The hype and excitement for the upcoming WNBA season is shaping up to be one of the most impactful seasons in sporting history. For the last decade, the WNBA has been building momentum for this moment, and for Seattle Storm hopeful Quay Miller, that dream has become a reality — and she’s loving every moment.
“I’ve been loving it. I’ve been feeling like I have been fitting it. I think it is cool to be around a group of women that are so open to rookies,” Miller said.
Miller grew up rocking the green and yellow in high school. As a Kentridge High School grad, she watched the Storm with legends like Sue Bird gracing the floor of Key Arena. But now, after playing two seasons at the University of Washington before transferring and finishing her career in Boulder at the University of Colorado, Miller signed with the Storm to try and make the final roster of 12.
Just the opportunity to play for her hometown team has been extremely special for Miller.
“I don’t think that reality has hit me yet. I’ve been asked that a couple of times before, but I just don’t know. I think it is because I am still in the moment. I am just like, ‘Is this real?’ It’s just wild,” Miller said.
She also is part of the first group to break in the Storm’s new basketball facility in Ballard.
“I knew this was new. But as a rookie coming into a brand-new environment and something like this makes me feel real blessed. I am grateful for the position I am in and grateful for the opportunity the coaches have given me,” Miller said.
Miller’s years at UW were solid. She averaged 9.9 points per game her sophomore year and started all 21 games she played in that season. But her career really took off with the Buffaloes.
In Miller’s first two years at Colorado, her points per game went up from both seasons at UW, going from 9.9 in her best Husky season to 10.6 and 13.1, respectively. She also just missed out on averaging a double-double her second season at Colorado with 8.9 rebounds per game.
Her last season at Colorado was the most recent 2023-24 season, and her last two years at Colorado had the same end — much due in part to number 22 on Iowa, Caitlin Clark. Clark sent Miller home in the Sweet 16 in her final two years of college basketball. Competing against women she has seen on TV hasn’t quite set in yet for Miller.
“Looking back, I still can’t really comprehend it. But to see the amazing players that I did play against, it’s interesting talking to my teammates. … But I can say I played against Caitlin Clark, so it’s just nice to be a part of history,” said Miller.
Miller has to make the most of this opportunity. Because roster spots are so limited, she has to prove that she can make an impact. Veteran players like Mercedes Russell and Joyner Holmes have been monumental for her in the short time she’s been around them.
“I go to everybody because I am new. I know to go to her (‘Cedes) whenever I am confused. She is like my main go-to because her aura isn’t intimidating. I feel a connection with her,” Miller said. “Some stuff I have seen in college, but it is totally different. All your movements and steps matter.”
It hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows for Miller. She’s now getting introduced to a different type of grind, but she’s up for the challenge and has made some friends along the way.
“They are my teammates and showing me this is a big girl world. I love it,” Miller said.
Along with Miller, Nika Muel and Mackenzie Holmes are two other fellow rookies. Both Muel and Holmes were drafted while Miller is a undrafted free agent. She’s built a bond with both of them through camp so far.
“Just a few months ago (Nika) was a star in my eyes. Not that she’s not now, but she’s my teammate,” she said.
Head Coach Noelle Quinn has also played a role in getting Miller settled in to her spot. If Miller doesn’t make the roster, there are overseas options as well as staying domestic and training until next offseason. But that idea is not in Miller’s head. Her goal has been to make the roster from day one.
“Coach Quinn knows what I bring, so she is like ‘You either sink, or swim.’ That changed my mindset, I ain’t gonna sink. I can’t sink … It’s really good to have a coach that’s not overly in your face, but there when you need her,” Miller said.
Miller got 6:49 minutes of play time in the Storm’s first preseason game of the season, and while she couldn’t find a basket in her time on the floor, she did record one steal in her Storm debut. Roster cuts are May 13.
The Storm announced that three players were waived on May 8 at 10:00 am in a press release. Unfortunatly, Miller was one of those three, ending her Storm career before it even could get started.
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