Molly Miller presented bold new vision for Sun Devil women's hoops

Arizona State made a splashy hire to lead their women's basketball team, snagging Molly Miller from Grand Canyon despite interest from two SEC programs. The decision to bring Miller to Tempe has already seen a surge in fan interest for the program, and her introductory press conference on Wednesday only increased the hype.

Miller spoke, alongside university president Michael Crow and athletics director Graham Rossini, about her decision to come to Arizona State, her experiences as a coach thus far, and her vision for restoring the program to its glory days from earlier this century. Here are some of the key takeaways.

Energy and excitement

If there was one common theme from the press conference, it's that Miller exudes energy and excitement. Her first words spoken expressed how ready she was for games to start, while her final words before getting into the Q&A portion were focused on getting fans just as fired up as she is.

Miller shared how her approach has always revolved around these two components - energy and excitement - because she believes players feed off her. Miller spoke about having an elite work ethic fueled by her energy, which players in turn will pick up on as well.

She also noted, comically, that she does not drink coffee, joking that her energy is just naturally pumping through her veins. She recounted how her first in-person meeting with Rossini saw the athletics director bring her a chai tea, and the fact that he remembered that detail made Miller realize he has the same kind of mindset and attention to detail that Miller has in coaching and recruiting.

All in all, Miller's press conference felt reminiscent of the introductory press conference for football head coach Kenny Dillingham. Both are young, rising coaches who instantly win you over with their energy and sheer passion for the work they do. Arizona State will certainly hope Miller has the success that Dillingham just had.

Close relationship with Charli Turner Thorne

Many of the questions asked of Miller during the press conference focused on the program's slide from grace, and how Miller can revive it. Notably in attendance was Charli Turner Thorne, the legendary Sun Devil coach whose 488 career wins ranks second all-time in the Pac 12.

Miller noted that she had spoken with Turner Thorne multiple times over the phone throughout the interview and hiring process, and that she fully intends to bring the coaching legend back into the fold in some capacity while Miller tries to rebuild this program.

"I'm so grateful that Charli is here. Shoutout to CTT. I've been on the phone with her often. There was, like, three things that I asked her to do. She was like how can I help, and I'm like really? Because you can help. And she was willing and able, as I'm going through this hiring process, she knows everyone. I know you all know that.

But I said can you make some reference calls for me, and she did that. And then I asked her, can you group text me with some of the alums? And so we've been in a group chat and I've already gotten to know so many alumni that have poured their heart and soul into this program. So I'm so proud to get to know you and meet you face to face.

And then I asked her will you just send some voice memos about recruiting nuggets that I can use? So at night, I lay down and listen to CTT right before I go to bed, so I have sweet dreams. "

Miller clearly has a strong appreciation for the history of the program despite having no previous ties to Arizona State. Her combination of respect for what Turner Thorne did before her and Miller's determination to use all of that to forge a new path will have many fans fired up.

A new slogan (inspired by Kenny Dillingham)

When Dillingham first arrived in Tempe to coach his alma mater, he created a slogan in his introductory press conference that has since become a rallying cry for not just Sun Devil football but all Arizona State athletics: #ActivateTheValley.

Well, on Wednesday Miler seemed to create her own, thanks to Dillingham. While recounting how she watched an interview with Dillingham from Tuesday's first spring practice, Miller took the football coach's words and tried to apply them to her own approach.

"He made the comment that a sailboat doesn't sail on yesterday's wind. And I was thinking, like, what would our theme or quote be for next year? And so I started thinking about the sailboat theme and I came up with, when I'm trying to revive a program and generate excitement: When there's no wind in your sail, row. "

The slogan earned an immediate round of applause, which highlighted the way Miller captivated the room throughout her time speaking. Now, she will be tasked with building out her coaching staff and hitting the transfer portal - something she said she's already gotten started on - to put together a team that can match her energy and excitement.

Once all is said and done, it will be time to #RowTheBoat.