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, FanSided, Power Plays and Princeton Alumni Weekly.

Three side-by-side photos of Megan McConnell, Suzie McConnell Serio and Kathy McConnell-Miller dribbling the ball as college players. McConnell Serio's photo is in black and white and shows her pointing with her off hand.

‘She’s a McConnell’: Inside the statistics of one of the nation’s most impactful basketball families

January 1, 2023

Duquesne’s Megan McConnell is the family’s latest in a long line of women’s college basketball players

Maryland guard Abby Meyers drives to the basket with her right hand as South Carolina guard Zia Cooke tries to stay with her in the lane.

‘We need that’: Maryland’s Abby Meyers is picking up right where she left off at Princeton

December 17, 2022

Along with being the Terps’ second-leading scorer, Meyers has brought leadership and an unmistakable joy to College Park

A view of part of the court at the Entertainment and Sports Arena, including one basket and most of the lane, plus the Washington Mystics' name on the baseline.

Five Washington Mystics games to watch in 2023

December 11, 2022

Eric Thibault’s debut, revenge, a pivotal West Coast trip and more

Princeton head coach Carla Berube is shown in profile, smiling and clapping during a game against UConn.

Even in defeat, Princeton’s Carla Berube savors ‘awesome’ UConn homecoming

December 10, 2022

There was pride on both sides as Berube and Princeton gave UConn all it could handle

Brown guard Grace Arnolie (left) and Yale guard Nyla McGill (right) handle the ball for their respective teams.

Eight Ivy League players who have surprised this season

December 4, 2022

Rookie standouts, sophomores making leaps and a senior coming into her own

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