Cheryl Miller isn’t just a name in women’s basketball history—she’s a force that changed the game forever. If you’ve ever caught a glimpse of a high-flying dunk in women’s college basketball, there’s a strong chance you’re seeing the legacy of Cheryl Miller unfold right in front of your eyes. She was the first woman to dunk in an organized game, and that wasn’t even the half of it. With a career that spans playing, broadcasting, and coaching, Miller has left an indelible mark on the sport, and her influence continues to shape women’s basketball today.

From her high school days in Riverside, California, to her legendary time at USC, and later as a TNT sideline reporter, Cheryl Miller has lived a life defined by excellence. Her story isn’t just about talent, though there’s plenty of that—it’s also about perseverance, influence, and a passion for elevating the game she loves.

Even though her playing career was cut short due to injury, Miller’s impact never faded. She’s currently the head coach of the women’s basketball team at Cal State LA, where she continues to inspire the next generation of athletes. Whether you’re a basketball fan, a coach, or just curious about trailblazers in sports, there’s plenty to learn about Cheryl Miller’s journey.

• Elza Bergeron

Table of Contents

• Biography of Cheryl Miller
• Early Career and High School Stardom
• USC and College Success
• Injury and Its Impact on Her Career
• Media and Broadcasting Career
• Coaching Legacy at Cal State LA
• Frequently Asked Questions About Cheryl Miller

Biography of Cheryl Miller

Early Career and High School Stardom

Cheryl Miller’s journey began in Riverside, California, where she attended Riverside Polytechnic High School. By the time she was a teenager, she was already making headlines for her incredible basketball skills. Standing at 6'2", she had the strength, agility, and finesse that made her a standout player, but it was her dunking ability that really turned heads.

Back in the early 1980s, seeing a woman dunk was unheard of, but Cheryl Miller changed that. During a high school game, she threw down a dunk that would become the stuff of legend. That moment was more than just a highlight reel play—it was a turning point for women’s basketball, proving that female athletes could be just as powerful and dynamic as their male counterparts.

Her high school success earned her a scholarship to USC, where she would go on to become one of the most dominant players in college basketball history.

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USC and College Success

At USC, Cheryl Miller didn’t just play—she dominated. Over her college career, she led the Trojans to two NCAA championships, in 1983 and 1984. She was named the Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA Tournament both years, and it’s no exaggeration to say that her performance was a major reason for the team’s success.

Miller was a three-time All-American, a four-time Pac-10 Player of the Year, and averaged over 20 points and 10 rebounds per game during her college career. She was known for her versatility, scoring from anywhere on the court and playing lockdown defense when needed.

She wasn’t just a scorer, though. She was a leader, a playmaker, and a fierce competitor who raised the level of everyone around her. Her impact on USC basketball was so profound that the university retired her jersey, number 31, in 1986.

Injury and Its Impact on Her Career

Just as Cheryl Miller was entering her prime, her career was tragically cut short. In 1986, during her senior season at USC, she tore her ACL while playing in the NCAA Tournament. That injury not only ended her college season but also her professional basketball aspirations at the time.

Back then, there wasn’t a strong women’s professional basketball league in the U.S., so the injury essentially marked the end of her playing days. It’s often said that if she had been born a decade later, she would have been a cornerstone of the WNBA.

Still, her influence didn’t fade. Her style of play—aggressive, high-flying, and full of flair—became a blueprint for future generations of women basketball players. Today, players like Brittney Griner and Sabrina Ionescu owe a debt to pioneers like Miller who showed that women could play with power, grace, and athleticism.

Media and Broadcasting Career

After her playing days ended, Cheryl Miller transitioned into broadcasting. She joined WTWR in 1984, but it was her time as a sideline reporter for NBA games on TNT Sports that really put her in the spotlight.

At a time when female sports analysts were still a rarity, Miller brought both expertise and charisma to the table. She worked alongside some of the biggest names in sports broadcasting and became a familiar face for fans tuning into the NBA.

Her broadcasting career wasn’t just about being on camera—she was known for her insightful commentary, her deep understanding of the game, and her ability to connect with players and fans alike. She worked for both TNT and NBA TV, cementing her place as a respected voice in basketball media.

Coaching Legacy at Cal State LA

Today, Cheryl Miller is making her mark as a coach. She currently serves as the head coach of the women’s basketball team at Cal State LA, where she’s brought her wealth of knowledge and experience to the program.

Under her leadership, the team has seen improvements in both performance and visibility. She’s known for pushing her players to be the best they can be, both on and off the court. Her coaching style blends tough love with mentorship, and her players often speak highly of the lessons she imparts beyond basketball.

She’s not just teaching fundamentals—she’s shaping minds, building confidence, and helping young women see the power of sports in their lives. Her work at Cal State LA is a continuation of her lifelong mission: to grow the game and give others the opportunities she once had.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheryl Miller

What is Cheryl Miller known for?
Cheryl Miller is known as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time. She was the first woman to dunk in an organized game and led USC to two NCAA championships. She later became a respected sports broadcaster and is now a college coach.

Is Cheryl Miller in the Hall of Fame?
Yes, Cheryl Miller was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995. She was also honored in the California Hall of Fame in 2023.

Where is Cheryl Miller coaching now?
Cheryl Miller is currently the head coach of the women’s basketball team at Cal State LA, where she’s been since 2019.

Learn more about Cal State LA, where Cheryl Miller is currently making her mark as a coach.

Learn more about the history of women's basketball on our site, and see how Cheryl Miller helped shape the game.