Bethlehem's Tessa Miles will play both soccer and basketball at Centre College.
Tessa Miles has always considered herself a soccer player who just happened to also play basketball.
The Bethlehem standout was the 2024 Midway Student Athlete of the Year in soccer, set a school record with 79 career assists and 100 goals, had 36 goals and 21 assists during her senior season in 2024, and scored the game-winning goal in the historic 2023 state championship victory.
However, she is no ordinary basketball player. She ended her prep career with 1,597 points and 482 rebounds. She led the Banshees in scoring at 21.5 points per game last season and added 5.2 rebounds.
Yet Miles was still surprised when she was named to the Kentucky all-star team that will play Indiana June 6 and 7.
“That was not even on my list of accolades I ever thought I might be recognized for,” said Miles. “I knew I put up really good stats but since we lost so early in postseason play this year I didn’t think I would be considered to be an all-star.
“I never played AAU (basketball) growing up. I would take the time off so I could get ready for soccer.”
Being named to the Kentucky all-star team was “extremely special” to Miles, who plans to play both soccer and basketball at Centre College.
“All the other girls on the team are so insanely talented. I am honored to be recognized and be on the same team with them,” Miles said. “I play two sports and to be recognized as one of the state’s top players is not something I expected.
“I never thought I was that good at basketball. Now I kind of feel like I am equally good at both basketball and soccer. I am starting to love basketball again. I always thought I was decent at basketball but obviously others think I am a lot better than I do and that I can be a good player.”
Miles had to carry a bigger role for Bethlehem last season after Notre Dame signee Leah Macy injured her knee late in the season. After Macy went down, Miles went from averaging about 18 points per game to 25.
Miles, captain of both the Bethlehem soccer and basketball teams, says all-star practices have been “competitive but fun” so far.
“I have never been on the court with so many talented players. They have pushed me to become a better player already,” Miles said.
She anticipates her role will be as a facilitator/defender on the all-star team.
“I see the court well. The other players all have such good basketball IQ and will be in the right place at the right time,” Miles said. “Whether I am playing or cheering for teammates, I will do whatever I can to help us win.”
The all-star selection and experience has already changed her thinking about what could lie ahead with her basketball career at Centre College.
“It has already given me a big boost of confidence. To go from not thinking I would even be considered for the all-star team to being selected really boosted my confidence as a basketball player,” Miles, who has a 4.0 grade-point average, said.
