What may have started as a simple Instagram post has now blossomed into one of the feel-good stories of the offseason
Olivia Miles and Maddy Westbeld’s shared moment was more than just a glimpse into their offseason—it was a celebration of friendship, community, and personal expression.
Whether you’re a TCU fan excited for Miles’ arrival, a Notre Dame supporter reminiscing about the past, or a general basketball lover, this moment served as a reminder of why we follow the game: for the people, the stories, and the joy it brings—on and off the court.
As the 2025 basketball season continues, both Maddy Westbeld and Olivia Miles are writing new chapters in their respective stories.
One is navigating the challenges of a rookie year in the WNBA; the other is preparing for a final college campaign with hopes of a comeback and draft redemption.
What remains constant is their friendship — a thread connecting their past, present, and possibly future as pros.
And in a world driven by wins and headlines, it’s often these quieter, more personal moments that fans cherish the most.
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Olivia Miles and Maddy Westbeld Take Center Stage
The college basketball offseason is a time of transformation, reflection, and—sometimes—revelation.1
For TCU Horned Frogs guard Olivia Miles, the months away from the hardwood are proving to be just as eventful as any regular season campaign.
Recently, Miles took to Instagram to share some heartfelt snapshots with WNBA rookie Maddy Westbeld, and the post quickly became a viral moment in the women’s basketball community.
From the caption to the reactions, the post wasn’t just about friendship or offseason bonding—it sparked waves of excitement, speculation, and pure support from fans and former teammates. Here’s a deep dive into this offseason moment that captured the hearts of many and set social media buzzing.
A Picture Worth a Thousand Words: Olivia Miles’ Instagram Reveal
On a seemingly casual Friday, Olivia Miles uploaded a carousel of photos featuring herself and Maddy Westbeld to her Instagram account (@oliviamiles).
Accompanied by the simple caption “POV🫂,” the images felt personal, affectionate, and celebratory. The embrace between Miles and Westbeld was warm and intimate, sparking speculation that the post may be more than just a display of friendship.
While neither Miles nor Westbeld explicitly confirmed the nature of their relationship, fans and followers quickly labeled it a “hard launch”—a term popularized on social media to refer to the public reveal of a romantic relationship.
Kylee Watson Steals the Comments Section
Among the first to react with sheer enthusiasm was Kylee Watson, a former Notre Dame Fighting Irish teammate.
Watson flooded the comments with multiple emotional and lighthearted responses, adding fuel to the “hard launch” conversation.
Her comments ranged from “AND THE HARD LAUNCHHHH I’M IN TEARS,” to “I love youuuuu, my Olivia Milesssss,” and even a humorous “Leetleeee Beeannnnn.”
Watson wasn’t just vocal in the comments—she also reposted Miles’ photos on her Instagram story, adding: “This lowkey a hard launch and I am here for it!!!!!!!” Her enthusiastic and loving support seemed to validate what fans were already suspecting: there’s something special between Miles and Westbeld.
Dominique Darius Joins the Chorus
Another former NCAA star who chimed in was Dominique Darius, previously of the USC Trojans. Her simple yet impactful comment—“Hard launchhhhh”—added to the growing list of excited reactions.
Darius’ acknowledgment further amplified the buzz and cemented this moment as one of the offseason’s most talked-about social media moments in women’s basketball.
Maddy Westbeld: Rookie Steps into the WNBA
Maddy Westbeld, like Miles, was a crucial member of the 2024-25 Notre Dame team.2
A versatile forward known for her scoring, rebounding, and high basketball IQ, Westbeld declared for the WNBA after her senior season and now begins her professional journey.
Though early into her WNBA career, she’s already gained attention not just for her game but for her strong presence and leadership qualities—traits that made her such a valued teammate at Notre Dame.
Her off-court bond with Miles, showcased so publicly, only adds to her rising profile. The basketball world is watching not just her professional development but the heartwarming friendships and relationships that define the game behind the scenes.
Social Media as a New Arena
The reaction to Miles and Westbeld’s post shows just how influential social media has become in shaping the narratives around college and professional athletes.
Whether it’s a recruiting announcement, a transfer decision, or a “hard launch,” platforms like Instagram offer athletes a direct line to their fans—and vice versa.
For Miles, this wasn’t just an offseason update. It was a cultural moment, demonstrating how much attention women’s basketball continues to garner, both on and off the court.
Fans are invested not only in the stats and scores but also in the personalities, connections, and stories that give life to the sport.
Maddy Westbeld: The Legacy of Notre Dame’s 2024-25 Team
The 2024-25 Notre Dame Fighting Irish finished their season with a 28-6 overall record and a dominant 16-2 run in ACC play.3
Though their NCAA tournament run ended in the Sweet 16, the team remains one of the most memorable in recent years due to its mix of experience, talent, and leadership.
With players like Miles and Westbeld leading the way, the Fighting Irish were known for their unity, grit, and on-court chemistry.
That chemistry clearly extended beyond the hardwood.
The comments and reactions to the Instagram post show that the connections formed during those seasons have stood the test of time—even as the players have moved on to new chapters in their careers.
Building a New Chapter at TCU
Miles now heads into a new season with the TCU Horned Frogs, looking to make an impact in the Big 12.
Known for her aggressive drives, no-look passes, and clutch plays, Miles is expected to be a game-changer for the Horned Frogs.
With her experience and proven ability in high-pressure situations, she brings a winning mindset that could elevate TCU’s program to new heights.
Off the court, this new chapter also appears to include meaningful personal relationships—highlighted by her continued bond with Westbeld, even as their professional paths diverge.
Women’s Basketball and Visibility
The buzz surrounding Miles and Westbeld’s Instagram post highlights a broader trend: the increasing visibility and cultural relevance of women’s basketball.
In a time where NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, transfers, and social media presence carry significant weight, the personal lives of female athletes are garnering just as much attention as their performances on the court.
It also speaks to a growing culture of support and authenticity in women’s sports.
Whether it’s teammates cheering each other on, fans celebrating milestones, or players feeling empowered to share their personal lives, this era of women’s hoops is one of unprecedented openness and engagement.
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Maddy Westbeld Reacts to Olivia Miles’ Instagram Dump Post
When Olivia Miles shared a carefully curated Instagram dump that captured snippets of her life, the post quickly caught the attention of former teammates, fans, and friends alike.
Among those who responded was her longtime Notre Dame teammate and current WNBA player, Maddy Westbeld.
What made the exchange stand out was the warm, witty five-word comment that Westbeld left under the post:
“Bean’s mom posted you finally!”
But beyond that playful note, the moment underscores the ongoing friendship between two of the most talented players to come through the Notre Dame women’s basketball program in recent years.
Their careers may now be headed in different directions, but their bond remains visible to fans.
The Five-Word Comment That Caught Attention
Olivia Miles’ Instagram dump included various photos from her life — some personal, some reflective — and one in particular that featured Maddy Westbeld.
This prompted Westbeld’s short but meaningful comment:
“Bean’s mom posted you finally!”
To those outside their inner circle, the line might seem cryptic, but within the context of close-knit friendships and locker room culture, it reveals a mix of inside humor, affection, and the shared experiences of college basketball.
“Bean” is likely a nickname, possibly referring to a pet or even an inside joke between Miles and Westbeld. Either way, Westbeld’s reaction not only brought attention to the post but added an authentic touch of humor and sentiment.
A Heartfelt Repost: Keeping the Bond Alive
Maddy Westbeld didn’t stop at just a comment. She also shared Miles’ post to her Instagram story, choosing a selfie of the two as the highlighted image.
In the world of social media, that small gesture carried significant weight. For fans, it was an affirmation that their camaraderie is alive and well, even as they each tread new professional paths.
This also exemplifies how female athletes support and uplift one another, especially in high-visibility platforms like Instagram.
In the age of personal branding and fan engagement, social media serves as both a memory book and a communication channel for athletes like Miles and Westbeld to share their journey with fans and peers.
Maddy Westbeld’s Draft Moment
A New Chapter Begins
Being selected in the second round of the WNBA Draft is no small feat.
For Maddy Westbeld, it was the culmination of a collegiate journey that began at Notre Dame and included highs like double-digit scoring averages, strong defensive play, and multiple tournament appearances.
Known for her versatility — able to guard multiple positions and stretch the floor — Westbeld’s game is well-suited for the modern WNBA.
Though she’s had a quiet start statistically, rookies often face an adjustment period when transitioning to the league.
For Westbeld, the current challenge is carving out a role on a Sky team full of fresh faces and shifting dynamics. Her path forward will likely involve a mix of development minutes, practice grind, and occasional flashes in game play.
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Olivia Miles: The Star Who Still Shines
- While Westbeld is adjusting to the pro game, Olivia Miles is reintroducing herself to college basketball fans at TCU.
- Despite dealing with injuries and setbacks at Notre Dame, Miles’ talent has never been in question. Her vision, court awareness, and flair make her one of the most exciting guards in the country.
- A fresh environment in Fort Worth could be just what she needs to reboot her career and elevate her draft stock for 2026.
- Miles’ ability to dominate games with her passing and perimeter scoring has always drawn attention.
- Now, with a new coach and system, she may have the opportunity to become the focal point of a team that plays to her strengths. TCU fans are undoubtedly thrilled to have a player of her caliber joining their program.
- For Notre Dame women’s basketball fans, the ongoing friendship between Miles and Westbeld is a source of pride.
- During their time in South Bend, the two helped restore the program’s competitive spirit. Their chemistry on the court — with Miles orchestrating the offense and Westbeld finishing in the paint or spacing the floor — was palpable.
- Off the court, they cultivated a friendship that remains intact today. Whether it’s through social media banter, shared photos, or public support, it’s clear that their connection was forged by more than just wins and losses.
- It’s about shared experiences, late-night bus rides, and long practices that created a bond that can withstand new teams, cities, and challenges.
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