Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was impressed right away by rookie Olivia Miles during the team's first training camp in Minneapolis. The second overall pick showed off her quickness and leadership on the court.

In an interview shared by Vanshay Murdock at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Lynx’s practice facility, coach Cheryl Reeve praised rookie Olivia Miles during the team’s 2026 training camp opener on April 19.

"Energetic, she was a good leader. Pace was great," the 59-year-old said about Olivia Miles after her first day at camp.

"A lot of times, that can be challenging. Understanding the difference, like it's a really big jump from college to the pros. I mean, I think obviously she knows how to play. We didn't do a whole lot today, but what we did do, she excelled at," she further added.

Olivia Miles is expected to excel after a standout college career that saw her averaging 19.6 points, 6.6 assists, and 7.2 rebounds, setting TCU’s single-season assist record, and reaching historic all-around milestones.

These college records show that Miles is ready to help a Lynx team that had its best season ever.

As Kayla McBride said, “Once she really gets acclimated and comfortable, it’s going to be a lot of fun to watch.”

Olivia Miles was the second pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft and had high hopes for the Minnesota Lynx, but it usually takes time to adjust to the WNBA level.

That said, it doesn’t seem like much of an issue for Miles so far, as she’s already turning heads inside the Lynx locker room just days into camp.

Olivia Miles Earns Early Praise From Lynx Stars

“I went into the locker room, I was like, yo, you cold… like she’s gonna be a problem,” said Courtney Williams about Olivia Miles during a press conference.

Williams was visibly impressed by Miles after just one day of pickup. Kayla McBride echoed that feeling, saying, “We are excited, of course, even just after one day of pickup.”

Even though Miles was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, she was widely expected to go first, especially considering her final college season at TCU.

After building on an already strong career by leading the Horned Frogs to a 32-6 record, their first Elite Eight appearance, and winning Big 12 Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.

Olivia Miles is expected to add even more to a Minnesota Lynx team that dominated the 2025 WNBA regular season with a franchise-best 34-10 record and the No. 1 seed.

So, do you think Olivia Miles can live up to the early hype and make an immediate impact for the Lynx this season? Let us know your thoughts.

Follow She Got Game for more!

Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Utsav Gupta