She’s the Pride of Miller Bunch

Courtney Miller grew up in a Brady-like atmosphere, although nobody ever divided rooms down the middle with masking tape, sang harmoniously while walking down a flight of stairs, or, heaven forbid, ate pork chops and applesauce.

One of five youngest-generation Millers, the Westlake High junior opposite hitter has found her niche in a crowded family which, on Thanksgiving, practically arm-wrestles for first dibs on the stuffing.

Miller’s older brother is studying molecular biology, her older sisters teach and book keep. Her youngest sister is 12.

For her forum, Miller has chosen a volleyball court, and with 47 kills in her last two playoff matches, she has been rolling up the numbers.

She’ll read about it later, though.

“I keep [press clippings], but I’ll read them at the end of the season and make a scrapbook,” she said. “My friends will say, ‘Oh, you got this many kills and your picture’s in the paper.’ It’s not a big thing to me.”

Miller is in the midst of a big run for the Warriors, who play a State Division II quarterfinal match Saturday night at 7 p.m. at Santa Barbara.

After an undefeated regular season and a Marmonte League title, the Warriors lost in the Southern Section Division II-A championship match. Miller had 30 kills.

Westlake qualified for the State playoffs and Miller had 17 kills in an opening-round victory Tuesday night over Bakersfield Stockdale.

Colleges have taken note. She has received letters from everybody in the Top 25, Florida to Kansas State.

They like her game, her potential and her 6-foot-2 height, which she received from several family members. Both grandfathers are 6-5. Her great-grandmother was 6 feet. Her dad, Mark, is 6-3, and if it’s up to him, he’ll stay an inch up on his second-youngest daughter.

“How can I be his little girl if I’m taller than him?” Courtney said.

Miller’s heritage also boasts some athletic ability. Her mom, the former Pamela Ruth, is somehow related to Babe Ruth. The family tree branches get a little confusing, Miller said. Nobody really knows the exact relation.

The Warriors are two victories from playing in the State title match. If they make it, the Millers will all be there.