News Summary
Phoenix is set to honor basketball legend Cheryl Miller, who will take the helm as head coach for the upcoming 2024 WNBA All-Star Game. Known for her impactful coaching tenure with the Phoenix Mercury, where she led the team to multiple playoff appearances, Miller’s legacy in women’s basketball is well established. Her upcoming role will highlight her contributions to the sport and the Phoenix community, as she teams up with former Mercury player Adrian Williams against the USA Women’s National Team.
Phoenix is set to honor basketball legend Cheryl Miller as she takes on the role of head coach for the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game, further cementing her legacy within the Phoenix Mercury franchise. Miller was the first head coach and general manager of the Mercury from 1997 to 2000, leading the team to playoffs in three of her four seasons. Her impact on women’s basketball extends beyond coaching; she remains an influential figure in the sport with numerous accolades and honors to her name.
Miller led the Mercury to a 70-52 overall coaching record and three playoff appearances during her tenure. Under her leadership, the team made significant strides, reaching the postseason in 1997, 1998, and 2000, although they faced challenges in 1999, missing the playoffs with a 15-17 record. After resigning in 2000, Miller passed the coaching responsibilities to Cynthia Cooper, another significant figure in women’s basketball history.
Prior to her coaching career, Cheryl Miller was a standout player at the University of Southern California (USC), where she won two national championships in 1983 and 1984 and was named the Most Outstanding Player in both years. She received the Naismith Player of the Year award from 1984 to 1986, establishing herself as one of the top players in collegiate basketball.
In recognition of her contributions, the Cheryl Miller Award was introduced in 2018, awarded to the best small forward in Division I basketball. The inaugural recipient, Gabby Williams, showcased a strong performance during her time at UConn, averaging 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.3 steals. Other recipients like Satou Sabally and Ashley Joens have strengthened their ties to the Mercury. Sabally, who won the award in 2020, went on to become a key player for the Mercury after being drafted by the Dallas Wings, where she averaged 16.3 points during her first season with Phoenix. Joens captured the Cheryl Miller Award for three consecutive years while playing for Iowa State and has been involved with the Mercury after joining the WNBA.
Cheryl Miller’s upcoming role as head coach for the All-Star Game in Phoenix is expected to be a momentous occasion, highlighting her ongoing influence in the sport. She will coach alongside former Mercury player Adrian Williams, while Cheryl Reeve will lead the opposing USA Women’s National Team. The 2024 All-Star Game will not only showcase top talent from around the league but also pay tribute to Miller’s storied career.
Miller’s accolades extend beyond her coaching and playing career. She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in its inaugural class in 1999 and received the Phoenix Mercury Ring of Honor in May 2024. Her international achievements include winning five gold medals and being inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2010. In addition to her coaching and philanthropic efforts, Miller has worked as a sideline reporter for the NBA and has held coaching positions at Langston University and Cal State Los Angeles.
Cheryl Miller remains a vital figure within the basketball community, with her legacy continuing to inspire future generations. Her leadership in the upcoming All-Star Game serves as a testament to her enduring contributions to women’s basketball and her role in growing the sport within the Phoenix community and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- Sports Illustrated: Satou Sabally and Cheryl Miller
- ESPN: WNBA Celebrity Sightings
- Arizona Sports: Cheryl Miller Selected for All-Star Game
- Sports Illustrated: Cheryl Miller and the Mercury
- ESPN: Mercury Retire Diana Taurasi’s Jersey
- Wikipedia: Cheryl Miller
- Google Search: Cheryl Miller
- Google Scholar: Cheryl Miller Basketball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cheryl Miller
- Google News: Cheryl Miller
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
