Sackville, NB – Abby Miller takes pride in following in her mother’s footsteps, donning the garnet and gold with Mount Allison’s Women’s Basketball team. The Mounties’ 5th year senior has had a love for the game since she was 5 years old, when her mother, Melanie, first put a basketball in her hands.
Despite shining on the court from an early age, Abby knew that the jump to the ACAA would be a difficult one. Determined to pursue a basketball career at the ACAA level, Abby managed to impress the Mounties’ coaching staff during an open try-out, earning herself a spot on the varsity roster as a walk-on freshman.
Much like her daughter, Melanie Miller made the Mounties’ roster as a walk-on freshman. Unfortunately, Melanie’s first year at Mount A would be the Mounties’ final year competing in the AUS. After graduating from Mount Allison, Melanie attended the Nova Scotia Teachers College, where she played in the ACAA for two seasons, winning an ACAA banner and qualifying for the 1992 CCAA Championships in Toronto.
Outside of their playing experience, both Abby and Melanie have given back to the sport as coaches. Melanie has been coaching basketball for over 30 years, including being on the sidelines when Abby represented New Brunswick at the U15 National Championships.
Melanie’s impact as a coach has motivated Abby to get into coaching as well, helping her mom coach middle school basketball. Abby has also spent time working with the Junior Mounties and Basketball New Brunswick. She looks forward to staying involved in the sport she loves by continuing her coaching experience.
Abby credits her mom for being the biggest influence on her game. Above all else, Abby credits her mom for showing her the passion it takes to be a good player, adding “the biggest influence my mom had on my game is what separates good players from great, is heart.”
For the full story on Abby and Melanie’s shared passion, click here.