Dylan Ackermann expects to graduate in Fall 2024 with a master’s degree in mass communication, complementing a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism. Ackermann has interned as a digital reporter at The Arizona Republic, BackSportsPage, AZPreps365 and The Seattle Times. Ackermann was also a member of the 32nd class of the Sports Journalism Institute.
PHOENIX – New York Yankees outfielder Alex Verdugo’s journey is a script even Hollywood couldn’t write. Facing the Dodgers – the team that traded him for Mookie Betts – on the World Series stage, he knows navigating it all wouldn’t be possible without his family.
PHOENIX – Former top Arizona high school basketball recruits Shay Ijiwoye, Trayanna Crisp and Mia Davis share how the mental side is essential for navigating the transition to college basketball.
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon women’s basketball player Trinity San Antonio's favorite part of her Olympic experience may have been the viral chocolate muffins, not just for their taste but for their significance. For her and Gilbert Christian's Caprice Chiuchiolo, the joy from representing their countries is deeply intertwined with nurturing their personal heritage and identity.
CHANDLER – Summer is typically a time for parties, relaxation and resetting, but for AZ Compass Prep's five-star juniors Miikka Muurinen and Kaden House, it’s a completely different story.
TACOMA – From March Madness standout to playing in former Suns guard Isaiah Thomas’ Zeke-End Basketball Tournament in a hot auxiliary gym, Jack Gohlke is showing that “as long as the hoop is 10-feet high,” he's driven to compete and achieve his basketball goals.
TEMPE – Former Arizona State football players Juan Roque and Steve Campbell faced different challenges navigating life after the game, and experts say their experiences aren’t unusual for former athletes.
PHOENIX – Arizona State University men’s golfers Josele Ballester and Preston Summerhays, top world amateur golfers and roommates, leverage their unique backgrounds and close bond to drive their ambitions toward an NCAA championship.
TACOMA – For someone who has “reached the pinnacle of being at the best,” former Suns guard Isaiah Thomas reveals why he continues to fight for an NBA roster spot despite injury setbacks and the league's push for younger talent.
CHANDLER – John Calipari and Bruce Pearl, along with other Power Four programs, attended AZ Compass Prep’s Pro Day for recruiting purposes, but it spoke volumes to the growing influence of prep schools on college recruiting and top high school prospects.
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC's Cinderella road story continues with late-game heroics, securing a USL Championship berth Sunday against Charleston Battery. The stage is set for an epic clash between two unexpected, underdog conference winners.
PHOENIX – A look inside Los Bandidos, the dedicated supporters group behind Phoenix Risin’s postseason run. Ever since 2017, their unwavering commitment has created a unique atmosphere, turning away games into home-like experiences for the club.
PHOENIX – In a long-awaited return to the Western Conference Final, Phoenix Rising FC is determined to leave their misfortunes behind. This Saturday, the organization looks to pull off the “California sweep” against top-seeded Sacramento Republic FC on the road.
PHOENIX – In a high-stakes USL Western Conference semifinal matchup, Phoenix Rising FC squares off against Orange County SC with a ticket to the Western Conference finals at stake. Both teams have unique stories, with Rising emphasizing their relentless spirit and Orange County's resurgence under new leadership.
PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC is gearing up for the 2023 USL Championship Playoffs, eager to capture their first title after missing the playoffs for the first time since joining the league. Coach Juan Guerra leads the team with a sense of responsibility and determination, as they seek to overcome past playoff shortcomings and make their fans proud.
TUCSON – Salpointe High School star Taliyah Henderson, ranked 33rd in ESPN's 2025 HoopGurlz Super 60, faces overwhelming college choices and expectations. Her approach to this journey as a top-ranked player offers valuable insights amidst the chaos.
PHOENIX – In professional sports, where the allure of fame, expectations and fortune can lead many athletes astray, soccer’s cultural traditions motivate Phoenix Rising FC’s players and coaches to keep striving for more than victories on the pitch.
PHOENIX – Whether it’s eating the same food before every match, or following a strict game-day routine, athletes like Phoenix Rising FC defender Eddie Munjoma benefit from a structured plan. Sports psychologists even believe that superstitions can play an important role in improving performance.
PHOENIX – Amidst a record-breaking summer in Phoenix, the Phoenix Rising FC aims to preserve player safety and athletic performance as the team battles through the excessive heat.
