Taylyn Hadley
Taylyn Hadley tay-linn had-lee (she/her/hers)
Sports Reporter, Phoenix

Taylyn Hadley expects to graduate after the summer term with a master’s degree in sports journalism. During her time in undergrad at Portland State University, she double majored in criminal justice and psychology.

Latest from Taylyn Hadley

Healing from within: Athletes face mental health struggles during injury

PHOENIX – Leslie Hernandez, a 25-year-old fighter pursuing a UFC contract, suffered a torn labrum, causing anxiety and depression. Amid her recovery, she found solace in watching others train, reigniting her passion for the sport, and is now eager to return to combat with a fresh perspective. Still, she learned injuries can have a profound impact on an athlete's mental health.


Tucson ruling on transgender athletes puts Arizona at center of debate about biology, psychology and fairness

PHOENIX – A ruling by a federal judge in Tucson Thursday gave the green light to let transgender girls play on teams consistent with their gender identity, stirring a debate has reached a crescendo in recent months. But the outcry has ignored the nuances of what many experts say is a complicated and layered issue that deserves more research and thoughtful conversation about the biology and psychology of these athletes.


A peek into the world of celebrity row at the 2023 NBA Summer League

LAS VEGAS – Summer league is more than an opportunity for players to earn roster spots in the NBA. It’s 11 days of celebrity sighting in these Las Vegas arenas.

Former New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez and girlfriend Jaclyn Cordeiro sit courtside at the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves game. (Photo by Taylyn Hadley/Cronkite News)

Pride Night in sports stirs divisive reactions among athletes, leagues and LGBTQ community

PHOENIX – As the celebration and importance of Pride nights in sports face challenges from professional athletes and programs, organizations are confronted with the question of how to progress in hosting future events amidst the presence of trailblazers and protesters.

In the face of challenges, courageous athletes and advocates unite under the rainbow banner and remain determined to make Pride Night an enduring symbol of equality and progress in the world of sports. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

Nico Mannion uses summer league to make case for NBA roster spot

LAS VEGAS – After standing out at Pinnacle High and Arizona, Nico Mannion hopes summer league play can help him return to NBA.

Nico Mannion hopes that his NBA Summer League play will prove that he belongs on an NBA roster full time. (Photo by Taylyn Hadley/Cronkite News)

Inspired by strong family support, Toumani Camara makes waves in NBA Summer League with Phoenix Suns

LAS VEGAS – Toumani Camara has been heating up for the Suns at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Making the trip all the way from Belgium, his family has been loud and proud at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center.

Anne Le Docte, the mother of Phoenix Suns rookie Toumani Camara, showed strong support along with family members during Monday's game against the Miami Heat at Thomas & Mack Center. "It's amazing, it's a dream,” she said. (Screengrab by Andrew Lind/Cronkite News)

Suns Summer League teammates Isaiah Todd, Jordan Goodwin thrilled to be reunited with Bradley Beal

PHOENIX – Along with Bradley Beal came Isaiah Todd and Jordan Goodwin from Washington. With nothing but high praise from the two previous G League players, they hope Beal can help bring a championship to Phoenix.

Jordan Goodwin, left, and is happy to be reunited with Bradley Beal in Phoenix after the two played together with the Washington Wizards. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Valley of dreams: Phoenix Suns rookie Toumani Camara in awe of NBA arrival

PHOENIX – With the 52nd pick in the draft, the Phoenix Suns selected Toumani Camara. A defensive-style player with a drive to win, Camara will fit seamlessly into Frank Vogel’s style of play.

Phoenix Suns forward Toumani Camara was introduced Tuesday at the Verizon 5G Performance Center. Camara was drafted by the Suns as the 52nd overall pick last Thursday in the 2023 NBA Draft. (Photo by Joey Plishka/Cronkite News)

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)

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)

For fore-seeable future, ASU men’s golf is on the rise after NCAA Championship showing

SCOTTSDALE – After a seventh-place finish in the 2023 NCAA Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club, the ASU men’s golf team has a promising future ahead of them.

ASU sophomore golfer Josele Ballester finished 2-up during match play Tuesday, marking the Sun Devils' only win during the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club. (Photo by Taylyn Hadley/Cronkite News)

A slice of home: Sydney Seigel’s backyard dream plays out at 2023 NCAA Women’s Golf Championship

SCOTTSDALE – Phoenix native and Pinnacle High alum Sydney Seigel competed as a member of the University of Tulsa golf team last weekend at the NCAA Women’s Golf Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club, and she brought a crowd to watch her fulfill a dream of playing close to home.

Sydney Seigel's golf journey came full circle last weekend at the 2023 NCAA Women’s Golf Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club – a course she played while growing up in Arizona. (Photo by Taylyn Hadley/Cronkite News)