Homecoming Highlights Rising Stars in Women's Basketball

The Coretta Scott King Classic in Newark showcased the talents of two prominent young basketball players, Olivia Miles of TCU and Mikayla Blakes of Vanderbilt. Both athletes, hailing from New Jersey, are viewed as potential top picks in the upcoming WNBA draft, reflecting the growing popularity of women's basketball. The event drew significant attention, with Miles and Blakes demonstrating their skills in front of enthusiastic home crowds.

Women’s hoops superstars wow in N.J. homecoming. Now the WNBA may be next.

The 2025 women's NCAA Championship game attracted 8.6 million viewers, nearly double the audience from 2022, indicating a surge in interest in women's basketball. The WNBA has also reported record attendance, viewership, and social media engagement, highlighting the sport's increasing prominence. This backdrop sets the stage for the emergence of talents like Miles and Blakes.

Women’s hoops superstars wow in N.J. homecoming. Now the WNBA may be next.

Olivia Miles, a 22-year-old point guard, has been recognized for her all-around game, contributing significantly to her team's performance with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in a recent match against Ohio State. Meanwhile, Mikayla Blakes, a sophomore guard at Vanderbilt, has made headlines for her scoring prowess, including a remarkable 55-point game against Florida. Both players have trained together under Grit Basketball trainer Kerry Foderingham and represented Team USA at the AmeriCup, where they won a gold medal.

Women’s hoops superstars wow in N.J. homecoming. Now the WNBA may be next.

After the game, Miles expressed a commitment to improvement, stating, “There’s a silver lining somewhere. I thought I played well, not well enough. I need to get my teammates more involved.” Blakes echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preparation for upcoming tournaments: “We want more for ourselves... these games are preparing us for March Madness and the SEC tournament.”

Women’s hoops superstars wow in N.J. homecoming. Now the WNBA may be next.

Despite their talents, both players faced challenges during their respective games. Miles' team lost a close match to Ohio State, while Blakes struggled with foul trouble and turnovers against Michigan. These experiences highlight the competitive nature of college basketball and the hurdles even top players must navigate.

Women’s hoops superstars wow in N.J. homecoming. Now the WNBA may be next.

• “That was a really surreal feeling to know that I have a village behind me,” — Olivia Miles, TCU Point Guard

Women’s hoops superstars wow in N.J. homecoming. Now the WNBA may be next.

• “The thing that most impresses me is how they constantly raise the bar,” — Kerry Foderingham, Trainer

Women’s hoops superstars wow in N.J. homecoming. Now the WNBA may be next.

• “We want more for ourselves and we know that it feels like to get to the tournament, we just want to make it further,” — Mikayla Blakes, Vanderbilt Guard

Women’s hoops superstars wow in N.J. homecoming. Now the WNBA may be next.

As both players continue to develop their skills and compete at high levels, they are poised to make significant impacts in the upcoming WNBA draft. Their performances in college will be closely watched as they aim to transition to professional basketball, further contributing to the sport's growth and popularity.

Women’s hoops superstars wow in N.J. homecoming. Now the WNBA may be next.