Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cheryl Miller

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 17, 2026

Discover the career path of Cheryl Miller, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Cheryl Miller is a retired American basketball player, renowned for her achievements as both a player and a commentator. She transitioned into broadcasting after her playing career, serving as a sideline reporter for NBA games on TNT Sports and a reporter/analyst for NBA TV. Miller's broadcasting experience also includes roles with ABC Sports, TBS Sports, and ESPN. Furthermore, she held the positions of head coach and general manager for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, showcasing her versatile contributions to the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1978: Began Playing at Riverside Polytechnic High School

In 1978, Cheryl Miller began playing at Riverside Polytechnic High School.

1982: Began playing at the University of Southern California

In 1982, Cheryl Miller began playing at the University of Southern California (USC).

1983: NCAA Championship Title at USC

In 1983, Cheryl Miller led the USC Trojans to an NCAA champion title and was named NCAA Tournament MOP.

1983: Played in World Championships

In 1983, Cheryl Miller played for the USA National team in the World Championships, held in São Paulo, Brazil, where the team won a silver medal.

1983: Won Gold Medal at Pan American Games

In 1983, Cheryl Miller was part of the gold medal team at the Pan American Games in Caracas, Venezuela.

1984: Won Gold Medal at Summer Olympics

In 1984, Cheryl Miller led the U.S. team to the gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

1984: Second NCAA Championship Title at USC

In 1984, Cheryl Miller led the USC Trojans to another NCAA champion title and was again named NCAA Tournament MOP.

1984: Played in William Jones Cup competition

In 1984, Cheryl Miller played for the USA National team in the William Jones Cup competition in Taipei, Taiwan, leading the team in scoring, rebounding, and steals.

July 1986: Represented US at Inaugural Goodwill Games

In July 1986, Cheryl Miller represented the US at the inaugural Goodwill Games in Moscow, leading the team in scoring and helping them secure the gold medal.

1986: Represented US at World Championships

In 1986, Cheryl Miller represented the US with the National team at the World Championships, held in Moscow, leading all scorers in the final game with 24 points and winning the gold medal.

1986: Drafted by professional basketball leagues and became assistant coach at USC

In 1986, after graduating from USC, Cheryl Miller was drafted by several professional basketball leagues and became an assistant coach at USC.

1987: Worked for ABC Sports/ESPN

In 1987, Cheryl Miller began working for ABC Sports/ESPN, serving as a reporter for ABC's Wide World of Sports and a commentator for college basketball telecasts.

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1988: Correspondent for Calgary Olympics

In 1988, Cheryl Miller served as a correspondent for the Calgary Olympics.

1991: Continued as assistant coach at USC and television sportscaster

From 1986 to 1991, Cheryl Miller continued as an assistant coach at USC and worked as a television sportscaster.

1993: Took head coaching job at USC

In 1993, Cheryl Miller took the head coaching job at her alma mater, USC, after Marianne Stanley was fired.

1993: End of Career at ABC Sports/ESPN

In 1993, Cheryl Miller's career at ABC Sports/ESPN ended.

1994: Basketball commentator at Goodwill Games

In 1994, Cheryl Miller worked as a basketball commentator at the Goodwill Games.

September 1995: Joined Turner Sports

In September 1995, Cheryl Miller joined Turner Sports as an analyst and reporter for the NBA on TBS and TNT.

November 1996: First female analyst to call nationally televised NBA game

In November 1996, Cheryl Miller became the first female analyst to call a nationally televised NBA game.

1996: Basketball Analyst and Reporter for NBC Olympics Coverage

In 1996, Cheryl Miller served as a women's basketball analyst and men's basketball reporter for NBC's coverage of the Atlanta Olympics.

1997: Coached for Phoenix Mercury

In 1997, Cheryl Miller began coaching for four seasons with the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA, also serving as general manager.

1998: Coached Mercury to WNBA Finals

In 1998, Cheryl Miller coached the Phoenix Mercury to a 16-12 record and the WNBA Finals, where they lost to the Houston Comets.

2000: Resigned from Phoenix Mercury

After the 2000 season, Cheryl Miller resigned from her position with the Phoenix Mercury, citing fatigue.

2001: Basketball Reporter and Weightlifting Commentator at Goodwill Games

In 2001, Cheryl Miller worked as a basketball reporter and called weightlifting for the Goodwill Games.

2008: Appearances on NBA TV

During the 2008 NBA season, Cheryl Miller made appearances on NBA TV as a reporter and analyst.

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2013: Left Turner Sports

In 2013, Cheryl Miller left Turner Sports after her contract expired.

April 30, 2014: Named Women's Basketball Coach at Langston University

On April 30, 2014, Cheryl Miller was named women's basketball coach at Langston University.

May 26, 2016: Named Women's Basketball Coach at California State Los Angeles

On May 26, 2016, Cheryl Miller was named women's basketball coach at California State Los Angeles.

May 2026: Part-owner of UpShot League

In May 2026, Cheryl Miller is a part-owner of the UpShot League, a new development women's professional basketball league in the United States.

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