How Molly Miller plans to continue Sun Devil success

TEMPE- Arizona State women's basketball head coach Molly Miller spoke to the media on Wednesday, as the school quickly became one of the top six programs in the Big 12.

In March 2025, the Sun Devils appointed Molly Miller as head coach of the women's basketball program, setting the stage for a new era.

"It was really fun for me to have year one under my belt and returners come and speak my language, show the example instead of me getting down in a defensive stance," Miller said Wednesday. "I can be like, 'Amaya, can you show them? McKinna, can you show them? [Heloisa Carrera], can you show them? The ownership that our returners have taken in carrying the culture and carrying the brand onto the transfers and the freshmen has been the best part of year two so far, and the growth of our program too has elevated."

This past season, Arizona State enjoyed a breakout year under Miller's leadership, starting undefeated, recording 24 wins, and securing their first NCAA Women's Tournament appearance since 2019.

Notable players like guards Gabby Elliott and Marley Washenitz, along with forwards McKinna Brackens and Heloisa Carrera, have helped build the foundation for the Sun Devils women's basketball program's lasting success.

"We'll always have that first group who started us out on the right foot, and I'm so thankful to them, but they've allowed us to recruit a little bit with a different mindset," Miller continued. "We've become a school of choice; we can be picky in our needs [and] the type of character kids that we bring in here. I have a responsibility to that team because they're such good kids. They're well-rounded, bringing in good apples.

"That's my priority: to bring in good human beings, complement what we're maybe lacking in terms of a basketball skill set, so we plugged in with shooters. We have some slashers. We got some size. All the things that we needed, we were able to be really particular and strategic in the portal and fill in those needs. We are deeper and probably a little bit more skilled this year."

As Arizona State is in contention for the Kaleena Smith (the No. 1 prospect in the 2027 class) sweepstakes, what stands out to the players is how well-rounded Miller's coaching staff has been since their special run to the NCAA Women's Tournament.

Miller highlights the recruiting process as a step-by-step journey: first, attracting top national prospects who are eager to learn about the program; next, personally sharing the team’s vision and each recruit’s potential role; then, hosting them on campus to experience the culture and opportunities firsthand; and finally, securing their commitment and joining together to build a legacy at Arizona State.

"The fact that we're doing that with some of the top kids in the country speaks volumes to not only the program but what this university is about and what this community is about the sport and going to get the greatest out there, so we can achieve those goals and we can make it to the national stage," Miller told reporters.

One of the commits Miller and the coaching staff brought into Tempe is guard Ruby Whitehorn, who is preparing for a new start with the Sun Devils.

Whitehorn got to see the winning culture Arizona State is building at games throughout last season, setting the team up for success this season and beyond.

"I'm grateful for Ruby because she was the first commit out of the portal, so that started a domino effect," Miller said. "When a player like Ruby Whitehorn commits to your program, other players want to play with her. 'What are they doing over there? That's a player that'll be on WNBA draft boards.' And then her opportunity is she's got a good fresh start here with a really good support system for her skill set, and we're always going to tinker with our offense to what's best for our players.

"We're really highlighting the skill set of our players, and we've figured out how to use Ruby in those ways; she's really bought into the defensive end as well. And I like how hard she's working. She's going to go out there, crashing every possession. That's an effort statistic. She's going to be playing defense and getting out in passing lanes, walking out. She can do the scoring and the flashy stuff sometimes, but it's those passion plays and those energy plays that I'm looking to Ruby to really improve upon, and she's really embraced that."

As the Sun Devils women's basketball program gains momentum in season ticket sales and fosters a winning culture and strong community in Tempe, the university recognizes and appreciates the dedication Miller brings now and for the future.