Cheryl Miller Net Worth

Cheryl Miller’s Net Worth: A Look at the Basketball Legend’s Career and Earnings

Cheryl Miller is a name synonymous with basketball excellence. From her record-breaking high school career to her dominant performances at the University of Southern California (USC) and her gold medal-winning performances for the U.S. Olympic team, Miller has left an indelible mark on the sport. But beyond her athletic achievements, many are curious about Cheryl Miller’s net worth. This article delves into Miller’s journey, exploring her financial success alongside her remarkable career.

Early Life and High School Career

Born on January 3, 1964, in Riverside, California, Cheryl Miller was destined for athletic greatness. Growing up in a family of athletes, including her brother, NBA All-Star Reggie Miller, she was immersed in a competitive environment from a young age. She began playing basketball at a young age and quickly showed exceptional talent, joining the Riverside Polytechnic High School basketball team from 1978 to 1982.

During her high school career, Miller’s dominance was undeniable. She led her team to an impressive 132-4 record, earning her a four-year letter winner status. Her individual achievements were equally remarkable: she was the first person to be named an All-American by “Parade” magazine four times, and she set California State records for points scored in a single season and during her high school career. Her outstanding performance earned her the Dial Award for the national high school scholar-athlete of the year in 1981.

Dominance at USC

After graduating from high school, Miller continued her basketball journey at the University of Southern California (USC). Playing in the forward position, she continued to shatter records and garner accolades. Over her four-year college career, she scored an astounding 3,018 points, showcasing her offensive prowess. She was a four-time All-American, a testament to her consistent excellence on the court.

Miller’s college career was punctuated by individual honors, including being named the Naismith College Player of the Year three times and earning the Wade Trophy once. She led the USC Trojans to back-to-back NCAA championship titles in 1983 and 1984. During her senior season, she was awarded the Broderick Award as the Female College Basketball Player of the Year. “Sports Illustrated” even named her the best player in college basketball, regardless of gender. USC retired her number 31 jersey after her departure, a first for any basketball player, male or female.

International and Olympic Success

While at USC, Miller also represented the United States on the international stage. She played for the USA National team in the 1983 World Championships in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where the team earned a silver medal. In 1984, she was part of the USA National team that competed in the William Jones Cup competition in Taipei, Taiwan, in preparation for the Olympics. Miller led the team in scoring, rebounding, and steals, demonstrating her all-around game.

The pinnacle of Miller’s international career came in 1984 when she led the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Her leadership and skill were instrumental in the team’s success. She continued to represent the USA, winning a gold medal at the 1986 Goodwill Games in Moscow. The same year, she was also a member of the USA World Championship team, which also took home the gold medal. These victories further cemented her status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Coaching and Broadcasting Career

Recurring knee injuries unfortunately prevented Miller from pursuing a professional playing career after college. Instead, she transitioned into coaching and broadcasting, demonstrating her versatility and passion for the sport. From 1986 to 1991, she served as an assistant coach at USC while simultaneously beginning her television sportscasting career. Miller’s coaching experience made her an insightful analyst.

From 1987 to 1993, she worked for ABC Sports/ESPN, serving as a reporter for “ABC’s Wide World of Sports” and as a commentator for college basketball telecasts. She also worked as a correspondent for the Calgary Olympics in 1988, showcasing her talents as a multifaceted sportscaster.

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From 1993 to 1995, Miller took the helm as the head coach at USC, continuing her coaching journey. She then moved to the WNBA, where she coached the Phoenix Mercury for four seasons, also serving as the team’s general manager. In 1998, she led the Mercury to the WNBA Finals, where they ultimately lost to the Houston Comets. She resigned from the position in 2000, citing fatigue.

Simultaneously, Miller maintained her presence in sports broadcasting. She began as a sideline reporter for the “NBA on TNT” Thursday night doubleheader coverage and made occasional appearances as a studio analyst. In November 1996, Miller made history as the first female analyst to call a nationally televised NBA game. She also worked as a sideline reporter in the “2K Sports’ NBA 2K” series. She left TBS in 2013 after her contract expired. Her insightful commentary and analysis were highly valued by viewers.

Miller continued to contribute to major sporting events, serving as a basketball commentator at the 1994 Goodwill Games and as the women’s basketball analyst and men’s basketball reporter for NBC’s coverage of the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. In 2014 and 2016, Miller returned to coaching, taking on the role of the women’s basketball coach at Langston University and California State Los Angeles, respectively.

Personal Life

Cheryl Miller has always maintained a private personal life. She has not publicly disclosed any relationship information. Her focus has always been on basketball and broadcasting.

Conclusion

Cheryl Miller’s net worth reflects her impressive career as a player, coach, and broadcaster. While the exact details of her financial holdings are not always public, it is clear that her talent, dedication, and versatility have earned her significant success. Miller’s impact on basketball extends far beyond the court. She has inspired generations of athletes and continues to be a respected figure in the world of sports. Her legacy is a testament to her skill, determination, and enduring influence on the game.