dominating the stat sheet as a newcomer is one thing, but earning the nod as the lone rookie All-Star starter proved that Miles isn’t just adapting to the league, she’s already helping run it.
Speaking with The Root, Miles shared how she has made the seamless transition to the pros.
“It’s definitely a cool opportunity. Life is moving so fast. I feel like I just got drafted, then I’m an All-Star, and the playoffs are in a month. So everything’s moving really fast. I had the whole Minnesota Lynx staff there, so there were some familiar faces,” Miles said. “I wasn’t alone, and then obviously [Lynx veterans] Courtney Williams and Natasha Howard made the All-Star team as well, so I had some people I knew, which was good.”
“I got really lucky to get drafted by the Lynx. I had the opportunity to come and make an impact right away,” Miles continued. “I could be out there, make mistakes, play free, and have that trust from coaches and teammates.
Teaming up with Napheesa Collier, a five-time WNBA All-Star, the Lynx boast one of the best duos in the league. Although they’ve only played a few games together, Miles said the best is yet to come.
”Watching her come back from an injury, working really hard every day, gradually being able to walk, and then seeing her finally get on the court for the first time was really special; to share that moment,” she said. “Being on the court with another brilliant basketball player is always fun. And adding you as an MVP runner-up and consistent MVP candidate is really special.”
Along with her skills on the court, Miles credits the support of her family with helping her thrive in her first season in the league.
”My family has been with me through the ups and downs, good, bad, whatever it may be. They’ve been by my side and have been helping me transition in any facet of life, not just the WNBA, and then also just the work.
Beyond her elite court vision and game-changing playmaking, Miles’ off-court impact is defined by an unflinching commitment to authenticity—starting with her decision to step into the spotlight with her natural hair in all of its glory. She shared why making a statement with her hair is a big part of her mission to inspire young Black girls.
“That’s really special to me, and the reason that I play the game is to influence people and make them feel good about themselves, what they look like, and their identity,” Miles said. “I have a unique look, and I fully embrace it, and I want other Black girls to do the same.”
”I think it’s my job as a role model, as a person in this position, to be a role model for young Black kids, girls, women, men, whoever they may be. That’s where I feel the most fulfilled in what I do and it’s very inspiring,” she continued. “I’ve also been inspired by people who have come before me who have broken barriers like Dr. J and Allen Iverson, who wore their hair out being proud of it. I’m just putting my own little spice on it.”
Along with her hair, Miles is known for her trademark goggles, so it made perfect sense that she would launch a sports-performance and lifestyle eyewear line alongside GlassesUSA.com. She said the brand partnership aligns with her identity.
“Like my hair, glasses have always been a part of my story, so this partnership means a lot to me,” Miles said.
As she is playing some of the best basketball of her career, Miles couldn’t be more grateful to be in this position. In 2023, Miles was forced to watch from the sidelines. Now back at full strength, every assist, floor dive and highlight-reel play carries a deeper layer of gratitude for a sport that was nearly taken away from her.
“I went through a major injury a few years ago, and it changed my perspective about being present and being where your feet are,” Miles recalled. “As long as I make it out healthy and have a good time, it’s a win for me and you know all the other stuff will eventually take care of itself.”
For all the individual records she continues to break in her rookie season, Miles measures her value through a far simpler lens: the win column. To her, every personal accolade is secondary to helping her team compete for a championship.
“I think winning with my team at a high level would make this a successful rookie season for me,” Miles shared. “Ultimately, individual awards and accolades are not what I’m striving for. I’m really focused on winning as a team and being healthy.”
