Meet the Newcomers: Q&A with Sarah Miller
August 07, 2026 | Women's Basketball
#8 Sarah Miller
Year: Junior
Height: 5-10
Position: Guard
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Previous School: Penn
High School: Xavier College Prep
Major: Psychology
Sarah Miller is a junior transfer who spent her first two seasons at Penn. The 5-foot-10 guard made an immediate impact with the Quakers in 2024-25 as she was named the USBWA National Freshman of the Week and the Ivy League Rookie of the Week after recording a career-high 21 points on five triples in a win over La Salle. Miller, who is half Japanese, was also named to the Japan Women's Basketball National Team's training camp roster in June 2025.
How did you get started playing basketball?
It was kind of a coincidence. I first started out in all kind of sports like gymnastics, swimming, and dance. Then I tried basketball and it kind of just clicked so I'm here today.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue basketball at the collegiate level?
I think I wanted to start pursuing basketball once I began to notice a gap between my skill level and those who were the same age as me. That feeling of wanting to get better everyday was a motivator for me, so that was when I knew this is what I wanted to do seriously.
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your basketball career?
I wouldn't say it's one specific person but it's more of a group, which is my family. They have always been there for me through the ups and the downs. They helped me develop into a better person and a better player, and I think that is what has pushed me.
How would you describe your playing style to fans who have never seen you play before?
I like to describe my playing style as versatile. I don't like to stick to just one thing, so being a three-level scorer and an aggressive player is how I would describe my play style.
Why did you choose UC Irvine?
One of the bigger things for me is that it's closer to home, and it's in California which is great. I also really liked the culture that I saw when I was speaking with the coaches and that was something I wanted to be part of.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I'm most looking forward to this being a new start for me. I'm really excited about that and how it's going to look this season.
What is your favorite thing about Irvine so far?
My favorite thing about Irvine is the weather and being so close to the beach. I can finally go outside without feeling like my shoes are going to melt off, so that's great.
Year: Junior
Height: 5-10
Position: Guard
Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.
Previous School: Penn
High School: Xavier College Prep
Major: Psychology
Sarah Miller is a junior transfer who spent her first two seasons at Penn. The 5-foot-10 guard made an immediate impact with the Quakers in 2024-25 as she was named the USBWA National Freshman of the Week and the Ivy League Rookie of the Week after recording a career-high 21 points on five triples in a win over La Salle. Miller, who is half Japanese, was also named to the Japan Women's Basketball National Team's training camp roster in June 2025.
How did you get started playing basketball?
It was kind of a coincidence. I first started out in all kind of sports like gymnastics, swimming, and dance. Then I tried basketball and it kind of just clicked so I'm here today.
When did you realize you wanted to pursue basketball at the collegiate level?
I think I wanted to start pursuing basketball once I began to notice a gap between my skill level and those who were the same age as me. That feeling of wanting to get better everyday was a motivator for me, so that was when I knew this is what I wanted to do seriously.
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your basketball career?
I wouldn't say it's one specific person but it's more of a group, which is my family. They have always been there for me through the ups and the downs. They helped me develop into a better person and a better player, and I think that is what has pushed me.
How would you describe your playing style to fans who have never seen you play before?
I like to describe my playing style as versatile. I don't like to stick to just one thing, so being a three-level scorer and an aggressive player is how I would describe my play style.
Why did you choose UC Irvine?
One of the bigger things for me is that it's closer to home, and it's in California which is great. I also really liked the culture that I saw when I was speaking with the coaches and that was something I wanted to be part of.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
I'm most looking forward to this being a new start for me. I'm really excited about that and how it's going to look this season.
What is your favorite thing about Irvine so far?
My favorite thing about Irvine is the weather and being so close to the beach. I can finally go outside without feeling like my shoes are going to melt off, so that's great.
Players Mentioned
Guard
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