Full Breakdown
Cheryl Miller and Breanna Stewart: Celebrating the Greatest Players of the Women's Poll Era
4/3/2026, 6:00:17 AM
Honoring Legends in Women's Basketball
Cheryl Miller and Breanna Stewart have been recognized as the greatest players of the women's college basketball poll era by The Associated Press. This accolade was awarded by a 13-member panel during the AP Top 25 Fan Poll Experience at Arizona State University’s First Amendment Forum. Miller, who dominated women's basketball in the 1980s at the University of Southern California, expressed her gratitude, stating, “I played the game because I loved it... I think the overwhelming feeling that I feel right now is grateful.”
Cheryl Miller's Legacy
Cheryl Miller's influence on women's basketball is profound. As a 6-foot-2 forward, she led the USC Trojans to two national championships and earned All-America honors throughout her collegiate career, averaging 23.6 points, 12 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.6 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game. Beyond her playing career, Miller served as the head coach and general manager for the Phoenix Mercury, guiding the team to the WNBA Finals in 1998. Her contributions have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring future generations of female athletes.
Breanna Stewart's Accomplishments
Breanna Stewart, a standout at the University of Connecticut, has an impressive resume that includes four NCAA championships, three WNBA titles, and multiple gold medals from the World Cup and Olympic Games. Earlier this year, Stewart co-founded and led her team, Mist BC, to victory in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 women's basketball league. In a video message, she thanked the AP for the recognition, highlighting her commitment to excellence in the sport.
Historical Context
The recognition of Miller and Stewart also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the women's basketball poll, which first debuted with Delta State as the inaugural No. 1 team. Under coach Margaret Wade, Delta State won three consecutive national championships from 1975 to 1977 in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) and continued its success in NCAA Division II.
Broader Implications
The acknowledgment of Miller and Stewart not only celebrates their individual achievements but also underscores the evolution and growing recognition of women's basketball. Their legacies contribute to the ongoing dialogue about gender equality in sports and the importance of female role models in athletics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I played the game because I loved it," Miller said, "without there ever being a hint of what my legacy may look like or what I ever envisioned down the road.” — Cheryl Miller
- “I want to say thank you to the AP for voting me best college basketball player of the last 25 years,” — Breanna Stewart
The recognition of these two athletes marks a significant moment in the history of women's basketball, celebrating their contributions and inspiring future generations.
