“Comparison is the thief of joy,” Tiarra Brown reflected on head coach Molly Miller’s advice, a sentiment that resonates deeply in the evolving landscape of women’s sports.
The world of athletics is witnessing a seismic shift as women’s sports become increasingly lucrative and visible. Players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are shining in the WNBA, breaking barriers and setting new standards. This transformation extends beyond the court, with more women assuming leadership roles in coaching and officiating across various sports.
Grand Canyon University’s women’s basketball team stands as a testament to this progress. Ranking second in the Western Athletic Conference with an impressive 15-2 record, they have made a name for themselves under the guidance of head coach Molly Miller. Known for her defensive strategies and bold offensive plays, Miller and her team have become a force to be reckoned with in collegiate basketball.
“They’re fierce. They’re playing with this intensity that people want to watch and to be a part of that, that’s how you grow the game,” Miller asserted. Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “The work is the reward.”
Miller’s first signing at GCU was Tiarra Brown, a sharp forward and point guard from Washington. Averaging 12 points and four rebounds per game, Brown has been instrumental in the team’s success. Their bond, forged over five years, has withstood the test of time and adversity.
“She’s seen me come in and take over a program that, whether it was good, bad, or different, was going to change,” Miller reflected. “She’s seen the highs, the lows, struggles, success, and now she can really speak that into life in the locker room. She’s a great leader.”
Team chemistry and culture are the cornerstones of Miller’s coaching approach. Brown echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the ‘we factor’ that has carried them through obstacles. “We’ve been through challenges and we just persevere through them. When things may not go our way, I learned a lot about adversity across different situations,” Brown shared.
Miller, a mother of two, extends her role beyond coaching to mentoring her players for life after college. She stresses the importance of buying into the team’s mission and vision, acknowledging that this alignment doesn’t always come easily with diverse stances.
“I’ve always been a buy-in coach. You gotta buy into the mission and the goal, and sometimes that doesn’t align with 15 or 25 different opinions,” Miller explained. “I think what Tiarra has done a really good job of is seeing the vision and understanding there are growing pains in that vision. But if we stick to it, we could be really successful.”
As women’s sports gain more attention, the conversation around equality and representation has become increasingly relevant. However, Brown emphasizes the importance of staying focused and letting actions speak louder than words.
“Growing up, there’s politics, there’s social media, and I was never a part of that. I think just staying true to yourself and working on yourself got me to where I need to be,” she said. “Even coming here, my freshman year I had to make a point. You still have to continue to excel to prove that name.”
The GCU women’s basketball team’s success is a powerful example of how dedication and hard work pay off after going on a 13-game win streak. Under Miller’s leadership, the program has achieved an impressive 100-37 record showcasing the potential of women’s sports when given the right support and platform.
As the landscape of women’s sports continues to evolve, Brown offers a few wise words to aspiring athletes: “Play with the edge. Don’t be timid. Show them what women can do.”
The story of GCU’s women’s basketball team is more than just about wins and losses. It’s a narrative of perseverance, teamwork, and breaking barriers. As women’s sports continue to gain momentum, stories like these serve as inspiration and proof that the future of athletics is inclusive, diverse, and incredibly exciting.