PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Head on over to PHX Arena to cheer on your Phoenix Mercury for their home opener this weekend! The Mercury will take the court against the Seattle Storm on Saturday, and fans are already pumped to welcome new and returning players. In this edition of Field Trip Friday, Good Morning Arizona will give you a behind-the-scenes look at the athletic staff, talk with veteran players and show off new merchandise fans can expect this season.
New Play-By-Play Broadcaster
The Mercury’s roster
looks a little different this year, with only two returning players on the squad. Fans can welcome the new additions to the team, including some pretty big names in the WNBA! But there are also some new faces behind the scenes. The team welcomed Ann Schatz, the new play-by-play announcer, who will be calling the games right here on Arizona’s Family. Schatz is a veteran broadcaster who has worked for CBS Sports, ESPN, Pac-12 Network and NWSL club Portland Thorns FC. She served as the first female sports reporter in Omaha, Nebraska, and Portland, Oregon, earning the title of “Voice of the Thorns.” Among her many accolades, she has also broadcast the Summer and Winter Olympics, the Boston Marathon and the US Women’s Open Golf Championship, just to name a few!
Welcome, Sami Whitcomb!
Among the new players the team added in the offseason is veteran Sami Whitcomb, a two-time WNBA champion. After spending the last two years with the Seattle Storm, the 36-year-old will get a fresh start in Phoenix and face her old team in the home opener! Whitcomb ranks second in WNBA history in threes made off the bench. Last season, she appeared in all 40 games and led the league in threes off the bench, totaling 44. Whitcomb also helped lead her Australian squad to a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Need New Merch?
Our Good Morning Arizona team is taking you inside PHX Arena to show off the new threads fans can grab this season! Check out new player jerseys, shirts, accessories and more! Also, Gina Maravilla and Scott Pasmore will be creating the perfect game-day outfits.
Train Like A Player
Do you think you have what it takes to train like a WNBA player? We challenged Mark McClune, Nick King, Gina Maravilla and our sports intern, Dorian, to train with some Mercury assistant coaches for a mock workout.
Introducing “Flippers sQUAD”
It’s time to get off your phone and strap on some skates! The Phoenix Mercury’s official badge partner, Flipper’s sQUAD, wants to keep you entertained and off your devices during the game. Flipper’s sQUAD was founded by Liberty Ross in partnership with R&B singer USHER. The venture builds upon the legacy of Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace in Hollywood, founded by Ross’ father in 1979. Today, Flipper’s is an apparel brand where fashion, music, sports and art collide. So what can fans expect from the squad this season? The Flipper’s sQUAD will provide in-game entertainment with roller skating performances you won’t want to miss!
Meet the Mercury’s In-Game Host, Weezy!
One person you have probably seen at every Mercury game is none other than Weezy! The Phoenix native has been dancing since age 16 and began performing professionally with the Phoenix Mercury Hip Hop Squad in 2005. From there, Weezy has coached dance teams and was named the Mercury’s in-arena host. He has always pumped up the crowd with his passion and love and is ready to cheer on the new squad this season!
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