Writing the Next Chapter: Madison Miller’s Life On and Off the Court
2/19/2026 6:40:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Madison Miller’s story is still being written, literally and figuratively. A 6-foot-4 redshirt freshman forward for USC Upstate, Miller is already a published author, a double major in finance and psychology with a pre-law minor, and a young player whose impact reaches far beyond the court. From her roots in New Jersey to finding a sense of purpose in Spartanburg, her journey has been defined by growth, vulnerability and an uncommon level of self-awareness.
Miller grew up in Hamburg, New Jersey, an area not widely known as a basketball hotbed. In fact, basketball was not always the plan. She did not begin playing until fifth grade, and even then, it was mostly for fun. It was not until around eighth grade that the game became something more serious. With the help of a dedicated AAU coach, Miller began to develop her skills and, more importantly, confidence, navigating a recruiting process that felt challenging given her location and late start.
Her high school path included time at Pope John XXIII Regional High School before transferring to Morris Catholic, a move that proved pivotal. Under the guidance of “Coach Billy” at Morris Catholic, her recruitment gained momentum, and opportunities began to follow. Yet when it came time to choose a college destination, Miller’s decision was not driven by numbers or offers.
“As soon as I stepped on campus in Spartanburg, I just knew,” Miller said. “It felt like this was where I was supposed to be.”
That feeling led her to commit to USC Upstate because of the strong sense of family in and around the program. The smaller setting felt personal. The greenery, the professors' approachability, and the support systems across campus made the transition feel manageable. For Miller, it was a place where she believed she could grow as both a student and an athlete.
Academically, she has wasted no time challenging herself. Miller is pursuing a double major in finance and psychology, with a pre-law minor, and aspirations to become a corporate lawyer. While the idea of law has long interested her, it was only recently that the path became clear. Once drawn to the idea of the FBI, she found herself increasingly fascinated by corporate law, its structure and the depth of reading and analysis it requires.
That love of reading and writing has been central to another major part of her identity. Miller is a published author, having released a poetry book rooted in her teenage experiences. Writing began as a deeply personal and therapeutic outlet. At 16, Miller faced a mental health crisis that led her to therapy, where she was encouraged to shape her thoughts through writing. What started as healing gradually became purpose.
With further encouragement from a creative writing teacher and a close friend, Miller began compiling poems that reflected not only her own struggles but also the experiences many people quietly share. Still, after finishing the book, she let it sit on her computer, untouched for a year, uncertain whether she was ready to share something so vulnerable with the world.
That changed during the summer before her freshman year at Upstate, when her father suffered a seizure and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Though he has since recovered, the experience was a turning point. Surrounded by support from her family, teammates and coaches, Miller found the courage to move forward with publishing.
USC Upstate head coach Jason Williams and his staff became a source of encouragement throughout that process. Miller is quick to thank her teammates for their belief in her as well. Ultimately, she chose to self-publish through Amazon, maintaining full creative control over her work and ensuring it remained as raw and authentic as she intended.
The response from her teammates and coaches was immediate and overwhelming. They bought copies, shared her work, and supported her openness. For Miller, it reinforced the idea that vulnerability creates connection.
“Why suffer in silence when people can find comfort in knowing they are not alone,” she said.
Her first year on campus brought additional challenges. A bone bruise in her foot forced her to redshirt, extending a difficult stretch that included a previous meniscus injury in high school. Not playing was emotionally taxing, especially after years of working toward that moment. Weekly meetings with the coaching staff helped her reframe the situation, shifting her mindset from frustration to growth.
Off the court, Miller experienced the typical freshman adjustments, amplified by being an only child away from home for the first time. She learned independence, budgeting, cooking and how to be comfortable on her own. On the court, she focused on communication, conditioning and finding confidence after a long absence from game action.
Each game this season has been a learning experience, a step toward rediscovering her rhythm and trusting her preparation. Extra workouts, film sessions and open conversations with coaches have been part of that process. Miller credits much of her personal and athletic development to the culture within the program.
That culture is central to the recruiting pitch she would offer to others considering USC Upstate. For students, she highlights the accessibility of resources, supportive faculty and opportunities that reward initiative. For basketball players, she emphasizes something deeper.
“If you want to grow as a person and as a player, this is the place,” Miller said. “You have to be willing to surrender your ego and be coached.”
She speaks openly about the value of having coaches who care beyond performance, teammates who celebrate each other’s success and an environment built on genuine support. For Miller, those relationships matter as much as wins and statistics.
When basketball eventually stops bouncing, she knows the lessons will remain. Madison Miller’s story continues to unfold, shaped by resilience and a belief that growth is always possible when you are willing to keep writing the next page.
Fans interested in supporting Madison's book, My Teenage Experience it can be found here on Amazon.
