• Slug: Sports-Phoenix Rising Postseason, 1,000 words.
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By Cooper Burns
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – On a cold November night in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, in 2023, history was made in the United Soccer League. In a memorable match that still resonates with Valley soccer fans, Phoenix Rising defeated the Charleston Battery for the team’s first USL title.

Throughout the 2023 season, Rising was one of the best teams on paper statistically behind striker Daniel Trejo, Manuel Arteaga and Dariusz Formella – and that was just on the offense. Likewise, the defense was stacked with goalie Rocco Rios Novo, alongside defenders Darnell King and Eddie Munjoma.

While Rising had a talented roster, the team had to navigate through one of the deepest USL leagues in recent memory and finished the regular season in sixth place. Continue reading “Another magic moment? Phoenix Rising FC looks to replicate 2023 championship run”

• Slug: Sports-Football Guardian Cap, 1,620 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Patrick Holleron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When Erin and Lee Hanson were creating Guardian Sports in 2011, their son Jake Hanson was playing middle school football. Like all parents, the Hansons were concerned about the serious injuries that come with playing the physical sport.

The injury they feared most was concussions, which occur after athletes take hits to the head area. The Hansons’ apprehension mostly was due to the uncertainty and lack of information regarding concussions at the time.

This concern added more motivation behind the innovation of Guardian Sports, which aims to create equipment that will protect athletes and change how they play sports. The Hansons’ prior experience in the material science and technology industry led to the creation of the Guardian Cap. Continue reading “The rise of Guardian Caps: Protecting players, reducing concussions but facing pushback”

• Slug: Sports-Cree Thomas Notre Dame, 900 words.
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By Fletcher Anderson
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — When searching for information about Cree Thomas, you’ll find highlights, four stars next to his name, All-State honors and a commitment to Notre Dame. But to Thomas and those around him at Brophy College Preparatory, he’s so much more than what his football profile shows.

“Faith and family,” Thomas, a highly coveted senior cornerback, said when he was asked what is most important to him in life, also mentioning his role in the Black Student Union at Brophy.

“He’s a leader,” said Brophy defensive coordinator Kevin Scott. “And that to me is one of the most important things about him. At the end of the day, people want to follow someone like Cree.” Continue reading “Faith, family and football: Brophy College Prep star Cree Thomas proves he’s more than stats”

• Slug: Sports-Taurasi Mercury Future, 960 words.
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By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Will longtime guard Diana Taurasi return for another season, or will the postseason mark the end of her heralded career in the Valley?

“I don’t know,” Taurasi, 42, said after the Mercury’s win over the Los Angeles Sparks Tuesday. “The last couple of weeks it’s been a little nerve-wracking for myself. I don’t want to make any emotional (or) rash decisions. I know the end is near. When that is, I don’t know.

“I’ve always been a person that just concentrates on what’s next, and that’s practice (on Wednesday), and (a game versus) Seattle on Thursday. When the season’s over, I’ll reflect, get advice from the people (who) are close to my heart and (have) been with me since day one. So you never know, but who knows.”

Continue reading “Diana Taurasi ponders future, Sophie Cunningham signs extension as Phoenix Mercury brace for WNBA playoffs”

• Slug: Sports-NASCAR Phoenix Raceway Charity, 700 words.
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By Cooper Burns
Cronkite News

AVONDALE – As the host of two NASCAR stops, including the Cup Series Championship, Phoenix Raceway has emerged as one of the premier tracks on the circuit. Now it hopes to flex its charitable muscle as a key figure in the community, too.

A recent luncheon at the track featured several drivers, including Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney, to recognize the 20th anniversary of the Drive for Diversity program. Additionally, the luncheon benefited the Fighter Country Foundation, a charity that helps those who have served at Luke Air Force Base.

In November, Blaney finished second in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway, giving the driver of the No. 12 Ford the title in NASCAR‘s premier series. As the Cup Series champion, he travels the nation representing the sport at a variety of events. Continue reading “NASCAR Cup champion Ryan Blaney returns to Phoenix Raceway as track embraces community engagement”

• Slug: Sports-Arizona Football Tech, 630 words.
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By Tucker L. Sennett
Cronkite News

TEMPE – From conference realignment to a new 12-team playoff format to coaching changes at some of the nation’s powerhouse programs, the college football landscape has experienced a series of tectonic shifts over the last year.

And in 2024, programs are adjusting to new technology-based rules for the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, including coach-to-player wireless communication and access to computer tablets on the sidelines.

While optional for all FBS schools, many – including Arizona State – have implemented the next-level communication technology that has been in use in the NFL to allow coaches to talk to quarterbacks since 1994 and communicate with a player on both sides of the ball since 2008. Continue reading “Signs of the times: Arizona State football implements coach-to-player communication system”

• Slug: Sports–Arizona NFL Betting, 730 words.
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By Brenden Paul
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – When the calendar turns to September, sports fans in the Valley know that means only one thing: Football is back.

College football season is in full swing, the NFL is entering its third full weekend of action, and here in Arizona and across the country, the action won’t be entirely focused on the game taking place on the field.

Sports betting is back and bigger than ever before. The American Gaming Association projects that over $35 billion will be legally wagered (at a registered sportsbook) on the NFL nationwide this season. This is over a 30% increase from the $26.7 billion mark set during the 2023 NFL season. Arizona in particular is preparing for what is sure to be a busy wagering season. Continue reading “Betting boom: Arizona sports wagering poised for another record NFL season”

• Slug: Sports–Phoenix Rising Postseason, 700 words.
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By Sebastian Mondaca Sepulveda
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – With only eight games left in the regular season, Phoenix Rising FC is battling to secure a playoff spot in the USL Championship. Despite Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to Sacramento Republic FC, the defending champions remain in seventh place in the Western Conference.

The loss comes after a stretch of promising form, including two consecutive wins and five clean sheets in their last six matches. Interim coach Diego Gómez, who took over after the firing of Danny Stone, has been instrumental in turning Rising’s season around.

The club started the year with high expectations following its inspiring underdog run to the USL Championship in 2023. However, early results fell far short of those expectations. Continue reading “Road to a repeat: Phoenix Rising FC fighting to hold playoff position after Sacramento setback”

• Slug: Sports–Phoenix Mercury Reunion, 900 words.
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By Aya Abdeen
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner and guard Diana Taurasi are the only two active Mercury players who were on the 2014 WNBA championship team.

Toward the end of a ceremony Friday to honor that group, Taurasi told the crowd at Footprint Center, “Let’s do it again.”

The Mercury have been trying to do it again ever since that 2014 championship, and this year’s club hopes to use that season as motivation to add the organization’s fourth WNBA trophy this season. Continue reading “‘Let’s do it again’: Phoenix Mercury aim to channel 2014 championship spirit for another title”

• Slug: Sports–Phoenix Mercury Reunion, 770 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Anne-Marie Iemmolo
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – In the decade following the Phoenix Mercury’s 2014 championship win, the members of that team have continued their basketball legacies both on and off the court.

The Mercury celebrated the 10th anniversary of their third – and most recent – championship Friday after the team’s 88-69 home loss to the Connecticut Sun. It was the first time the team had reunited since Phoenix won the title 10 years ago.

The reunion featured current players Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, former Mercury players who were members of the 2014 team – including star forward Penny Taylor – along with Connecticut wing DeWanna Bonner, who was a member of two Mercury championship teams, including the 2014 squad. Continue reading “‘Forever family’: 2014 Phoenix Mercury championship team reunites to celebrate 10th anniversary”