Chris Coppola

Phoenix

Assistant Sports Editor at The Arizona Republic

Assistant sports editor @azcentral & Arizona Republic. @usatoday network. @azcsports. Previously breaking news, local government desks.

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Articles

Which was the best Arizona girls HS team in 2024-25? Vote in our poll

1 week ago | azcentral.com | Chris Coppola

The Arizona Republic is hosting the Arizona High School Sports Awards on June 4, 2025, to celebrate top student athletes and teams. The nominated teams demonstrated dominance, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges throughout the season. The 2024-25 Arizona high school sports season has concluded. It was a year marked by thrilling moments and standout performances among teams and student athletes.
The Republic's 2025 All-Arizona boys high school tennis team

1 week ago | azcentral.com | Chris Coppola

Here is The Arizona Republic's 2025 All-Arizona High School Boys High School Tennis Team, along with honorable mentions and our Coach of the Year. The 12 All-Arizona Team players (listed alphabetically) are finalists for Player of the Year. Selections were determined by performances during the regular season, the AIA state tournament and post-season AIA recognitions.
The Arizona Republic's 2025 All-Arizona girls high school tennis team

1 week ago | azcentral.com | Chris Coppola

Here is The Arizona Republic's 2025 All-Arizona High School Girls High School Tennis Team, along with honorable mentions and our Coach of the Year. The 12 All-Arizona Team players (listed alphabetically) are finalists for Player of the Year. Selections were determined by performances during the regular season, the AIA state tournament and post-season AIA recognitions.
Arizona HS volleyball roundup: Perry wins 6A championship

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Chris Coppola

The Perry Pumas' boys high school volleyball team won its third 6A state championship in the past five seasons on May 17, at Skyline High School in Mesa. Perry, the No. 1 seed in the AIA 6A tournament, defeated No. 2 Highland, 3-2. It was the third time Highland has finished 6A runner-up since 2022, including a 2023 loss to Perry for the title. The Pumas finished the season undefeated in AIA play, its only losses this season coming against out-of-state teams during mid-season tournaments.
Who was the best head coach in Phoenix Suns history? Vote in our poll

3 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Chris Coppola

As the Phoenix Suns continue the search for their next head coach, The Arizona Republic thought it was a good time to remember some past coaches who are among the leaders in franchise wins and let readers decide who was the best. Our list includes coaches who had an overall winning record with at least 100 wins and at least one playoff appearance (per Basketball Reference). Cast your vote in our poll below for the former Suns coach you think was the all-time best.
Who was the best head coach in Phoenix Suns history? Vote in our poll

3 weeks ago | sports.yahoo.com | Chris Coppola

As the Phoenix Suns continue the search for their next head coach, The Arizona Republic thought it was a good time to remember some past coaches who are among the leaders in franchise wins and let readers decide who was the best. Our list includes coaches who had an overall winning record with at least 100 wins and at least one playoff appearance (per Basketball Reference). AdvertisementCast your vote in our poll below for the former Suns coach you think was the all-time best.
Vote in our poll: What do you think of NHL's Utah Mammoth team name?

4 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Chris Coppola

The NHL's Utah Hockey Club announced this week it had finally selected a name: Utah Mammoth. That decision came more than a year after the Arizona Coyotes folded and its players and management relocated to Salt Lake City to form a new NHL team. Former Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo initially retained the rights to the Coyotes name and branding in the event he was able to bring a new franchise back to the Valley, but later relinquished those rights back to the NHL, which now holds them.
Vote in our poll: What do you think of NHL's Utah Mammoth team name?

4 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Chris Coppola

The NHL's Utah Hockey Club announced this week it had finally selected a name: Utah Mammoth. That decision came more than a year after the Arizona Coyotes folded and its players and management relocated to Salt Lake City to form a new NHL team. Former Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo initially retained the rights to the Coyotes name and branding in the event he was able to bring a new franchise back to the Valley, but later relinquished those rights back to the NHL, which now holds them.
O'Connor, Estrella Foothills win AIA beach volleyball championships

1 month ago | azcentral.com | Chris Coppola

Sandra Day O'Connor won its fourth straight state high school beach volleyball championship on April 30. The Eagles completed an undefeated season in Arizona Interscholastic Association competition (16-0), winning the Division I final, 3-0, over Xavier Prep at Casteel High School in Queen Creek.
Sandra Day O'Connor seeks 4th straight title: What to know about HS beach volleyball finals

1 month ago | azcentral.com | Chris Coppola

Spring high school beach volleyball team championship matches take place on Wednesday, April 30, at Casteel High School. The Division II match begins at 6 p.m., and Division I starts at 6:30 p.m. The D-I and II pairs championships take place on May 8. Here's a preview of the team title matches:Division IINo. 8 seed Estrella Foothills takes on No. 3 Arcadia in the D-II championship match.