Posts by Hayden Cilley

Hayden Cilley covers the Phoenix Mercury for The Next. He is currently pursuing a bachelors degree in Sports Journalism at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University.

What Kia Nurse learned about herself on the long road back to basketball

November 3, 2022

A catharsis in one on-court scream

Phoenix Mercury big Brianna Turner, in mid-air above the restricted area, holds the ball in front of her face while looking at the hoop. Washington Mystics defenders stand behind her looking very concerned.

How Brianna Turner is more than an athlete

October 29, 2022

The Phoenix Mercury forward won the 2022 WNBA Care Community Assist Award for her work off the court

The on-court players for the Phoenix Mercury huddle-up

What does the Robert Sarver suspension mean for the Phoenix Mercury?

September 13, 2022

Critical offseason looms, with Sarver’s shadow remaining

Diamond DeShields (1) of the Phoenix Mercury drives to the basket against the Washington Mystics on June 12, 2022. Photo credit: Domenic Allegra

‘It validates the work I’m doing’: Diamond DeShields striving towards 2022 USAB roster

September 9, 2022

A change of roles expanded DeShields game into a potential Team USA roster spot

How the Phoenix Mercury overcame all odds

August 26, 2022

A season unlike any other presents some beauty in the chaos

Phoenix Mercury guard Shey Peddy (11) dribbles during a WNBA game against the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., on Aug. 2, 2022. (Photo credit: Chris Poss)

What Shey Peddy’s Achilles injury means for the Phoenix Mercury

August 20, 2022

‘For her to go down like that, it just breaks your heart’

How can the Mercury topple the Aces?

August 17, 2022

‘We know what we can do’

What is the future for Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith in Phoenix?

August 15, 2022

Constant adjustments prepared the Phoenix Mercury to get ready for anything

How Sophie Cunningham has embraced opportunity in the second half of the season

August 5, 2022

In Phoenix, one person’s departure is another one’s treasure

Phoenix Mercury combo guard Diana Taurasi looks towards the court, while Sue Bird hunches with her hands on her knees next to Taurasi. Behind Bird stands Mercury wing Diamond DeShields.

‘An incredible ride’: Inside Sue Bird’s likely final game against Diana Taurasi

July 23, 2022

With Briann January also bidding farewell to Phoenix and Tina Charles playing against the team she left midseason, it was a night of storylines