Olivia Miles is entering the WNBA not just as a highly-touted rookie, but as a player who bet on herself and won. The former Notre Dame star, who transferred to TCU for her final collegiate season, recently opened up about her pivotal decision to delay entering the draft by a year—a move she now calls one of the best of her career.

Projected as a potential No. 1 pick in 2025, Miles' choice to return to school and switch programs sent shockwaves through women's basketball. This week, just days after being selected second overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Miles reflected on the journey, emphasizing the personal growth that came from the calculated risk.

"I learned that I could be pretty resilient amongst a lot of people who were upset at me for doing so," Miles said. "I think, two-fold, I learned my self-worth and to bet on yourself in moments where it may seem risky... 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)."

Her patience has landed her in an ideal basketball situation. She joins a Lynx roster loaded with veteran All-Stars like Napheesa Collier and will be coached by the legendary Cheryl Reeve, who has already labeled Miles a "generational talent." For any young athlete navigating the pressure of turning pro, Miles' story is a powerful testament to the value of timing, self-trust, and resilience. Her delayed arrival in the league wasn't a setback; it was a strategic step that has her perfectly positioned for a standout rookie season.