Turning a program around isn’t easy, especially in a conference like the Big 12. But in her first season in Tempe, Molly Miller has done it with Arizona State.
When Miller was introduced as the new head coach of the Sun Devils, her excitement was immediate. It radiated.
“No, seriously, is it season yet?” Miller said during her introductory press conference. “I mean, I cannot wait. I am humbled, I am honored and I am grateful to be your next women’s basketball coach at Arizona State.”
The energy in the room matched the urgency behind the hire. Arizona State is entering a new era in the Big 12, and Miller made it clear from day one that standing still was not an option.
In fact, just hours into the job, she was already fully immersed in roster construction.
“At 9 p.m. last night, security tried to kick me out of my office,” Miller said shortly after her hiring. “We’re just burning the midnight oil because that’s the day we live in with the portal, and we are hitting the ground running.”
That “midnight oil” has largely been spent in the transfer portal, where Miller and her staff aggressively targeted experienced players to reshape the roster quickly. Rather than relying solely on high school recruiting, she prioritized veterans who understand the demands of major conference basketball.
“We intentionally went into the portal with getting experience,” Miller said. “They’ve got some experience, they know how to win, they’re competitors, we’re wired the same. That’s why I recruited a lot of these experienced kids.”
One of those experienced additions is former Penn State guard Gabby Elliott. A proven scorer at the high major level, Elliott brings offensive production and leadership to the Sun Devils’ backcourt. Miller didn’t shy away from explaining why Elliott was a priority.
“She’s a proven Power Four player, so you know she’s going to come through for you,” Miller said.
Arizona State also added Last-Tear Poa from LSU, bringing championship-level experience to the roster.
Alongside her came other veteran pieces like Marley Washenitz from Pittsburgh, McKinna Brackens from UNLV and Heloisa Carrera from Ole Miss — a collection of players who have logged significant minutes at notable programs.
For Miller, the portal additions weren’t just about talent. They needed to align with her overall goals in her first season.
“If there’s one word, we’re relentless,” Miller said when describing the identity she wants the program to embody. “We’re going to pressure … with the kind of speed and tempo that will cause a lot of disruption.”
That identity has been a staple of Miller’s coaching career. It was evident when she was leading Grand Canyon.
Her teams are known for pushing pace, applying defensive pressure and forcing opponents into uncomfortable possessions. But she has also emphasized that culture must come first.
“We have to take charge in developing and shaping the culture for years to come,” she said.
That focus on long-term standards, combined with immediate roster upgrades, reflects a coach trying to balance urgency with sustainability.
The Sun Devils’ rebuild will ultimately be judged by wins and losses, but Miller has already made one thing clear: effort will not be the issue. And so far, it hasn’t been.
The head coach has led her team to a 20-win season in her first year taking over.
From late nights in the office to aggressive portal recruiting and an unapologetic commitment to pressure defense, she has set a tone.
And if her own words are any indication, she’s just getting started.
