Posts by Jenn Hatfield

Jenn Hatfield has been a contributor to The Next since December 2018 and is currently the site's managing editor, Washington Mystics beat reporter and Ivy League beat reporter. Her work has also appeared at FiveThirtyEight, Her Hoop Stats and FanSided.

Players and coaches sit on the SIUE bench during a game against Xavier. Head coach Samantha Quigley Smith is looking downcourt, while assistant coach Bradley Bruno puts his left index finger to his chin.

From Chicago to Edwardsville, Sam Quigley Smith and Bradley Bruno extend families’ Illinois basketball legacy

December 2, 2022

Smith and Bruno are aiming to rebuild the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville program

Then-Washington Mystics associate head coach Eric Thibault watches the game from the sideline with his hands at his sides. His father and then-head coach Mike Thibault is in the background with his arms crossed.

‘Nothing different’: Why new Mystics head coach Eric Thibault is ready to hit the ground running

November 20, 2022

Thibault grew up immersed in the game, now gets first head-coaching job

California head coach Charmin Smith raises her left hand in the air as she addresses the crowd, holding a microphone in her left hand. Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey stands to her right, looking out at the crowd.

Inside Niele Ivey and Charmin Smith’s historic St. Louis homecoming

November 18, 2022

‘There’s a lot of firsts that’s going on right now’

A close-up photo of Washington Mystics head coach and general manager Mike Thibault smiling.

Mike Thibault retires as Washington Mystics head coach, will remain general manager

November 15, 2022

Eric Thibault slides into head coaching role after 10 years on his father’s staff

Representatives from the four teams in the 2023 WNBA draft lottery, including Washington Mystics point guard Natasha Cloud (third from left), stand behind podiums and await their fate.

Why the Washington Mystics see a bright future even after losing draft lottery

November 13, 2022

The Mystics will pick fourth in the 2023 WNBA Draft—one year after taking Shakira Austin at No. 3

Harvard point guard Harmoni Turner shoots from near the 3-point line as a defender closes out on her.

‘There’s a lot more left’: Harvard’s Harmoni Turner is just getting started after Rookie of the Year season

November 11, 2022

Only a sophomore, past and present Harvard coaches already see uncommon greatness in Turner

Yale guard Klara Astrom dribbles the ball in her left hand and drives past a Northeastern defender who is trying to stay vertical.

Non-conference games to watch for every Ivy League team

October 31, 2022

We’re picking eight games for Ancient Eight teams — plus a few bonus selections

Side-by-side photos of two Ivy League players, Princeton guard Kaitlyn Chen and Columbia guard Abbey Hsu, shooting the ball.

2022-23 Ivy League preview

October 29, 2022

Princeton, Columbia set to battle for NCAA Tournament berths; tight race expected for Ivy League Tournament spots

Yale forward Camilla Emsbo (2) low-fives her teammates as she is introduced in the starting lineup.

Yale star Camilla Emsbo to miss 2022-23 season with torn ACL

October 19, 2022

Ivy career ends for Bulldogs star

Washington Mystics players Erica McCall (24) and Sydney Wiese (15) share a laugh as they walk onto the court during a game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

Shots, monsoons and patience: Inside Erica McCall’s summer without the WNBA

October 16, 2022

At first, McCall was in ‘struggle mode’ trying to rehab an injury, but she found a community in Phoenix that helped her thrive