Tag: Mercury

Taurasi marriage, Mercury Pride Night help ease challenges of LGBTQ community

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Mercury Pride Night, 700 words
  • Photos available

By SARA HATTIS
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — On Sunday, Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi broke the WNBA’s all-time scoring record. A month earlier, she was celebrated for a different achievement: appearing on the cover of People Magazine with former teammate Penny Taylor.

It was a picture of the couple on their wedding day.

Before their marriage, the two were not public about their relationship. The new attention could help others be more comfortable sharing who they are, Mercury teammates said.

Continue reading “Taurasi marriage, Mercury Pride Night help ease challenges of LGBTQ community”

Australians discover physical basketball, large food portions when transitioning to WNBA

by Paola Boivin

 

  • Slug: Sports-Mercury Australians, 675 words
  • Photo available

By SETH ASKELSON
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — What was the first thing Phoenix Mercury forward Cayla George noticed when she arrived in the United States?

“How much sugar is in the food,” George mused.

The Mercury have their own version of additives: Australian players. Four on the roster and staff come from there, including rookie guard Stephanie Talbot, coach Sandy Brondello and Director of Player Development and Performance Penny Taylor.

Continue reading “Australians discover physical basketball, large food portions when transitioning to WNBA”

Mercury pleased ASU standout Brunner on roster

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-BRUNNER MERCURY, 535 words
  • No photo

By SETH ASKELSON
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — A month ago, Sophie Brunner was preparing for finals at Arizona State University.

Now she is playing in the most competitive women’s basketball league in the world.

The Mercury forward attended training camp after receiving an invitation from General Manager Jim Pitman. It was something she was not necessarily expecting.

“I was just seeing what was going to happen, opportunities were coming, or what door were open,” Brunner said. “This one was open, and I took advantage of it.”

Continue reading “Mercury pleased ASU standout Brunner on roster”

Mercury start season with strong defense, poor rebounding

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-MERCURY START, 500 words
  • Photo available

By SETH ASKELSON
Cronkite News

PHOENIX —The start of the 2017 WNBA season for the Phoenix Mercury? Night and day.

The Mercury were outrebounded by 24 in the season-opening loss to the Dallas Wings. Three nights later, they dominated the Indiana Fever 85-62.

Their last game was the best of both worlds. The Mercury jumped out to a 12-point first quarter lead against the San Antonio Stars. Phoenix led by 10 at the half, but the Stars raced back. The Mercury won 78-72, but were outrebounded for the second time.

Simply, their defense is solid, their rebounding a work in progress.

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Mercury’s Brondello will also coach Australian national team

by Paola Boivin
  • Slug: Sports-Brondello Australia, 375 words
  • Photo available

By ADONIS DEES
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — Sandy Brondello can add another team to her coaching resume.

The Phoenix Mercury coach played for the Opals of Australia’s professional women’s league almost two decades ago. Tuesday she was named the head coach of the team that will be building toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Continue reading “Mercury’s Brondello will also coach Australian national team”