London Miller: USU Soccer’s playmaker

LOGAN — In a tied match against Northern Colorado earlier this season, the Aggies were looking for anything to push themselves over the top to secure a win in their final non-conference game.

After 16 shot attempts, the Aggies finally converted. Junior forward London Miller fired a ball from the top of the 18-yard box to the back of the net, putting the Aggies up 1-0 in the 75th minute. The Aggies won the game to secure their third win of the season.

Scoring goals and getting shots on-frame isn’t something new to Miller. The Utah Valley transfer has scored nine goals, three with Utah State, in 49 career games. In 19 shots this season, Miller has launched 10 of them on goal — a 52.6% shot on goal percentage, putting Miller second on the team with a minimum of seven attempts.

But that’s not the only stat Miller has excelled in. She is No. 1 in points, goals and total shots and is tied for first in game-winning goals.

On top of her impressive performance on the field, Miller’s locality to Cache Valley is what makes her story fascinating.

Miller was born and raised in Cache Valley and attended Ridgeline High School. In her senior year as a Riverhawk, Miller scored 36 goals and 17 assists.

Senior forward and Ridgeline graduate Sammie Murdock played with Miller in high school and now has an opportunity to reunite with her.

“She came out strong in college. Then as she transferred here, I think that she’s been more confident in her abilities,” Murdock said. “London has it all. She brings this positive light to every situation — whether it’s in soccer and she’s playing a perfect ball forward into the final third or a goal, she always lights up the whole room.”

Murdock isn’t the only friendly face from high school.

“Tenzi (Knowles), Sammie Murdock and I were on the same team all at Ridgeline. We played against Kylie Olsen, Whitney Lopez and their school, which was our rival,” Miller said.

Murdock spoke highly of Miller as a teammate.

“She is feisty; she has got some attitude,” Murdock said, laughing. “London is somebody that you want on your team. She is someone that is always going to be there for you, and she’s always going to be there to make you laugh and smile and cheer you on to be the best you can.”

Miller started her collegiate soccer career at Utah Valley University. She said she wouldn’t trade her experience there for anything in the world.

“Going to the NCAA tournament was something I’ll never forget,” Miller said. “I had a lot of success there.”

But after two seasons in Orem, Miller decided it was time to come home.

“I got engaged in October of last year — both my husband’s and my families are here; we both grew up here,” Miller said. “So we decided that we wanted to live back up here closer to family and for his job.”

Miller is glad she took the chance to have a “fresh start” at Utah State.

“I’m super grateful the coaching staff gave me an opportunity to play for them,” Miller. “It exceeded all my expectations.”

Miller was a high school senior during the coronavirus pandemic, which postponed her season and training.

“It was really tough being away from my family for the first time, training and training for no season. I just got very lonely, and I kind of just had to trust in God,” Miller said. “I had to trust the process.”

Despite the rocky start, Miller remembered the spring season at Utah Valley as “phenomenal.”

But it hasn’t always been easy for Miller. She mentioned how being a collegiate athlete affected her mental health.

“I really didn’t realize how, like, how much pressure it was being a student-athlete. I never knew that was going to be a factor,” Miller said. “But that’s why I really love that mental health is now being brought up in sports because I kind of got in a little rut where I determined my whole worth (on) my performance and playing time.”

This last week was Utah State Football’s mental health awareness week. The team sported green ribbons in honor of mental health awareness and those struggling with their own battles.

Miller resonates with that message.

“I had to learn that I am more than my sport. I am not just a soccer player — it’s not my identity,” Miller said. “I am so much more, and there’s so much more to life than just that.”

Miller had a message for those athletes who look up to her and others who struggle with mental health.

“Talk to people. Your feelings are valid, no matter what,” Miller said. “Your teammates are all there for you, and you have your best friends who are going through the same thing. It’s a challenge, and you want to make the best of it. Putting your mental health first is super important.”

Miller praised the resources that USU provides to student-athletes.

“That is one of the best things I love about the USU program, is the coaching staff and everyone cares about you more than just a player,” Miller said. “They care about your wellbeing, and the resources available for you and your teammates.”

Although Miller is an incredible soccer player, she wants to be known as more than just that.

“When they hear the name London Miller, I want them to think of a person who they can always feel good around,” Miller said. “Every time someone is around me, I want to leave them feeling good about themselves and be a happy spirit. I want to be someone they can always come to and have a good time.”

Miller and the Aggies finished the non-conference season at 3-2-4, with losses to Texas and Utah and a tie with No. 25 BYU.

After a road trip to Laramie and Fort Collins this week, Utah State will return home on Oct. 6 and 9 to battle Colorado College and Air Force at Bell Field.