Despite low pay, WNBA still attraction to international players
PHOENIX — In a quest for better salaries, nearly half of WNBA players compete overseas in the off-season. The mindset for international players, however, is different.
Valley diving community determined to quell fears about sport’s safety
PHOENIX - One of the most high-profile diving accidents of all time still resonates with many. “There was this ‘wham’ and this big gasp from the crowd,” Arizona State diving coach Mark Bradshaw said. “The best diver in the world (just) hit the board.”
English contingent leads Phoenix Rising FC
SCOTTSDALE — In the United States, a popular formula for building a successful soccer franchise hinges on a team’s ability to sign and develop young local talent.
Military veterans benefit from positive impact of jiu-jitsu
PHOENIX — Carlos Rojas served in the Navy -- he enlisted before the terrorist attacks on 9/11 -- and is now based in the Valley as an instructor of jiu-jitsu. He has seen how the sport can impact one’s life.
Influx of Australian punters changing landscape of college football
TEMPE — Imagine a hot August night at Sun Devil Stadium. The Arizona State football team is squaring off with New Mexico State in its 2017 season opener. Punter Michael Sleep-Dalton, in his first career start, stands 15 yards behind long snapper Mitchell Fraboni.
Athletes benefiting from advancements in prosthetics
PHOENIX — It was a shotgun accident in a small Indiana town. The guns weren’t locked up. A neighborhood boy found a 12-gauge and wanted to play with 4-year-old Nick Pryor.
As Doan contemplates retirement, Coyotes rookies reflect on his guidance
It has been more than two decades, but the Arizona Coyotes' Shane Doan remembers skating alongside past Coyotes as a teenager. Keith Tkachuk, Teppo Numminen, Kris King, Dave Manson and the Shannon brothers, Darrin and Darryl, helped him transition to the NHL when the franchise was still in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
From Ireland to Tempe: ASU golfer adjusting to new life
TEMPE — The transition into college as a freshman is overwhelming enough, especially for a student-athlete coming from overseas. Imagine coming in ranked as one of the top female amateur golfers in the world.
ASU athletes rely on online classes for high-demand schedule
TEMPE — Whether it is football, basketball, soccer or gymnastics, student-athletes have the added pressure to perform not only on the field but in the classroom.
Valley offers adaptive sports options for disabled community
PHOENIX -- Mohamed Raafat was hanging out at school and perched on a children’s car when a friend abruptly moved it. Just like that, his life changed.
Arizona Football League helps keep dream of playing alive
PHOENIX — The challenge of serving four years in Afghanistan as part of an Air Force special operations unit was not enough for Jason Sweet. He wanted to fill an athletic void that he felt he lost when he enlisted. Then he discovered the Arizona Football League.
High schools adopting analytics modeled after the big leagues
PHOENIX — Ask anyone involved in sports, and they will probably know that high school athletics often mirror concepts from professionals. This especially rings true with the increased use of major league-style analytics in high school baseball.
