Cheryl Miller

**Cheryl Miller – Basketball Hall of Fame Profile**

Cheryl Miller is one of the greatest women’s basketball players in history, known for her dominance at the high school, collegiate, and international levels. A pioneer for women’s basketball, she helped elevate the women’s game to national prominence and has been honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions.

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### Early Life & High School Career

Cheryl Miller was born on **January 3, 1964, in Riverside, California**. She attended **Riverside Polytechnic High School**, where she quickly became a national basketball sensation.

**High School Achievements:**

* Scored **105 points in a single game (1982)**, one of the highest totals in high school basketball history
* Led Poly High to a **4-year record of 132–4**
* **3-time California state champion**
* Named **National High School Player of the Year (1981, 1982)**

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### College Career – University of Southern California (USC)

Miller played college basketball at **USC (1982–1986)** and became one of the most decorated players in NCAA history.

**College Achievements:**

* **2× NCAA Champion (1983, 1984)**
* **3× Naismith College Player of the Year (1984, 1985, 1986)**
* **Wade Trophy winner (1985)**
* **USBWA Player of the Year (1986)**
* **Honda Sports Award for Basketball (1984, 1985, 1986)**
* **NCAA Final Four MVP (1983, 1984)**
* Finished her career with **3,018 points and 1,534 rebounds**

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### Olympic & International Career

Cheryl Miller represented the United States with distinction on the international stage.

**Team USA Achievements:**

* **Gold Medal – 1984 Los Angeles Olympics**
* **Gold Medal – 1983 FIBA World Championship**
* **Gold Medal – 1983 Pan American Games**
* **Silver Medal – 1985 World University Games**

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### Post-Playing Career

A knee injury ended her playing career prematurely, but Miller went on to coach and work in broadcasting:

* Head Coach at **USC (1993–1995)**
* Head Coach & General Manager of the **WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury (1997–2000)**
* Worked as a broadcaster and analyst for major networks, including TNT and ABC Sports

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### Hall of Fame Inductions & Honors

Cheryl Miller’s contributions to the sport have been widely recognized:

* **Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1995)**
* **Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (1999)**
* **FIBA Hall of Fame (2010)**
* Named to the **FIBA’s 50 Greatest Players (1991)**
* Named the **Greatest Female Basketball Player of All Time by Sports Illustrated (1999)**

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### Legacy

Cheryl Miller revolutionized women’s basketball with her scoring, athleticism, and leadership. She is remembered not only as one of the best players to ever play the game but also as a trailblazer who helped pave the way for future generations in women’s sports.