Eli Gross

Nov 14, 2023 | cronkitenews.azpbs.org | Eli Gross |Tyler Bednar

PHOENIX – One year ago, Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll had only 32 major league games under his belt. With the Diamondbacks mired in a five-year postseason drought, general manager Mike Hazen had seen enough. The organization ponied up on March 11, weeks ahead of the 2023 season, to offer the 22-year outfielder an eight-year, $111 million contract extension.

Nov 6, 2023 | cronkitenews.azpbs.org | Eli Gross |William Harris Scott

PHOENIX – Phoenix Rising FC was never supposed to be this close to winning a USL Championship Cup. Against all odds, with minutes left in a 1-1 tie Saturday in the Western Conference Final, the sixth-seeded Rising were aiming to do what had never been done before against the best team in the West, Sacramento Republic FC. After years of near misses, Rising were looking to exorcise their playoff demons in the most tricky of circumstances.

Oct 30, 2023 | cronkitenews.azpbs.org | Eli Gross |Alexis Davis |Bennett Silvyn

LAS VEGAS – It was an opportunity over 20 years in the making, and it is clearly paying off. In Tommy Lloyd’s first two seasons leading the Arizona Wildcats, the former longtime Gonzaga assistant coach already has 61 wins under his belt. Loaded up with a strong foundation of toughness and three of his best scorers back for the 2023-24 season, Lloyd is prepared to board the bus and start Arizona’s Pac-12 Conference farewell tour.

Oct 24, 2023 | cronkitenews.azpbs.org | Eli Gross |Sabrina McClain

PHOENIX – Competing and coaching for one’s home country at an international level is an opportunity that doesn’t come around for everyone, but when the chance does, it’s special. In September, ASU women’s water polo assistant coach Ethan D’Souza, freshmen players Kat Featherstone and Ashley Ferguson were selected to play for their home country, Canada, at the World Aquatics Women’s U20 Water Polo Championships for the world crown.

Oct 17, 2023 | cronkitenews.azpbs.org | Eli Gross |Sabrina McClain

PHOENIX – Wrenwyck “Shay” Ijiwoye’s basketball journey didn’t begin like most girls. In fourth grade, she was one of the taller athletes on the court, but that wasn’t really why she stood out. She was also the only girl on an all-boys team. Ijiwoye and her brother began playing at the YMCA before their coach introduced them to club basketball. But once she left the Y, she was placed on the boys team with her brother and played with them for two years.