After enjoying a breakout 2024-25 season during the Ohio Wesleyan women's basketball team's run to the final 16 teams of the NCAA Division III tournament, sophomore post Macy Miller (Marysville/Milford Center Fairbanks) received a surprise recognition recently when the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame asked for a jersey of hers to display in its "Ring of Honor" in recognition of her outstanding play during the season.

According to the request, the Ring of Honor "has become one of our most popular exhibits.  Not only does the Ring of Honor provide a colorful backdrop to the Hall of Fame's many archives, but it is also our way of recognizing young women's basketball players for their achievements in the sport.  In doing so, we are fulfilling our mission to 'honor the past, celebrate the present, and promote the future' of women's basketball."

"When I first found out, I kept asking myself, 'Why me?,' " Miller said.  "I'd argue that I play with some of the most talented Division III basketball players in the nation, who have made our program incredibly successful, so it's hard to imagine myself getting this kind of recognition instead of them.  But I also know that they have pushed me every single day for the last two years and have inspired me to work as hard as I have to get to where I am now.  This recognition means everything to me, it feels surreal.  My team and I are constantly focused on the future and improvement, but this is a good reminder to take a second and realize that my hard work is starting to pay off."

During the 2024-25 season, Miller won first-team All-North Coast Athletic Conference honors as well as the NCAC's Top Defensive Player Award.  Miller helped the Battling Bishops run the table in NCAC play, win the conference championship with a 14-0 record -- marking the first time that Ohio Wesleyan had accomplished that feat.  She stepped up her game even more during the postseason, averaging 16.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.3 blocked shots, and 3.5 steals per game to help Ohio Wesleyan advance to the sectional semifinals (final 16 teams) of the NCAA Division III tournament.  Miller ended the season by winning fourth-team All-America recognition from D3hoops.com.

"She's not just a great player -- she's an even better person," said Ohio Wesleyan head coach Stacey Ungashick Lobdell.  "Her combination of talent, relentless commitment to being her best, and leadership inspires everyone around her.  She leads with her heart, on and off the floor."

"My coaches and teammates are amazing examples in my life, and I am incredibly fortunate to have them in my corner," Miller said.  "They work harder than any team I've been a part of, and they do it for each other.  They inspired me to work harder than I ever have going into a season.  My coaches pinpointed every aspect of my game that needed work, and I made it my mission to get better over the summer.  I was also lucky enough to be surrounded by three fifth-year players who decided to come back and play one more year.  Having the opportunity to play with three of the best teammates I've ever had pushed me every day to play at their level. 

"I am very proud of our undefeated record in the conference this season.  We had a target on our backs the entire season, and I for one loved it.  It doesn't matter how much preparation other teams had; we always played for each other and found a way to win, which is what we did all season.  I'm also proud to have competed in the Sweet Sixteen.  It had been our mission the entire season, and I had no doubt we would be there by the end of it.  We didn't get the outcome we were looking for, but I was so proud of the way we played.  For me personally, I am incredibly proud to have been named All-American this season.  That achievement still feels surreal, but it means the world to me."

Miller had tremendous success last season in building on a strong finish to the 2023-24 season and stepping up her game on the way to conference and national recognition.  Could this recognition serve as a foundation for Miller to make another step up in 2025-26?

"We had five seniors and three fifth-years who aren't coming back next season, so our team is going to look a lot different.  They have set the standard for our program, which is why I have no doubt in the ability of our team next season.  We know how to play together and be incredibly unselfish.  I am so excited to simply have the opportunity to play with my best friends another year.  I can't wait to see what we accomplish next year!"