Biography:
Cheryl D. Miller (born January 3, 1964) is an American former basketball player who has made significant contributions to the sport both on and off the court. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female basketball players in history. Miller’s remarkable talent, drive, and determination propelled her to success at every level of the game, leaving an indelible mark on women’s basketball.
Miller’s basketball journey began during her high school years at Riverside Polytechnic High School from 1978 to 1982. During this time, she emerged as a standout talent, leading her team to an impressive 132-4 record. Miller’s skills and leadership earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Dial Award for the national high-school scholar-athlete of the year in 1981. She became the first player, male or female, to be named an All-American by Parade magazine four times. Averaging an impressive 32.8 points and 15.0 rebounds per game, Miller was named Street & Smith’s national High School Player of the Year in both 1981 and 1982. In a legendary display of her scoring prowess, she even scored 105 points in a single game against Norte Vista High School. Miller also set California state records for points scored in a single season (1156) and points scored in a high school career (3405).
Continuing her remarkable basketball career at the University of Southern California (USC), Miller quickly became a star on the college basketball scene. Playing as a forward, she made an immediate impact and was a four-year letter winner for the USC Trojans. Miller’s outstanding performance on the court led her to score 3,018 career points, making her the tenth all-time leading scorer in NCAA history. Her prowess on the glass was equally impressive, as her career rebounding mark of 1,534 still ranks her third all-time in NCAA history. Miller’s success on the court reflected in her numerous accolades, including being named Naismith College Player of the Year three times and earning the Wade Trophy for Player of the Year once.
Miller’s impact extended beyond individual achievements. She played a pivotal role in leading the USC Trojans to NCAA championship titles in 1983 and 1984. These victories solidified Miller’s legacy as a dominant force in college basketball. Her teammates included the likes of Cynthia Cooper, a two-time WNBA MVP, and Pamela and Paula McGee, both Olympians and All-Americans. Under the guidance of coach Linda K. Sharp, Miller’s leadership and skill helped the Trojans achieve a remarkable 112-20 record during her time at USC.
After her college career, Miller continued to make waves in the basketball world. In 1995, she was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, an honor befitting her extraordinary contributions to the sport. Four years later, in 1999, she was inducted into the inaugural class of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, further cementing her place in the history of women’s basketball. In recognition of her success in international play, Miller was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame on August 20, 2010.
In addition to her playing career, Miller has also made significant contributions as a sportscaster and coach. She worked as a sideline reporter for NBA games on TNT Sports and held positions as a sportscaster for ABC Sports, TBS Sports, and ESPN. Miller’s knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for the game have made her a respected analyst and commentator in the basketball community. She also served as the head coach and general manager of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, demonstrating her ability to lead and shape future generations of basketball players.
Cheryl Miller’s impact on women’s basketball cannot be overstated. Her exceptional skills, groundbreaking achievements, and unwavering determination have inspired countless individuals and helped pave the way for future generations of female athletes. Miller’s success on the court and her dedication to the game have forever changed the landscape of women’s basketball, making her a true icon in the sport’s history.
Awards:
– Dial Award for the national high-school scholar-athlete of the year (1981)
– All-American by Parade magazine four times
– Street & Smith’s national High School Player of the Year (1981, 1982)
– Naismith College Player of the Year (three times)
– Wade Trophy (Player of the Year)
– NCAA champion titles (1983, 1984)
– Enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1995)
– Inducted into the inaugural class of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (1999)
– Inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame (2010)