Arizona Rattlers aim for IFL postseason push with win-first mentality

GLENDALE – The Arizona Rattlers, under the leadership of coach Kevin Guy, are making a late-season push for the Indoor Football League playoffs with a 9-5 record and two crucial games remaining in their regular season.

The Arizona Rattlers warm up before a game against the Northern Arizona Wranglers on June 15, embodying their win-first mentality as they aim for the playoffs. (Photo by Dylan Slager/Cronkite News)

State Farm Stadium set for world-class soccer matches in historic Copa América

GLENDALE – The world's oldest international soccer tournament is coming to the Valley. Copa América is headed to State Farm Stadium, with the first of three big matchups on Friday, featuring the best countries and players in the world.

In 2016, the United States hosted the Copa América Centenario, marking the first time North and Central American teams competed alongside South America's elite. (Photo by Norman Hall/LatinContent via Getty Images)

Phoenix Suns snag Virginia defensive standout Dunn, former Desert Vista center Ighodaro in NBA Draft

PHOENIX – The Suns addressed their defensive weaknesses by selecting Ryan Dunn with the 28th pick in the 2024 draft. While Dunn's offensive skills are still developing, his defensive upside is already notable.

Ryan Dunn, former Virginia forward, shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

From backyard batting cages to college champions, Queen Creek’s Berry siblings carry legacy of sports excellence

PHOENIX – The Berry family has demonstrated exceptional athletic talent across multiple sports and generations, continuing a legacy of athletic excellence that began with their parents, Perry and Lana.

Stanford’s Jade Berry runs toward home after hitting a home run against LSU during the NCAA super regionals. Berry fine-tuned her skills at Queen Creek High School. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Without more oversight on doping, Olympics ‘might not even be there’ in future, gold medal swimmer Michael Phelps warns

WASHINGTON – Michael Phelps testified before lawmakers to discuss anti-doping measures ahead of the start of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The hearing comes after reports that Chinese Olympic athletes tested positive for a banned substance before the Tokyo Games.

Michael Phelps testifies before a U.S. House Energy and Commerce subcommittee to warn lawmakers about the lack of oversight of anti-doping agencies on June 25, 2024. (Screenshot from U.S. House hearing)

Nature’s therapy: How Jillian Stannard found healing in rock climbing

PHOENIX – Jillian Stannard has battled depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia. Rock climbing helped her dig out of depression.

A determined Jillian Stannard reaches for her next hold, demonstrating the physical and mental strength she has gained through rock climbing. (Photo courtesy of Jillian Stannard)

‘Is Mat Ishbia available?’ Coyotes fans seek silver lining in possible NHL expansion, new ownership

PHOENIX – While the Florida Panthers celebrated their first Stanley Cup victory, hockey fans in Arizona wonder what’s next for the sport in their state.

The NHL can thrive in a Sun Belt state, as symbolized by sun beams breaking through the Florida Panthers’ Amerant Bank Arena. The Panthers won their first Stanley Cup Monday. (Photo by Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)

Miracle on wheels: GCU roller hockey makes national championship strides in two seasons against all odds

PEORIA – After feeling underutilized at Lindenwood University, Aydin Schwetz founded a roller hockey program at Grand Canyon University, which quickly became one of the top teams in the nation.

GCU roller hockey celebrates its shocking 2-1 triple overtime victory against Lindenwood in the 2024 NCRHA Division I national championship game. (Photo courtesy of NCRHA)

Report: Alex Meruelo is stepping away from Arizona Coyotes’ ownership

PHOENIX – Alex Meruelo and the Coyotes were set to bid on and secure a 110-acre plot of land to build an arena and an entertainment district in north Phoenix. However, the auction was canceled and now Meruelo has told Coyotes staff he is walking away from ownership, according to a report.

The Arizona Coyotes had an arena and entertainment district planned in north Phoenix before an auction was canceled by the Arizona State Land Department. (Rendering courtesy of Arizona Coyotes)

From Russian detention to Team USA: Brittney Griner’s third Olympic selection marks return to international stage

PHOENIX – Brittney Griner’s journey over the past two years, marked by her Russian detainment and subsequent return to the WNBA, culminates in her third Olympic Games.

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner speaks at a press conference after the announcement of her third Olympic Games selection. (Photo by Grace Hand/Cronkite News)

Dynamic duo: Twin sons of NBA veteran Matt Barnes impress as Section 7 standouts with teamwork, talent

GLENDALE – Carter and Isaiah Barnes, leveraging lessons from their NBA father, excelled at the Section 7 Basketball Tournament for Crespi High School.

Isaiah Barnes takes pride in his father's mentorship, rooted in 14 years of NBA playing experience. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)

Family, legacy and leadership: Nate Tibbetts makes mark in WNBA debut season with Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX – Many criticized the Phoenix Mercury for hiring Nate Tibbetts, who had no prior experience coaching in the WNBA. However, the South Dakota native is building a “family atmosphere” thanks to inspiration from his family, coaches and players.

Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts is 'proud' and 'thankful' to follow in his father's footsteps after spending most of his career in the NBA. (Photo by Shirell Washington/Cronkite News)