Friendship, fierce competition drive ASU men’s golfers Josele Ballester and Preston Summerhays in NCAA title chase
PHOENIX – Arizona State University men’s golfers Josele Ballester and Preston Summerhays, top world amateur golfers and roommates, leverage their unique backgrounds and close bond to drive their ambitions toward an NCAA championship.
Championship fever? Basha Bears charging toward football state title under coach Chris McDonald
CHANDLER – It’s state championship or bust for the Basha Bears, who are off to another hot start after last year's heartbreaking state semifinal loss.
Diana Taurasi ponders future, Sophie Cunningham signs extension as Phoenix Mercury brace for WNBA playoffs
PHOENIX – With the 2024 WNBA Playoffs about to start, the Phoenix Mercury have signed guard Sophie Cunningham for another year, but will the postseason also be a retirement party for the legendary Diana Taurasi?
The rise of Guardian Caps: Protecting players, reducing concussions but facing pushback
PHOENIX – Guardian Caps have shown promise in decreasing head injuries but face mixed reactions from players, coaches and experts regarding its effectiveness.
Faith, family and football: Brophy College Prep star Cree Thomas proves he’s more than stats
PHOENIX – Following in the footsteps of former teammate Ben Morrison, cornerback Cree Thomas is heading from Brophy College Prep to Notre Dame for football. But his character and faith-based lifestyle speak louder than his play.
Another magic moment? Phoenix Rising FC looks to replicate 2023 championship run
PHOENIX – Rising have had an up-and-down season, but the numbers eerily replicate last year. With just eight games left in the regular season, Phoenix Rising looks to defend its USL title.
NASCAR Cup champion Ryan Blaney returns to Phoenix Raceway as track embraces community engagement
AVONDALE – NASCAR Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney and other rising stars came to Phoenix Raceway for a charity event. The track honored the Drive for Diversity program and announced a partnership with the Fighter Country Foundation, which will honor those who serve at Luke Air Force Base.
Signs of the times: Arizona State football implements coach-to-player communication system
TEMPE – In the wake of Connor Stalions’ sign-stealing scandal at Michigan, the NCAA permitted FBS schools to use coach-to-player wireless communication. Arizona State is among the programs using the technology this season.
Betting boom: Arizona sports wagering poised for another record NFL season
PHOENIX – As the American Gaming Association projects record-breaking money to be wagered on the NFL this season, the Arizona Department of Gaming and local sportsbooks are prepared for increased wagers in-person and online.
Road to a repeat: Phoenix Rising FC fighting to hold playoff position after Sacramento setback
PHOENIX – Resurgent defending USL champion Phoenix Rising FC remains in the playoff hunt, despite a rough start to the season, thanks to some key player acquisitions and a coaching change.
‘Let’s do it again’: Phoenix Mercury aim to channel 2014 championship spirit for another title
PHOENIX – Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner are the only threads connecting the Mercury to their last WNBA championship team. During a ceremony to celebrate that 2014 title, Taurasi told fans, “Let’s do it again.”
Never forgotten: Tucsonans honor fallen first responders at 9/11 Tower Challenge
TUCSON – Tucson firefighters, police officers and citizens came together at the Tucson Convention Center, climbing more than 2,000 steps to honor fallen heroes at the 9/11 Tower Challenge.