Brett Lapinski
Brett Lapinski(he/him)
Sports Reporter, Phoenix

Brett Lapinski expects to graduate in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism. Lapinski interned at Varsity Sports Show, where he was a digital reporter/social media producer.

Latest from Brett Lapinski

Sporting a greener future: U.S. arenas, stadiums tackle carbon footprint to score environmental wins

PHOENIX – Sports venues are going green by pioneering sustainable design and retrofitting older stadiums with eco-friendly technologies to reduce their environmental impact.

The solar panel installation at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta generates 1.6 million kilowatt hours of renewable energy per year, reducing the venue's electricity use by 29%. (Photo by Andrea Vilchez/ISI Photos/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

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.

Marilynn Smith, one of the 13 founders of the LPGA, helped grow the women's game through her 21 tournament victories and tireless promotion of the sport. (Photo by Gregory Lee/Fairfax Media via Getty Images)

Game of Thrones: Kings, queens of Tucson Catalina Foothills High tennis seek another crown

TUCSON – With the Division II AIA tennis playoffs slated to begin this week for both boys and girls, Catalina Foothills looks to add to its lasting footprint in the tennis scene with a pair of state championships to bring each team’s total to 18 and 19, respectively.

With a 12-1 record, sophomore Gracie Petrow and junior Charlotte Henderson of Catalina Foothills High School are the top doubles pair in the AIA’s Division II and hope their success will help bring the Falcons another state championship even after a rocky season. (Photo by Brett Lapinski/Cronkite News)

Saguaro beach volleyball rides stellar season into promising playoff run

SCOTTSDALE - With the Division II beach volleyball playoffs slated to begin Tuesday,, Saguaro looks to capitalize on the best season in program history with first-year coach David Mietzner and star player Bella Reyes leading the way.

Saguaro's transition under a new coach has them poised for a deep state title run in beach volleyball after a program-best 10-2 regular season. (Photo courtesy of Saguaro High School)

LPGA Tour Game Night brings together fans, pros in a unique golf experience

SCOTTSDALE – With the LPGA Tour landing in Arizona, PXG Scottsdale hosted its first LPGA Tour Game Night that allowed avid golf lovers of all ages to compete with one another in a series of challenges while being able to interact and learn from four professionals.

Outside of the three challenges, guests were able to practice their putting skills at the shop’s putting green to fully fine tune their game. (Photo by Madison Breuer/Riester)

Care to dance? Arizona, GCU prepare for first round of NCAA men’s basketball tournament

PHOENIX – After watching their initial tournament fates be decided on Selection Sunday, the Arizona Wildcats and GCU Antelopes prepare for the madness of March on opposite ends of the tournament seeding spectrum.

Arizona freshman guard KJ Lewis is among the Wildcats excited to begin NCAA Tournament play. The team opens play against Long Beach State Thursday in Salt Lake City. (Photo by Dominic Contini/Cronkite News)

Rocky Mountain high: Colorado’s hitting soars during spring training

SCOTTSDALE – Through their first 19 games of spring training, the Colorado Rockies have been lighting it up at the plate, which is a massive turnaround from the 2023 MLB season.

Left fielder Jordan Beck, arguably the Rockies’ best hitting during spring training, ropes an RBI single in a Rockies recent win over the Milwaukee Brewers. Ranked as the 81st-best prospect in baseball, Beck will look to continue his monstrous hitting in the team’s Spring Breakout game versus the Arizona Diamondbacks on March 16. (Photo by Brett Lapinski/Cronkite News)

Phoenix adds 2027 NBA All-Star Game to its list of star-studded sporting events

PHOENIX – With Phoenix set to host the 2027 NBA All Star Game, the city adds another star-studded event to the list, while Suns owner Mat Ishbia and NBA commissioner Adam Silver look to create the perfect experience for a community that has not had the game since 2009.


Hungry Giants: Top Arizona high school softball teams ready for regular season following Lion Country Classic

MESA – With the Arizona high school softball season slated to start this week, the Lion Country Classic hosted some of the biggest names to watch throughout the season.


Gator greats: Xavier College Prep’s ongoing sports dynasty is decades in the making

PHOENIX – Through history, tradition, family and immense talent, Xavier College Prep has established itself as the greatest dynasty in Arizona high school sports with no sign of stopping anytime soon.


Former LPGA tour player Tina Barrett carves new legacy as Ottawa University – Arizona coach

PHOENIX – Ottawa University - Arizona men’s and women’s golf coach Tina Barrett continues her post-LPGA tour legacy by breaking social norms, winning championships and providing everlasting advice for those around her.