• Slug: Sports–Gay Paris Olympics, 1,400 words. 
• Photos available.

By Zach Bradshaw
Cronkite News

PARIS – The LGBTQIA+ community will be a focal point during the Paris Olympics, which officially kick off with Friday’s opening ceremony.

“This will be the gayest Olympics ever,” said Cyd Zeigler, a Los Angeles-based journalist who co-founded Outsports, a popular sports news destination.

His publication, which covers the intersection of sports and LGBTQIA+ issues in amateur and professional sports, reported in 2021 that at least 186 athletes in the Tokyo Olympics were publicly out, by far the most ever recorded. Continue reading “‘Gayest Olympics ever’: Paris Games will spotlight growing LGBTQIA+ athletic community”

• Slug: Sports–Sustainability Paris Olympics, 2,304 words.
• Photos available.

By Doyal D’angelo
Special to Cronkite News

PARIS – Sustainability is at the forefront of the 2024 Paris Olympics, with organizers hoping to mitigate the negative environmental impact the Games will have and to limit the amount of wasted space after the closing ceremony. 

Many potential host cities have become reluctant to take on the Olympics because of the sheer amount of investment required, and because of the possibility of new facilities going idle. 

The International Olympic Committee and organizers limited new construction to just 5% of the facilities in use in 2024, while the rest of the Olympic venues have already been in existence or will be temporary.  Continue reading “Could 2024 Paris Olympics be blueprint of sustainability for cities across the globe?”

• Slug: Sports–Daleny Vaughn BMX Olympics, 1,800 words.
• 2 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Devon Henderson
Special for Cronkite News

PHOENIX – For an athlete to make it to the Olympics, it takes a village. Trainers push, facility managers open doors at odd hours and coaches endure almost as many sleepless nights as the athlete. 

To be an Olympian requires an ecosystem. 

For Team USA BMX rider and Tucson native Daleny Vaughn, her ecosystem is a bit closer to home.  Continue reading “‘I’m a pretty sore loser’: BMX pro and Tucson native Daleny Vaughn set for Paris Olympics”

• Slug: Sports-Big 12 Media Day, 550 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Jack Reeves
Cronkite News

LAS VEGAS – Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark opened the conference’s media days Tuesday and made a bold declaration for the newly expanded league in his first remarks: “I will not stop until we are the number one conference in America,” he said. 

Speaking at Allegiant Stadium, home of the first official event of the 16-team Big 12, Yormark emphasized the conference’s national reach and growth over the past year. His comments set the tone of confidence and excitement for the future of the Big 12, which now includes new members Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah.

“There has never been a better time than right now to be part of the Big 12,” Yormark said. “We are truly a national conference, in 10 states, four time zones, and all eyes are now on the Big 12, for all the right reasons.  Continue reading “‘All eyes are on (us)’: New-look Big 12 debuts at Las Vegas media days with bold ambitions”

• Slug: Sports-ASU Big 12, 740 words.
• 4 photos available.

By Jack Reeves
Cronkite News

LAS VEGAS – In its second year under coach Kenny Dillingham, the Arizona State football team looks to continue building a culture, even while it adapts to a new conference, the Big 12.

Dillingham participated in the Sun Devils’ first Big 12 Football Media Day at Allegiant Stadium Tuesday along with four of his players: defensive back Xavion Alford, offensive lineman Leif Fautanu, running back Cameron Skattebo and defensive lineman Clayton Smith.

“Super excited to be in the Big 12,” Dillingham said. “Excited to play in all these unbelievable cities, with the unbelievable atmospheres for our guys to play in. I think this is one of the best coached conferences in the league. From top to bottom, I think every game is a grind and I’m really excited to be a part of it.” Continue reading “Last place? ASU dismisses skeptics who predict poor Big 12 finish”

• Slug: Sports-Suns Introduce Draft Picks, 927 words.
• 3 photos available.

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – In his four years at Desert Vista High School, Oso Ighodaro didn’t need to attend the mandatory tutoring program for basketball players underperforming academically – yet he did. Instead of basking in pride with one of the highest grade point averages on the basketball team and utilizing the potential free time to improve his game, the former four-star prospect assisted teammates struggling in the classroom.

Four years later, Phoenix Suns general manager James Jones introduced Ighodaro as the 40th selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, along with their first-round pick Ryan Dunn, at the Player 15 Group campus Tuesday. 

During the press conference, Ighodora credited witnessing his mom’s selfless approach to life growing up and said he inherited the same attitude to become the  teammate who lays down their life for the next.  Continue reading “‘A true teammate’: Shaped by his mother’s influence, Oso Ighodaro brings selfless spirit to Phoenix Suns”

• Slug: Sports-Copa América Preview. 1,000 words.
• Photo available.

By Jack Reeves
Cronkite News

GLENDALE – The oldest international soccer tournament in the world is coming to the Valley.

Since 1916, Copa América has long been one of the most coveted events to win for soccer’s elite. Every four years, 10 South American countries come together and compete in the major international tournament. This year marks only the second year that North American and Central American countries are allowed to compete in Copa América.

Lionel Messi and Argentina are the reigning champs, looking to win Copa for a record sixth time. Argentina and Uruguay sit at the top with 15 titles each, followed by Brazil with nine. Continue reading “State Farm Stadium set for world-class soccer matches in historic Copa América”

• Slug: Sports-Berry Athletic Family, 1,200 words.
• Photo available.

By Jorden Hampton
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Earlier this month, Stanford University freshman third baseman Jade Berry made her Women’s College World Series debut against the University of Texas. Although the Cardinal suffered their first loss, they bounced back behind her two RBIs to knock out Oklahoma State, before earning another win against UCLA in the elimination bracket. Facing Texas again, Stanford was eliminated in a 1-0 loss and fell short of the WCWS Finals.

Despite the final result, Berry cemented her place on the team, recording hits in eight of the Cardinal’s 11 postseason games. She finished the 2024 season as a member of the Pac-12 All-Freshman Team, starting every game and finishing second on Stanford in OPS (.844), second in RBI (38) and tied for third in home runs (7).

Berry’s performance is no surprise, given her family’s long history of athletic achievements, which started with her parents, Perry and Lana, and has extended to her and her siblings, Jacob, Jenae and Jet. Continue reading “From backyard batting cages to college champions, Queen Creek’s Berry siblings carry legacy of sports excellence”

• Slug: Sports-Coyotes Land Auction Canceled, 770 words.
• 2 photos available.

By Dylan Slager
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – As the Utah Hockey Club continues its offseason of change, the wait continues for clarity surrounding the future home stadium of the Arizona Coyotes.

After selling the team in April, Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo promised to secure land in north Phoenix for a new venue at an auction that was originally scheduled for Thursday but canceled Friday. The abrupt cancellation of the auction marks yet another major bump in the road for a franchise that has experienced disappointment in securing its own home since moving to the desert.

The land located north of Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road was set to become a central hub for hockey in Arizona, with plans to build a 17,000-seat arena and entertainment district for Phoenix and Scottsdale. But in their latest effort to make progress, the Coyotes reportedly failed to bring on a zoning attorney to assist them with their building permits, causing concern for the Arizona State Land Department, according to the Arizona Republic.

Continue reading “Arizona Coyotes’ future uncertain in the Valley as key land auction abruptly canceled”

• Slug: Sports-Mercury Copper Olympics, 1,200 words
• 4 photos available.

By Joshua Heron
Special to Cronkite News

PHOENIX – Kahleah Copper walked past security scanners in the Verizon 5G Performance Center lobby Tuesday and sat in the press conference chair to discuss her first Olympic selection. Her eyes were watery. 

The Phoenix Mercury guard talked for roughly 10 minutes before the team communications manager said, “Last one (question),” to the dozen or so reporters present. When asked where making the team ranked among her career achievements, the 2021 Finals MVP’s moist eyes turned tearful.

“It’s definitely number one,” Copper said after taking a big sigh.  Continue reading “From North Philly to Paris: Kahleah Copper’s road to 2024 Olympics a journey of tears, setbacks and success”

• Slug: Sports-Cheerleading Respect, 4,200 words
• 5 photos available.

By Mohana Holloway
Special to Cronkite News

PHOENIX – “We’ve got spirit, yes we do!”

We also have a lack of recognition, a lack of regulation, stereotyping, discrepancies in funding and psychological impacts, many cheerleaders will tell you.

Behind the glitz, glamor and stereotypes, a large number – over 3 million in the United States alone – of women and men are dedicated to cheerleading. For the typical two-and-a-half-minute routine, the average cheerleader often spends eight or more hours a week in the gym undergoing intense training for tumbling and pyramid work. Continue reading “Give me an R! Snubbed by Olympics again, cheerleading continues quest for respect”

• Slug: Sports-NBA Fashion ABA, 2,300 words.
• 3 photo available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — As the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics tip off Thursday in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the primary focus will be on Kyrie Irving’s wizardry, Luka Doncic’s bionic eyes and Jayson Tatum’s exceptional wing play.

However, before stepping on the court, the superstars stroll through the arena tunnel. Here, one will witness the flair expressed in their outfit choices. For several decades, NBA players have taken pride in showing off their game day clothing selection in the tunnel.

Still, whether it’s a vibrant suit, simple overalls or a white T-shirt, the players’ freedom to express themselves through fashion derives from the American Basketball Association, an innovative basketball league that experienced its glory days from 1967 to 1976. Continue reading “Fashion forward: How the ABA paved the way for NBA style, player expression”

• Slug: Sports-Big 12 Commissioner ABOR. 700 words
• 2 photos available.

By Mateo Arenas
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – The Big 12 Conference is set to leave its mark on Arizona, as a positive early step was checked off Thursday.

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark was in Tempe, speaking to the Arizona Board of Regents at Arizona State’s Fulton Center. Yormark spoke on the current state of college athletics, highlighting the new-look Big 12 with the addition of several schools, including ASU and the University of Arizona.

The conversation covered a variety of topics embedded in the ever-changing landscape of college athletics, including expansion, revenue-sharing, and name, image and likeness. Joined on stage by recently hired athletic directors Desireé Reed-Francois of Arizona and Graham Rossini of ASU, Yormark emphasized his vision for the Big 12 as the conference expands to 16 teams starting this fall.

“I love the market, and it’s always nice to pay a visit here,” Yormark said. “I will say there’s never been a more important time for college athletics than right now … As I see it, (sport) sits at the front porch of every institution for all the right reasons, and it drives the ecosystem across the board.”

Continue reading “Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark outlines new-look conference’s vision in meeting with Arizona Board of Regents”

• Slug: Sports-Mercury Natasha Cloud, 1,300 words.
• 2 photos available (thumbnails, captions below).

By Joshua Heron
Cronkite News

PHOENIX – After morning shootaround on a game day in late May, Phoenix Mercury guard Natasha Cloud made her way to the corner of the Verizon 5G Performance Center court. While discussing her time in Phoenix, she raised her hands and drowned out Kodak Black’s music playing over the speakers in the background with three spoken words: “I feel free.”

The young girl, raised in hard-nosed Philadelphia, became a woman in fast-paced, politicized Washington D.C. during her eight seasons with the Washington Mystics.

The East Coast made her who she is today. It matured her. It nurtured her. Continue reading “‘I feel free’: Natasha Cloud embraces fresh start, purpose with Phoenix Mercury”

• Slug: Sports-Diamondbacks Player Gambling, 420 words.
• Photo available (thumbnail, caption below).

By William Osborne
Cronkite News

LOS ANGELES – Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Andrew Saalfrank was among four players MLB suspended Tuesday for sports betting. The league also banned San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano for life. 

Saalfrank is on assignment with the Diamondbacks’ Triple-A affiliate Reno Aces. During the league’s investigation, he was found to have violated MLB’s sports gambling policy, rule 21(d)(1).

“Betting data shows that from September 9, 2021 through October 29, 2021, and on March 9, 2022, Saalfrank placed 29 baseball bets, including 28 MLB-related bets and one parlay bet on college baseball games, while he was on a Minor League contract with the Diamondbacks,” an MLB press release said. “Saalfrank placed all of his MLB-related bets, including four bets involving the Diamondbacks’ Major League team, while he was assigned to and on the Injured List of the Diamondbacks’ Low-A affiliate. Continue reading “Diamondbacks reliever Andrew Saalfrank suspended 1 year by MLB for sports betting”