Story perspectives

Olivia Miles Wins Unanimous WNBA Rookie of the Year

By Drooid · Sep 28, 2026, 11:04 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Cheryl Reeve Wins

Cheryl Reeve was named WNBA Coach of the Year for a fifth time.
Reeve received 40 of 74 votes, beating Natalie Nakase (20) and Sydney Johnson (14).
Olivia Miles was unanimously named Rookie of the Year after scoring a rookie record 790 points.
The Lynx posted a league-best 33-11 record and earned the No. 1 playoff seed.
The Lynx fell behind 0-1 after losing Game 1 to New York Liberty 91-75.

Summary

Olivia Miles Signs

Adidas signed Olivia Miles to a multi-year endorsement deal after her Rookie of the Year honor.
Miles became the fastest player to reach 500 points and 150 assists in 26 games.
Her signature goggles and afro have turned her into a cultural phenomenon for Twin Cities youth.
Miles joins an exclusive club of six unanimous Rookie of the Year winners, including Aliyah Boston and Candace Parker.

History

Historical Context

Since the WNBA’s 1997 launch with eight franchises and Cynthia Cooper’s MVP-Finals MVP sweep for the Houston Comets, the league has built a tradition of rewarding coaching excellence—Van Chancellor earned the first Coach of the Year that season. Cheryl Reeve’s fifth such honor today reflects that same early momentum, underscoring sustained growth from the league’s inaugural era.

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Cheryl Reeve Wins

Cheryl Reeve was named WNBA Coach of the Year for a fifth time.
Reeve received 40 of 74 votes, beating Natalie Nakase (20) and Sydney Johnson (14).
Olivia Miles was unanimously named Rookie of the Year after scoring a rookie record 790 points.
The Lynx posted a league-best 33-11 record and earned the No. 1 playoff seed.
The Lynx fell behind 0-1 after losing Game 1 to New York Liberty 91-75.

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