Despite playing 28 minutes in Notre Dame’s dominant 76-55 victory over Michigan, Olivia Miles was far from fully healthy. Given her significant time on the court, many assumed she had fully recovered. Even her coach downplayed the severity of her injury leading up to the game. However, Miles later revealed she was very close to sitting out the second-round NCAA Tournament matchup due to a badly sprained ankle. Ultimately, she decided to play, saying, “eff it,” and pushed through the pain.
In the win, Miles contributed 8 points, 5 assists, and 4 steals, helping the Fighting Irish secure a spot in the Sweet 16. After the game, she limped to the announcer’s table to thank the fans, marking what could be the final home game of her career.
When asked how her ankle felt, Miles admitted she was operating at only “45%.” She explained that earlier in the day, she was unsure whether she would play. “I woke up thinking I wasn’t gonna play, and then I was just like, ‘eff it, I want to get out there,’” she said. Once she committed to playing, her focus shifted to preparing her body. She credited her trainer’s support and medication for helping her manage the pain.
Despite her determination, Miles acknowledged she was nowhere near full strength. “I worked with my trainer all day yesterday and all morning. Luckily, I had some help with some meds, but other than that, it was just toughing it out,” she explained.
Now, the question looms whether Miles will be ready for Notre Dame’s upcoming showdown against 2nd-seeded TCU. Led by Hailey Van Lith, TCU poses a significant challenge in Friday night’s Sweet 16 matchup. The winner of this game will advance to the Elite 8, raising the stakes for both teams.
Miles’ grit and decision to play through pain were critical in securing the win against Michigan, but her health remains a major concern as Notre Dame continues its pursuit of a deep tournament run.
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