The Lopes’ leap: GCU’s esports powerhouse fuels Arizona’s collegiate gaming boom
PHOENIX – With its massive on-campus esports lounge and early commitment to gaming, Grand Canyon University has cultivated a thriving 2,000-member esports community that is driving the rise of collegiate esports in Arizona.
Triathlon trailblazer: How ASU coach Cliff English became architect of ASU powerhouse, catalyst for collegiate growth
TEMPE – Cliff English has coached professional triathletes to hundreds of wins and has led the ASU women’s triathlon team to seven NCAA championships in seven years of their existence. But his commitment to growing the sport has resulted in greater contributions.
Blocked and loaded: GCU men’s volleyball on a roll as it prepares for Ohio State in NCAA Tournament
PHOENIX – The Grand Canyon men’s volleyball team books an NCAA Tournament appearance against Ohio State following its big upset of No. 1 UCLA.
Keeping the faith: GCU, others believe religion and sports can coexist
PHOENIX – GCU is an interdenominational Christian university whose messaging of faith exists in a world where religion and sports can sometimes be uncomfortable bedfellows.
Star athletes and best friends: Basha’s Gabriella and J.J. Garcia share unique bond through sports
CHANDLER – Gabriella and J.J. Garcia share a unique sisterhood through playing sports at Basha High School. With a mom who was a star at Arizona State University, the two sisters learned the competitive spirit, discipline and love for one another.
Golf It Forward aims to grow women’s golf, empower future generations through Marilynn Smith’s legacy
SCOTTSDALE – Marilynn Smith served as an LPGA icon on and off the course and Golf It Forward has served as a beacon for keeping her spirit and traditions alive behind the vision of Smith's dear friend Debbie Waitkus.
Hockey hotbed: Arizona might have lost its NHL team, but push for the sport’s growth continues
PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes are relocating to Utah next season, but the team’s effect on the growth of hockey in the Grand Canyon State is evident.
Clock is ticking: Arizona Cardinals set eyes on NFL draft with fourth pick overall
PHOENIX – With the NFL draft on the horizon, the Arizona Cardinals are preparing for what could be a generational draft but no one knows the true plan.
Pressure, resilience define former Pinnacle star Spencer Rattler’s unconventional journey to NFL draft
PHOENIX – Ever since middle school, Spencer Rattler has been in the spotlight. From Pinnacle High to Oklahoma to South Carolina, the quarterback’s closest coaches and trainers from Arizona reflect on how he’s dealt with the pressure leading up to the NFL draft.
NFL tight end Mark Andrews wants to inspire others with diabetes both on and off the field
MESA – Mark Andrews, a tight end for the Baltimore Ravens, has never let his type 1 diabetes slow him down on the field or off it. He aims to inspire others with his story and his accomplishments despite his diagnosis.
After losing players to the transfer portal, Arizona State football looks to returnees to bolster defensive line
TEMPE – Every school loses players to the transfer portal, but the Arizona State football team is counting on some returnees to bolster its defensive line.
A walk toward growth: Success of Nelly Korda, improved marketing could help increase LPGA audience
GILBERT – Now firmly settled into the LPGA 2024 season with Arizona hosting the inaugural Ford Classic in March, golfers reflect on the recent growth that the sport has seen plus improvements that still can be made.
