Arizona State University's head coach Molly Miller may not be spending March Madness exactly how she'd like to be (coaching a team that's heading for a championship), but she's making the most of the fact that the women's Final Four will be hosted in the state this coming weekend. Miller's Tempe Tip-Off is a six-hour celebration of all things college basketball, and will take place on Saturday, April 4, at The Yard at Farmer Arts District.
Tickets for Miller's event, which begins at 3:30 pm MST and runs until 9:30 pm MST, are available on Eventbrite.
Though the event is billed as a party, it's also a benefit for the Lapan Sunshine Foundation, which Miller told High Post Hoops is "really near and dear to my heart." The day will be a "big celebration of hoops," she added. "It's going to be the first of its kind for a Championship party celerbation."
A TV showing the men's Final Four games in Indianapolis will be set up, and there will be a ton of food and beverages, as well as photo aopportunities. "It's ust a lot of fun, food, networking, and games benefitting the foundation, and also just a chance to get in a high energy atmosphere and meet new friends, or meet with old friends," she added.
The Lapan Sunshine Foundation meets a crucial need
The Lapan Sunshine Foundation provides scholarships for students from underserved communties throughout the state of Arizona. Students also receive mentorship as they determine what they hope to study and pursue; as the organization notes, "Our aim is to level the playing field, and empower our students to confidently pursue their dreams."
Molly Miller is looking forward to a strong 2026-27 season
Miller will be hosting the event on Saturday, which may give attendees the opportunity to talk to her about what's coming for her team next season.
While speaking to High Post Hoops this week, she made it clear that her first season at ASU provided a foundation that will only help the team continue to grow. "So now it's about just building that, building on that — which we have had immediate competitiveness. That's going to lead to long-term sustainability," she explained.
"And I always say winning is harder sometimes than losing because you always want to try to do better," Miller continued, a nod to the team's 24-11 record this year. "And you always want to try to sustain success. And in this environment, any year can change."