Cheryl Miller watched closely during All-Star weekend practice on Friday as Caitlin Clark directed the offense, moving the ball swiftly around the perimeter before passing to center Jontay Jones for an easy layup. They repeated the play, this time with Angel Reese scoring.
The future of the WNBA was right in front of her, and she felt delighted by what she saw.
The 60-year-old coach, a pioneer in women’s basketball and a star player in the 1980s, will lead Team WNBA against the U.S. National Team in the league’s All-Star game on Saturday. For Miller, this moment represents more than 40 years of dedication to advancing the women’s game.
“It’s a special gathering of the world’s top players,” Miller said. “What coach wouldn’t want to be part of this? Now, my role is to step back, let them play, and support them. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Coaching both Clark and Reese is a unique opportunity for Miller. Their rivalry dates back to their college days at Iowa and LSU, and now they play for the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky in the WNBA.
Miller clarified that she isn’t taking sides but appreciates how even casual fans are engaged in their competition.
“I’ve watched from a distance and enjoyed seeing their rivalry evolve,” Miller said. “I admire what they’ve accomplished for women’s basketball, from college to the professional level. It’s all coming together now, with great narratives and storylines.”
“Now, it boils down to one thing: It’s all about basketball. It’s about winning.”
Miller noted that there have been positive signs early on. The Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky have become more competitive as the season has gone on.
“Both these young women and their teams — opponents don’t want to face them in critical moments,” Miller remarked. “Because now things are starting to click. It’s coming together in Chicago and in Indiana.”
Miller was one of the early stars in women’s basketball, standing 6-foot-2 and excelling at Southern California. She won two national championships and was an All-America selection in each of her four seasons with the Trojans.
She averaged 23.6 points, 12 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.6 steals, and 2.5 blocks.
Her career was hindered by knee injuries, but she has left her mark on the game through coaching and broadcasting. Now, she enjoys mentoring others.
Miller felt comfortable in Phoenix during All-Star weekend. The city holds special memories — she served as head coach and general manager for the Phoenix Mercury in the late 1990s, leading them to the WNBA Finals in 1998.
Recently, she attended the unveiling of the Mercury’s new $70 million practice facility.
“It’s not just a facility for women; it surpasses — and I’m not exaggerating — 98% of NBA facilities,” Miller said. “It’s equipped with everything needed and more.”
During her playing days, Miller didn’t have such luxuries. However, she avoids comparing eras and instead focuses on how the game and its facilities have advanced significantly over the past 40 years.
