"Most difficult thing I've ever gone through": Olivia Miles opens up on injury rehab, playing with Hannah Hidalgo, Sonia Citron and her Notre Dame joy

Olivia Miles, the Notre Dame senior point guard, had a whirlwind of a journey over the past year. After an AP second-team All-American season, she was in the middle of another stellar campaign when she suffered a devastating knee injury against Louisville in February 2023.

Miles was sidelined for the remainder of the 2022-23 season as well as the entirety of the 2023-24 season. She returned to court in November for 2024-25 after an extensive rehab process.

In the postgame press conference following the No. 3 Fighting Irish's 76-66 win over No. 17 North Carolina on Sunday, Olivia Miles reflected on the hardships and growth she experienced during her lengthy recovery.

"It's all credit to my injury," Miles replied to a reporter when asked about her on-court joy and exuberance (7:25). "That was the most difficult thing I've ever gone through."

"Just being on the court, I have no choice but to smile and play with joy, especially with the guards I get to play with. Hannah is the best in the country, and Sonia as well. I just play with such great guards and great players all around who also play with joy."

"Our coach, she's so passionate and she's always smiling too, even through the ups and downs. So, you know, it's hard not to play with that joy."

Olivia Miles shares her excitement as teammate Maddy Westbeld returns from injury

Olivia Miles was thrilled to welcome back her teammate, senior Maddy Westbeld, who had also been sidelined by an injury. Westbeld made her return in the North Carolina game after missing the first 13 games of the season due to foot surgery.

"Maddy brings a leadership that is unexplainable," Miles said postgame (3:14). "Just her presence on the floor really calmed us down, knowing I could go to her, rely on her.

"It's tough for her to get comfortable, but she's always there to lead us. That pays dividends when we want to go to the national championship and aim for Tampa. She's just very important for our team, and we're very excited to have her back."

Westbeld came off the bench for 13 minutes against UNC in Chapel Hill and contributed 1 rebound, 1 steal and 1 block.

Meanwhile, Olivia Miles played 37 minutes, producing 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Sophomore sensation Hannah Hidalgo once again led Notre Dame in scoring with 24 points to go along with five assists and three rebounds. The Irish (12-2, 3-0 ACC) will host Wake Forest next on Thursday.