On the Beat With the Phoenix Mercury 05/06/2021

The Phoenix Mercury held a press session from training camp. Players, Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Kia Nurse discussed a variety of topics from very serious issues to lighter, but still important subjects.

Taurasi led off by discussing her offseason routine. For Taurasi, playing is a year-round job. During the season her job is on the court, but in the offseason, she works out daily to stay in top shape. She's always looking for new physical challenges to keep getting better.

She talked about being considered a G.O.A.T. Ever humble, she called it an honor, but was quick to point out it's a team effort and there are many great players.

Lastly, she discussed, or I should say dismissed, social media. While she acknowledges it has positives and it serves a purpose, she calmly stated it doesn't impact her at all.

Griner continued the talk about social media, basically echoing Taurasi. Griner has battled bullies most of her life and has risen above it all. Social media bullies or unfair criticisms won't affect her much. She did admit she is human like everyone else and sometimes things do get to her, but mostly she is unaffected. Griner also compared playing in Russia to the WNBA.

Skylar Diggins-Smith was next, talking about the upcoming season. She also gave her thoughts on the WNBA branding, along with the messages and public stance of the league and the players. This was one of the most serious parts of the session. She was direct and eloquent as she discussed the league's actions and impact.

Mercury newcomer Nurse finished the session on a lighter note as she discussed her personal branding. She has exciting things coming up and she was happy to discuss upcoming releases, as well as promising she sill continue to bring the heat.

Nurs finished by delving into the topic of expansion, specifically into Toronto, Canada. A native of Ontario, Nurse felt Toronto would be a great place for a team and the WNBA will eventually expand. She gave her thoughts on being involved in ownership, chuckling that the league wouldn't let that happen if she was still playing.

Today's session was very interesting The four athletes come from different places with unique perspectives. They are in different parts of their careers, but all united for the team and in the efforts of the league. It was a fun session, yet also highlighted by serious, frank discussions of the growth of the league on and of the court.

The media session is at On the Beat With the Phoenix Mercury 05/06/2021. Go to WNBA.com for more info on the Mercury and the WNBA. Check back here for my coverage, as well as GlobalTravelerUSA.com, GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com and Patch.com.

On the Beat With the Phoenix Mercury

The WNBA Phoenix Mercury held a Media Day from “The Bubble” in Florida. Players Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Bria Hartley and Coach Sandy Brondello took turns in the hot seat as reporters from all over the country asked questions.

I was an interesting experience. In normal times, I never would have had the chance to be a part of the Mercury's Media Day. I wrote about it at Phoenix Mercury Media Day for Global Women's Sports Radio.
The most interesting and important part was when Diggins-Smith talked about the social movement. She admitted she wears her heart on her sleeve, but that was plenty evident as she talked about how hard it was being an African American women. She was close to tears. Although it was tough seeing her pain, it was also a positive experience. We got to see raw emotion from a player and on a much bigger issue than basketball.
The others echoed the same sentiments. Everyone seems to be on the same page about the social issues. They are using their status as a platform to make change. They are doing all in a positive manner.
They also talked about not missing the travel and the hectic pace. The new environment allowed them to have better and quicker access to most of the amenities, like food, the gym, a trainer and the rest of normal daily needs.
I appreciate the Mercury organization for allowing me access on Media Day. I appreciate the time and consideration form all of the players and Coach Brondello. Go to Phoenix Mercury for more info on the team and the WNBA.