Notre Dame women’s basketball standout Olivia Miles has been named the Kay Yow Scholar-Athlete of the Year, the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) announced on Wednesday. This prestigious award is given annually to the top scholar-athlete in women’s basketball, and Miles is the first Fighting Irish player to receive this honor.
Miles, a junior guard from Princeton, New Jersey, has been a dominant force on the court for the Fighting Irish, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and assists. However, her impressive athletic accomplishments are only part of the story. Miles is also an exceptional student, boasting a 3.93 grade-point average in the rigorous Mendoza College of Business.
“I am truly humbled to receive this award,” Miles said. “To be recognized as the Kay Yow Scholar-Athlete of the Year is an incredible honor, and I am grateful to be part of a legacy that values both academic and athletic excellence.”
The Kay Yow Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is named in honor of the legendary North Carolina State women’s basketball coach, Kay Yow, who was a pioneer in the sport and a passionate advocate for women’s athletics. Yow was also a devoted educator and mentor, and this award reflects her commitment to the development of the whole person – athlete, student, and leader.
“Olivia Miles embodies the spirit of Kay Yow, and we are thrilled to recognize her as the Kay Yow Scholar-Athlete of the Year,” said ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips. “Her outstanding achievements on the court and in the classroom make her an exemplary model for student-athletes across the country.”
Miles’ academic and athletic accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. She has been named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll, the All-ACC Academic Team, and the CoSIDA Academic All-District Team. On the court, Miles has earned All-ACC honors and has been named to the USBWA All-American Team.
“Olivia is an extraordinary young woman who has made a profound impact on our program,” said Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey. “Her dedication to academic excellence, athletic achievement, and community service is inspiring, and we are so proud to call her a member of the Fighting Irish family.”
In addition to her academic and athletic pursuits, Miles is also deeply committed to community service. She has volunteered with the South Bend Boys and Girls Club, the St. Joseph County Parks Department, and the Notre Dame Athletics Department’s community outreach program.
Miles’ recognition as the Kay Yow Scholar-Athlete of the Year is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life. She is an inspiration to her teammates, her coaches, and the entire Notre Dame community, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of student-athletes.
In conclusion, Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles has earned the prestigious Kay Yow Scholar-Athlete of the Year award, recognizing her outstanding achievements in academics, athletics, and community service. Miles’ commitment to excellence in all aspects of her life makes her an exemplary model for student-athletes across the country, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders and achievers.