IOWA CITY — Molly Miller held her head high in the aftermath of Arizona State women’s basketball’s March Madness exit against Virginia women’s basketball on Thursday.
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Mar 6, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Arizona State guard Marley Washenitz (11) attempts to pass the ball ahead of West Virginia guard Gia Cooke (3) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
The Sun Devils struggled early against the Cavaliers but were able to find their tempo in the second half. Even with a more cohesive approach, it came down to key possessions and timely stops that led Virginia to a 57-55 victory.
The first-year ASU coach reflected on belief, culture and a group that she says helped reshape the program.
“I’m fine,” Miller said. “You know, I’m really proud of this team. I didn’t panic once because of our assistant coaches. I have an amazing staff around me.”
Mar 6, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Arizona State forward Heloisa Carrera (14) goes in for a layup against West Virginia during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
Arizona State’s tournament run ended short of its ultimate goal, but Miller emphasized preparation and composure as factors that carried the team not only through the game but throughout the entire season.
“We put a game plan together. They had some amazing practices,” she said. “But I’m really focused and proud of the body of work of this group.”
This year marked the first time the Sun Devils reached the NCAA Tournament since 2019 after an incredible 2025-26 season. The program finished 24-11 and had a 15-game win streak early in the season — its best mark since 2015-16, when it went 26-7.
Mar 6, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Arizona State guard Last-Tear Poa (13) defends against West Virginia guard Jordan Harrison (10) during the second half at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
Compared to last year’s 10-22 finish, this season marked a significant step forward. The formula for that? The seniors who decided to take a chance on Arizona State.
“This team defined a season that is going to be the trajectory of this program… These seniors … are going to be the reason we hang banners because they chose us and they changed the narrative,” Miller said.
ASU Sun Devils guard Gabby Elliott (0) drives past Coppin State Bald Eagles forward Sydney Burris (21) and guard Khila Morris (24) at Desert Financial Arena on Nov. 3, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The head coach also reiterated how much the culture has shifted in Tempe and the connection to the community. She mentioned alumni who reached out to express how proud they were of the program and the excitement surrounding the new culture.
Despite the sudden end to their run, Miller insists this is just the beginning.
Hope everyone listens to this from @MollyMiller33..
“This team defined a season that’s going to be the trajectory of this program.. These seniors are going to be the reason we hang banners.”
Alums texting saying how pround they are to be apart of @SunDevilWBB! @12SportsAZ pic.twitter.com/SpgqSuPD4U
— Cameron Cox (@CamCox12) March 20, 2026
“Now we’re going to make runs in this tournament moving forward,” she said. “But it’s all because these seniors … decided to take a chance on us.”
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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