LGBTQIA+ inclusive adult sports leagues changing the game for Arizona’s queer athletes

PHOENIX – Queer-identifying athletes have found a way to participate in safe and respectful athletic environments through inclusive adult leagues in Arizona and across the country.

Inclusive adult sports leagues provide a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community to compete without discrimination, bullying and harassment. (Photo by Christoph Soeder/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Corbin Carroll’s stardom is everything Arizona Diamondbacks needed to rejuvenate franchise, fan base

PHOENIX – The Diamondbacks are in first place in their division, thanks in large part to Corbin Carroll. Carroll is having an MVP-level rookie season, as he already statistically ranks among the best players in the league.

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll is turning heads as a rookie. In his first full season, Corbin ranks in the top five of WAR (3.7) in Major League Baseball. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Girls basketball takes center court for first time at Section 7 Tournament

GLENDALE – The best girls basketball players and teams took the court for their own tournament last weekend at State Farm Stadium, where college coaches from across the country lined the courts for their first in-person evaluations.


Inside Shey Peddy’s speedy recovery from Achilles rupture, return to Phoenix Mercury

PHOENIX – Shey Peddy ruptured her achilles during the 2022 playoffs but has made her on-court return for the Phoenix Mercury after a shorter-than-average rehabilitation process.

Phoenix Mercury guard Shey Peddy made her regular-season debut on June 2 after suffering a ruptured Achilles in the 2022 WNBA playoffs. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Fore everyone: One-of-a-kind high-tech mini golf experience hits Arizona

SCOTTSDALE – Puttshack – a new upscale, tech-infused mini golf venue – opened Thursday in Scottsdale Quarter, and it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.

Puttshack opened its ninth location Thursday in Scottsdale. The new mini golf experience has four courses and a mix of games for visitors to enjoy. (Photo by Alyssa Polc/Cronkite News)

Women athletes fight for equality to level playing field in male-dominated sports

PHOENIX – With a long history of suppression, women athletes are rebelling through the domination of rugby, football and combat sports while going against the norm and paving paths for themselves.

UFC hopeful Leslie Hernandez fights out of Phoenix’s MMA Lab under the strawweight division, where she currently holds a record of 1-1. (Photo courtesy of Leslie Hernandez)

Grand Canyon, Northern Arizona to compete at inaugural Arizona Tip-Off basketball tournament in November

PHOENIX – The Intersport Basketball Division announced the dates for the inaugural Arizona Tip-Off basketball tournament. The field features eight teams, including GCU and NAU, and will take place in Glendale.

Northern Arizona coach Shane Burcar, left, and Grand Canyon coach Bryce Drew will face a step up in competition at the Arizona Tip-Off, where a strong showing could factor into a potential NCAA tournament bid. (Left photo by Kevin Abele/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images; Right photo by Tommy Martino/University of Montana/Getty Images)

Mercury’s early-season woes continue as Brittney Griner injures hip in loss to Seattle Storm

PHOENIX – The severity of Brittney Griner’s injury isn’t known yet, but it’s clear the Mercury have room to improve from a 2-6 start to the season. Which areas are hurting them most?

The Phoenix Mercury trail most of the WNBA in key statistical categories on defense. The team's defensive numbers could dip even lower after Brittney Griner's injury in Tuesday's loss to the Seattle Storm. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Dre Brown, barber for many out-of-town athletes, built business from a mother’s gift

SCOTTSDALE – From NBA star Jamal Murray to NFL star DK Metcalf, Mug and Mane owner Dre Brown is the go-to Scottsdale barber for many celebrities and athletes. From a Christmas present, Brown found his love for cutting hair and using his gift to help others.

Dre Brown, who opened Mug and Mane Barber Lounge in Scottsdale in July 2018, inspires the community through haircuts and fundraising. (Photo by Bobby Murphy/Cronkite News)

After success at GCU, ASU beach volleyball coach Kristen Rohr ready to elevate program

TEMPE – Wins and losses in the sand are the ultimate reflectors of job performance in beach volleyball. New ASU coach Kristen Rohr hopes to be known for the relationships she builds, too.

Arizona State beach volleyball coach Kristen Rohr transformed GCU from a start-up program to a championship contender. (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)

Salt Lake? Houston? As Tempe shuts down arena proposal, courtship of Arizona Coyotes picks up

TEMPE – The Coyotes have committed to playing at Mullet Arena in Tempe for at least another year, but possibilities for a permanent home include Mesa and potentially Salt Lake City, Utah.


Arizona Cardinals put focus on building team chemistry as OTAs conclude

TEMPE – Conducting OTA workouts at their training facility in Tempe, the Cardinals continued ironing out the natural kinks that come with a new coaching staff and new players.

Arizona Cardinals offensive linemen Julién Davenport, left, and Paris Johnson Jr. observe drills during Wednesday's OTAs. Selected sixth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Johnson is projected to start this season. (Photo by Bobby Murphy/Cronkite News)