Samuel Nute
Samuel Nute Pronunciation (he/him)
Sports Visual Journalist, Phoenix

Samuel Nute expects to graduate in spring 2025 with his master’s degree in mass communication. Nute has covered ASU sports for three years, including events like March Madness, the Big 12 Championship and the Peach Bowl.

Latest from Samuel Nute

Baseball’s back: Valley’s Cactus League opens for 78th year of spring training with a few twists

GLENDALE – The Cactus League is ready for its 78th year of spring training. What’s new this season for fans?


Homecoming on the Diamond: Arizona roots run deep for Savannah Banana ballplayers

GLENDALE – Arizona-native and former ASU players kicked off the Savannah Bananas' 2025 World Tour with a special homecoming. Bananas and Party Animals players reflected on their Arizona roots, reconnecting with fans before taking Banana Ball nationwide.

A baseball player in a yellow "Bananas" uniform on the field.

Photo essay: Emiliano Grillo’s hole-in-one on 16th hole stuns 2025 WM Phoenix Open crowd

SCOTTSDALE — Emiliano Grillo dunked a hole-in-one in the second round of the 2025 WM Phoenix Open, sending the crowd into a celebration unlike any other.


All is forgiven: Despite 2024 woes, fans return for WM Phoenix Open

SCOTTSDALE – Many fans shrugged off last year’s woes and returned to the WM Phoenix Open in 2025. It’s hard to pass up the weather, crazy atmosphere and great golf, they say.


Ace up his sleeve: A WM Phoenix Open full of surprises highlighted by Grillo’s hole-in-one on 16

SCOTTSDALE – Round two of the WM Phoenix Open was full of surprises, from Emiliano Grillo’s ace to Jordan Spieth’s late charge to Thomas Detry’s dominance.


From Michael Phelps to Corbin Burnes to Jelly Roll, WM Phoenix Open celebrity pro-am brings out the stars

SCOTTSDALE – From Arizona Diamondbacks players to stars in the entertainment world, celebrities took center stage at the WM Phoenix Open Annexis Pro-Am Wednesday at TPC Scottsdale.

Larry Fitzgerald soaking in the sun at the WM Phoenix Open.

Steven Fisk, Max McGreevy and Will Chandler earn coveted spots in final WM Phoenix Open Monday qualifier

SCOTTSDALE – Fisk, McGreevy and Chandler played their way to the top of the leaderboard to be the final Monday qualifiers in WM Phoenix Open history.

Golfer Will Chandler on a putting green with a tan building and trees in the background at Pinnacle Peak Country Club

Anticipation rises as WM Phoenix Open looks to deliver unforgettable weekend after bumpy 2024 event

SCOTTSDALE – Following a rough 2024, the WM Phoenix Open will look to deliver a strong and better 2025 tournament as all eyes will remain on hole 16.

Entrance to the 2025 WM Phoenix Open with a large banner and people walking in.

Family first: Prized arm Corbin Burnes details decision to join Arizona Diamondbacks

PHOENIX – Corbin Burnes left bigger offers on the table to play for the Diamondbacks and stay close to his wife and three children. Now Burnes looks to help lead the team back to the postseason.


Nick Kurtz defies rookie expectations with stellar Arizona Fall League debut

MESA – After an injury halted a torrid start to his professional career, the Athletics’ No. 2 prospect and fourth overall pick of the 2024 MLB Draft returned to the diamond in the Arizona Fall League and continued to dominate in the batter’s box.

Nick Kurtz standing at the end of an inning during a baseball game.

Arizona Fall League proves invaluable for MLB prospects in successful 2024 campaign

SCOTTSDALE – The Arizona Fall League came to a close Saturday as the Salt River Rafters defeated Surprise to win the championship. Before the game, multiple players reflected on their experiences both on and off the field.

Baseball glove, Glendale Desert Dogs cap, and two baseballs on a concrete surface.

Ruben Gallego outspent Kari Lake to win Senate seat but other Arizona races proved money isn’t always enough

WASHINGTON – Big money poured into Arizona’s elections, and the U.S. Senate race between Ruben Gallego and Kari Lake was among the costliest in the country. But the final tallies show that a fundraising edge doesn’t always equate to victory.


Kansas City Royals top prospect Jac Caglianone makes waves in Arizona Fall League debut

PHOENIX – Jac Caglianone, the Royals’ 2024 first-round pick, has had a long year of playing baseball. From competing in fall baseball to the University of Florida’s regular season to 29 games in High Single-A, his 2024 baseball journey ends in the Valley.


Women have led other democracies, but US voters rejected the two who tried – what will it take to elect a female president?

WASHINGTON – With Donald Trump triumphant over Kamala Harris, another four years will pass with a male occupant of the Oval Office. Other countries around the world have elected female national leaders. Why is the US so late to break the glass ceiling?


Election Day 2024: Updates from Arizona voters, polling locations, watch parties and more

PHOENIX – Arizona voters are heading to the polls Tuesday to cast their ballots for the presidential election, a U.S. Senate race, nine U.S. House races, 13 state ballot measures and many more state and local races.


Back to school: Arizona Fall League prospects take college stage at GCU Park for Friday showcase

PHOENIX – In the Arizona Fall League, the MLB prospects aim to show their growth in hopes of moving to the major league. However, their growth is just one aspect of the season, as they get unique opportunities to relive or even experience the college atmosphere.

Baseball player in a "Miami" uniform running during a game at night.

Defensive anchor Mary Shroll keys ASU women’s volleyball hot start entering inaugural Big 12 campaign

TEMPE – Arizona State’s women’s volleyball team is off to a torrid start, and one of the reasons is libero Mary Shroll’s defense. She leads the 11-1 Sun Devils in digs and takes pride in being a vocal floor leader.

Mary Shroll bounces volleyball before serving at the Webb-Burbridge Classic

Surging Diamondbacks prepare for crucial series against Brewers, hope for healthy lineup

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks are the top Wild Card team, with a few weeks left in the regular season. As key series loom, the Diamondbacks hope important bats can return to the lineup for the postseason push.

Manager Torey Lovullo speaking at a press conference with an Arizona Diamondbacks backdrop.

Spring training treasures: Exploring the intersection of baseball and card collecting in Arizona

PHOENIX – Against the backdrop of Arizona's spring training season, there's a thriving sports card market as collectors converge at shows and vendors capitalize on the enthusiasm of baseball fans.

With all 15 Cactus League teams concentrated within a 45-mile radius, the Valley becomes a hot spot for card traders chasing down their favorite players and rookie cards. (File photo by Brooklyn Hall/Cronkite News)

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.

Members of GCU's top-ranked esports teams practice and compete in the state-of-the-art facilities, which have helped establish the Lopes as pioneers of collegiate esports in Arizona. (Photo by Sammy Nute/Cronkite News)

No funding, no problem: ASU Overwatch stuns esports elites without university’s financial backing

TEMPE – Despite lacking funds and support, ASU's Overwatch esports team defied expectations, climbing into the top 10 national rankings and stunning the collegiate scene.

Without scholarships or backing, ASU's scrappy Overwatch team has emerged as one of the best in the nation in the collegiate esports scene. (Photo by Sammy Nute/Cronkite News)

Cactus League announces highest attendance total since pre-pandemic

PEORIA – In its second full spring training year post-pandemic and league lockout, Arizona’s Cactus League announced an attendance of 1,630,436, its highest since 2019.

Cactus League executive director Bridget Binsbacher announces the league’s 2024 attendance totals Thursday at the Peoria Sports Complex. (Photo by Samuel Nute/Cronkite News)

Phoenix shines as host city for 2024 Men’s Final Four, passes torch to San Antonio

PHOENIX – After the Final Four concluded Monday, the Phoenix planning committee handed the keys to hosting the Final Four to San Antonio, which will host the event in 2025.

Manny Sanchez of the San Antonio planning committee receives the symbolic keys to the upcoming NCAA Men's Final Four event from Phoenix organizers JoAn Scott, right, and Jay Parry, left. (Photo by Ethan Briggs/Cronkite News)

From dusk till dawn: Gilbert Regional Park’s pickleball oasis offers electric atmosphere to draw passionate community

GILBERT – Pickleball is America’s fastest-growing sport, and Gilbert Regional Park is playing host to one of Arizona’s most thriving pickleball communities.


Freak hand injury (again) means ASU baseball starts season without Nick McLain

TEMPE – After sustaining a hamate bone injury to begin last season, Nick McLain suffered the identical injury to his other hand to begin 2024. ASU baseball is expected to be without the slugger until Pac-12 play.

Nick McLain, right, celebrates with Luke Hill after hitting a home run. McLain will miss the start of the Arizona State baseball season after suffering a hand injury. (Photo courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics)

O Canada! Nick Taylor impresses fans to north by shooting 60 at WM Phoenix Open

SCOTTSDALE – After a weather delay cut short an excellent start, Nick Taylor finished off his first round by shooting an 11-under bogey-free 60 for a five-shot lead, a PGA Tour record. The effort pleased the many Canadians that were in attendance to see it.