No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Notre Dame's Olivia Miles and Maddie Westbeld, plus Unrivaled’s 1v1
Release Date: February 14, 2025
Hosts: Zena Keita, Chantel Jennings, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman
Guests: Olivia Miles and Maddie Westbeld from Notre Dame

1. Notre Dame’s Dominant Season

The episode kicks off with an enthusiastic overview of Notre Dame’s exceptional performance in the current women's basketball season. Hosting a stellar 21-2 record and a 16-game winning streak, the Fighting Irish have showcased remarkable dominance, especially highlighted by their impressive victories over ranked teams such as Cow (91-52) and Stanford (96-47).

Ben Pickman emphasizes the team’s strategic excellence:

"Notre Dame is killing it right now... these are some big-time wins that they're having all throughout the country." [08:25]

2. Spotlight on Olivia Miles and Maddie Westbeld

a. Overcoming Injuries and Returning Strong

Olivia Miles and Maddie Westbeld share their personal journeys of injury recovery and their triumphant returns to the court. Olivia, who tore her ACL in 2023, discusses her seamless comeback, highlighting her current averages of 16.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game—the only Division I player achieving a 16-6-6 stat line. Maddie, sidelined for four months due to foot surgery, has been pivotal in her last 10 games, contributing significantly on both ends of the floor.

Olivia Miles reflects on her recovery:

"Everything that you know Olivia Miles to be... it's as if she hasn't missed a beat." [04:00]

Maddie Westbeld adds:

"Bean is my first [pet]. He's taught me a lot about discipline and responsibility." [12:58]

b. The Role of Team Dynamics and Leadership

Both players delve into the importance of team cohesion and leadership in navigating the challenges of a high-stakes season. They highlight how their experiences have fostered a deeper appreciation for the game and strengthened their bonds with teammates.

Maddie Westbeld shares insights on team resilience:

"Keeping the main thing—the main thing... our team is very smart. We know our goals from the beginning." [21:02]

Olivia Miles emphasizes gratitude and humility:

"Understanding that my teammates are still the people I was sitting on the sideline with... is really important." [15:42]

c. Coaching Influence and Commitment to Notre Dame

The conversation shifts to the significant impact of head coach Ivy alongside assistant coach Neil. Olivia and Maddie discuss how Coach Ivy’s leadership and personal traits were pivotal in their decision to commit to Notre Dame, highlighting the representation and mentorship she provides.

Maddie Westbeld on Coach Ivy:

"Representation means a lot to me. Seeing her learn and grow as a coach has been inspiring." [28:36]

Olivia Miles adds:

"She’s somebody I’ve always looked up to. Her grace and class speak volumes." [28:36]

3. Unrivaled’s 1v1 Tournament Highlights

Ben Pickman introduces the buzz around Unrivaled’s one-on-one tournament, detailing its unique format and the excitement it has generated within the women's basketball community. The semi-finals and finals are set to begin on TNT, featuring top talents like Azarae Stevens and Aaliyah Edwards.

Ben Pickman comments on the tournament's impact:

"Unrivaled showed just how much excitement can be generated... other leagues should follow suit." [44:01]

4. WNBA Free Agency Updates

The episode transitions to the latest developments in WNBA free agency. Ben provides updates on key signings, including Gabby Williams and Alicia Clark joining the Seattle Storm, and Tiffany Mitchell and Dana Evans enhancing the Las Vegas Aces' roster. Notably, Kitty Lou Samuelson has been waived by Indiana and is set to return to Unrivaled.

Ben Pickman summarizes the free agency moves:

"The Seattle Storm have been busy signing deals with, among others, Gabby Williams and Alicia Clark..." [44:01]

5. Fashion and Personal Interests

A lighter segment explores the intersection of basketball and fashion, with Olivia and Maddie discussing their personal styles and how coach Ivy’s fashionable sideline presence influences them. Additionally, they share anecdotes about their beloved cat, Bean, highlighting their off-court camaraderie.

Olivia Miles on team style:

"We love, we love the style that we have on the team... it helped me mentally a lot when I was on the sideline." [29:59]

6. Player Reflections and Future Aspirations

The players reflect on their academic pursuits and future aspirations beyond basketball. Maddie discusses her degree in economics with a minor in poverty studies, expressing a passion for intertwining her academic interests with her athletic career.

Maddie Westbeld on her studies:

"Being able to look at both sides... keeping all of those things an option for me is a passion of mine." [33:03]

7. Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

In the closing segment, hosts and guests emphasize the importance of community, mentorship, and the evolving landscape of women's basketball. They encourage listeners to support and engage with the sport, highlighting the maturity and thoughtfulness of young athletes like Olivia and Maddie.

Chantel Jennings concludes with:

"Keep listening, keep watching, keep learning and keep loving the game because that's the only way we're going to grow it." [35:12]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ben Pickman: "Notre Dame is killing it right now... these are some big-time wins that they're having all throughout the country." [08:25]

• Olivia Miles: "Everything that you know Olivia Miles to be... it's as if she hasn't missed a beat." [04:00]

• Maddie Westbeld: "Keeping the main thing—the main thing... our team is very smart. We know our goals from the beginning." [21:02]

• Maddie Westbeld: "Representation means a lot to me. Seeing her learn and grow as a coach has been inspiring." [28:36]

• Olivia Miles: "She’s somebody I’ve always looked up to. Her grace and class speak volumes." [28:36]

• Ben Pickman: "Unrivaled showed just how much excitement can be generated... other leagues should follow suit." [44:01]

• Ben Pickman: "The Seattle Storm have been busy signing deals with, among others, Gabby Williams and Alicia Clark..." [44:01]

• Olivia Miles: "We love, we love the style that we have on the team... it helped me mentally a lot when I was on the sideline." [29:59]

• Maddie Westbeld: "Being able to look at both sides... keeping all of those things an option for me is a passion of mine." [33:03]

• Chantel Jennings: "Keep listening, keep watching, keep learning and keep loving the game because that's the only way we're going to grow it." [35:12]

Conclusion

This episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show offers an in-depth look into the resilience and leadership of Notre Dame’s Olivia Miles and Maddie Westbeld. Their stories of overcoming injuries, fostering team spirit, and balancing academic pursuits provide valuable insights into the life of collegiate athletes. Additionally, the discussion on Unrivaled’s innovative 1v1 tournament and updates on WNBA free agency highlight the dynamic and evolving nature of women's basketball. The episode underscores the importance of community, personal growth, and the continuous pursuit of excellence both on and off the court.