Arizona State first-year head coach Molly Miller: 'We're relentless'

Arizona State women’s basketball enters a new era under first-year head coach Molly Miller, whose arrival from Grand Canyon brought instant energy and attention to the program. 

The hire quickly went viral, with support from alums like James Harden and former head coach Charli Turner Thorne. For Miller, the excitement surrounding her move to Tempe only confirmed she was stepping into the right place.

While there were plenty of opportunities she could have pursued, Miller said athletic director Graham Rossini’s approach stood out. 

“I was so hyper focused on our GCU team that I didn’t want to get distracted,” Miller said. “What was amazing about Graham’s approach was that he went on my timeline. His messaging was, ‘You coach your team. You do you…’ That really sent a message – he’s not only looking for a new head coach, but someone with character and who does things the right way.”

The program’s recent move to the Big 12 also made the job especially appealing. 

“ASU is in the Big 12 now, and I think that’s one of the toughest, most visible women’s basketball conferences,” she said. “It gives us a chance to make the jump… I want to play for championships on the national stage. I think we can elevate the program quickly in this conference.”

From the start, Miller’s focus has been on establishing the right foundation. 

“I wanted to start with culture and character – those two C’s were very important before, ‘How are we going to win ball games?’” she said. “I don’t know if we’re going to be the most talented team in the country. I know we’ll win games, it’s all we know how to do. I do know we’ll be one of the best cultures in the country.”

That culture has already begun to take shape. 

“Out of every team I’ve coached, they might be the team that has built chemistry the fastest,” she said. 

Miller and her staff worked quickly to build a new roster through the portal. LSU transfer and national champion Last-Tear Poa brings invaluable championship experience. 

“She’s a dog, and I love that…,” Miller said. “She wants to win every drill. She’s the one saying, ‘One more coach? Can we do one more?’ I always say it’s easier to say ‘whoa’ than ‘giddy up’ with her. She’s a hooper.”

Another vocal leader has been Marley Washenitz, a transfer from Pittsburgh who embodies Miller’s approach. 

“She doesn’t take plays off,” Miller said. “She doesn’t take reps off. Physically and vocally, she’s high energy all the time. Our girls probably feed off her the most.”

McKinna Brackens has also emerged as a potential breakout player. 

“She could be an all-conference player…,” Miller said. “She’s been a pleasant surprise. She’s funny and everyone loves her.” 

Other key contributors include Gabby Elliott, a proven double-digit scorer, along with young posts Heloisa Carrera from Ole Miss and Martina Fantini, a freshman from Italy who Miller says is coming along really nicely.

“If there’s one word, we’re relentless,” Miller said. “We’re going to pressure, we’re going to pressure with the kind of speed and tempo that will cause a lot of disruption. We’re really trying to make opponents uncomfortable for 40 minutes.”

While Miller is realistic about the growth ahead, her optimism is evident. 

“I think the team you’ll see in February is going to be a lot different than the team you see in November,” she said. “We want to win games late, win close games, minimize mistakes, and see progress in the process. I think the byproduct will be winning.”

For Miller, Arizona State offers the perfect mix – a strong conference and a community she already knows well, coming from Grand Canyon. 

“Who wouldn’t want to be in Phoenix?” she said. “You get the quality of life and the basketball experience.”