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WNBA star Lexie Hull expressed her excitement over the Indiana Fever’s announcement of a $78 million state-of-the-art practice facility, emphasizing its significance for the team’s future. The investment not only promised to enhance player development but also underscored the team’s commitment to elevating women’s basketball.
Indiana has announced an ambitious plan to construct a $78 million state-of-the-art practice facility, set to open before the 2027 WNBA season. This new performance center, located in downtown Indianapolis and connected to Gainbridge Fieldhouse via a skybridge, reflects the organization’s commitment to enhancing player development. With the emergence of star players Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, the Fever are positioning themselves for a brighter future in the league.
The facility will feature two regulation-sized courts with ample natural light, along with cutting-edge strength and conditioning equipment. Players can expect a full-service kitchen, yoga and Pilates areas, and a hydration station, all designed to support their health and performance. Indiana consulted with players during the planning stages to ensure the center meets their needs, showcasing the organization’s dedication to player welfare.
In addition to training spaces, the facility will offer luxurious amenities such as a spa-like retreat with massage services, infrared light therapy, and multiple hydrotherapy pools. A private outdoor courtyard and mental performance spaces will further enhance the overall experience for the athletes. Lexie Hull, one of the team’s standout players, emphasized the importance of having these resources on-site for optimal recovery and preparation.
WNBA Star Lexie Hull Reacts to Indiana Fever’s New $78 Million- Sports Performance Center
Just recently, Hull shared her thoughts about Indiana’s new Sports Performance Center worth $78 million. This can be seen in the team’s official account on Instagram.
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Kelly Krauskopf, the team’s president highlighted that this investment is a testament to the team’s commitment to providing top-tier resources for female athletes. The new facility aims to set the franchise apart in the league, contributing to a growing trend among WNBA teams investing in enhanced training environments.
In conclusion, the construction of this elite practice center marks a significant step forward for Indiana. It not only underscores their commitment to player development but also enhances the overall landscape of women’s sports in Indiana.
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Stephanie White Puts Indiana Fever Players on Notice Despite Win Against Aces
The Indiana Fever’s starters turned in a strong all-around effort in Thursday’s 80-70 win over the Las Vegas Aces. The starting unit scored at least 13 points each, save for Aari McDonald, who registered nine points in 22 minutes of action. Indiana’s starters combined for 76 out of the team’s 80 points on the evening, which only means that the four other players who came off the bench accounted for just four points in the game. All that came from Sydney Colson, who went 2-of-5 in 18 minutes of playing time. Lexie Hull, Makayla Timpson and Damiris Dantas all failed to score in the win. Stephanie White Calls Out Fever's Bench Be that as it may, offense wasn’t even the biggest concern for head coach Stephanie White. In her postgame press conference, the veteran shot-caller called out Indiana’s bench for their lack of intensity on the defensive end, particularly in the first half. “Our bench has to be ready,” she said. “I felt like our bench in the second half was really good defensively. In the first half, I didn't feel that way. You got to be ready to come in and you got to be ready to guard your matchup and execute the game plan. "We have depth for a reason. We've got quality depth and we've got to be able to use it. So if fatigue is a factor in execution, then they just need to ask for a sub and I'll get them out and get them back in." It has been a bit of a busy stretch for the Fever at the midway point of the season. Thursday’s matchup against the Aces was their second game in three nights, and they will be back in action again on Sunday in a rivalry showdown against the Chicago Sky. White, however, isn’t accepting fatigue as an excuse. This is regardless of the fact that Caitlin Clark remains out with a re-aggravated groin injury. White is adamant that this roster has been built for adversity, and she didn’t hesitate to put her bench on notice after Thursday’s showing.
Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov prediction, pick, odds for UFC Abu Dhabi (Saturday, July 26)
Check out the Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov prediction for UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday, July 26, with my betting preview and breakdown. The always controversial Bryce Mitchell is looking to revive his career in a new weight class. After dropping two of his last three fights at featherweight, “Thug Nasty” is dropping down to bantamweight. The UFC isn’t doing him any favors, matching him up with the always dangerous Said Nurmagomedov. Will Mitchell be able to go on a run at 135 pounds, or will the new division fail to produce new results? Here’s my Mitchell vs. Nurmagomedov pick and prediction. Bryce Mitchell vs. Said Nurmagomedov odds Tale of the tape I’m generally not a fan of fighters dropping weight classes once they’re established in their careers. While it seems like a logical step — fighting smaller fighters should be easier — it’s often used as a band-aid to cover up bigger issues. That could very well be the case for Mitchell, who made a splash in his early UFC run with his exciting grappling game before plateauing against tougher competition. The biggest issue I have with Mitchell is the lack of improvement he’s shown since making his debut at 23 years old. At the time, he was considered a fairly raw prospect, but the now 30-year-old continues to be plagued by the same issues. Mitchell is a solid wrestler with an excellent top game, but is fairly lacking in every other aspect of the sport. That’s unsurprising, considering the bulk of his training is done in his garage gym, where his training partners are primarily local fighters. There’s a place for working with lower-level training partners. The best way to develop offensive skills is by working with people who don’t force you to play defense, and that goes a long way in explaining Mitchell’s creative submission attack. However, when you’re never forced to be the proverbial nail, it’s hard to improve on your defense. That’s come up often with Mitchell recently — particularly on the feet — where he’s been dropped in all three of those losses. While those came to some solid names — Ilia Topuria, Jean Silva and Josh Emmett have knocked down a lot of people — it’s still not a great sign. Particularly against a dynamic striker like Nurmagomedov. Despite his last name, Said is of no blood relation to Khabib, Usman and Umar Nurmagomedov. He also fights completely differently, with a kick-heavy striking attack and only sporadic grappling. However, he punishes opponents who attempt to grapple him with a nasty guillotine/front choke that’s eerily similar to the submission that Jean Silva landed on Mitchell. Nurmagomedov has shown excellent balance when defending takedowns in earnest as well. Nurmagomedov should also have a massive edge on the feet. He uses lead leg kicks almost as a jab, including both front and side kicks. He’s looked fast against fellow bantamweights, a disparity that should be even more apparent against the larger, slower Mitchell. The biggest concern I have for Nurmagomedov is that his kicks will make it easier for Mitchell’s takedowns, especially since Nurmagomedov won’t have the reach edge he typically enjoys against other bantamweights. He’ll need to rely more on lateral movement in the larger UFC cage to stay out of range, as Mitchell forcing this fight into close quarters is probably the easiest path to victory for the favorite. Mitchell vs. Nurmagomedov pick, prediction The other potential weakness of Nurmagomedov’s game is his cardio. In each of his three UFC losses — all decisions — he won the first round before dropping rounds two and three. Conversely, Mitchell has exclusively lost in the first two rounds of fights and has generally been able to build as fights go on. However, I have my concerns about his ability to keep that up now that he’s cutting an additional ten pounds of weight. While he may be the better fighter late, I’m not sure it will be an especially dramatic difference. I’ve been on Nurmagomedov all week, a stance I’m still fine with despite the line moving against me. I’m going to add an additional half-unit bet on Nurmagomedov to get this done inside the distance, though. The best odds are +225 at DraftKings. Billy’s Pick: Nurmagomedov inside the distance +225 (DraftKings)
Yankees not close to done adding ahead of trade deadline
The New York Yankees already made headlines by acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies on Friday. That may not be their only move ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, the Yankees have an extensive shopping list. While a right-handed hitting infielder is a priority, New York is also looking for help in the rotation and bullpen. Acquiring McMahon may have contributed to the push for a right-handed hitting infielder. McMahon has struggled against left-handed pitching throughout his career, posting a .231/.307/.378 batting line in 1,079 plate appearances, hitting 34 homers and 35 doubles. Those struggles have been even more pronounced this year. McMahon is slashing .207/.289/.310 in 97 plate appearances against southpaws, with two homers and three doubles. Kirschner specifically listed Minnesota Twins utility man Willi Castro as someone the Yankees are targeting, whose career .260/.306/.399 batting line in 689 plate appearances against lefties would make him a solid complement to McMahon. Likewise, the club's pursuit of pitching makes sense. Marcus Stroman has been much better since returning from the injured list at the end of June, but he cannot be considered a reliable option. Rookie Will Warren has been inconsistent, and with Clarke Schmidt likely lost until 2027 due to Tommy John surgery, the rotation needs work. New York's relief corps may be further down the team's needs. While every contending team looks to bolster the bullpen ahead of the trade deadline, the Yanks' upgrades could come from within. Relievers Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. are expected back in August, while fellow reliever Yerry De los Santos was activated from the IL on Saturday. The Yankees still have a lot of work to do ahead of the trade deadline. It could be a busy next few days in the Bronx.
The heartfelt advice fueling Commanders breakout hopeful as hype surges
The Washington Commanders are a close-knit squad. Everyone is on the same page and pulling in the same direction in pursuit of one common goal. And the veterans have no trouble lending their support to fledgling stars looking for increased responsibilities. One piece of heartfelt advice is fueling a potential breakout candidate for bigger and better things. And based on the early results at training camp, it's having the desired effect. Washington is giving second-year defensive back Tyler Owens all he can handle over the early stages of camp. The former undrafted free agent is getting first-team reps in the nickel and at the safety spot. He doesn't look out of place, which bodes well for his chances of additional involvement in 2025. Tyler Owens leaning on Commanders veterans in pursuit of increased role in 2025 Owens isn't shy when it comes to seeking advice from those with far more NFL experience. Jeremy Reaves is among them, and the All-Pro special teamer lifted the lid on the industry secrets he's passed on to his teammate this offseason. Man, just slow down, take a deep breath. Understanding that football is the same concept at all levels, it's just spoken differently, and it's done a little differently, is important, but football is football. You're a heck of a player; you're a freak athlete. Let that do the work for you. If you train your mind, your body will follow, so I just tell him that and he's getting more and more of an understanding. Now he's just going out there and playing, so I'm excited for him because I've seen the growth, and that's the most important part of it.Jeremy Reaves via Commanders.com The Texas Tech product has been all ears, and he's putting these tidbits to good use. Owens looks more comfortable in the defensive scheme. He's always had exceptional athleticism, but the Commanders are starting to see more from the player now that the game is slowing down for him. This is a massive positive from Owens' perspective. He emerged as a training camp star last summer en route to making the 53-man roster. An injury stunted his progress, but the flashes on special teams and being around the squad should serve him well in Year 2. What comes next is down to Owens. He's giving himself a fighting chance of being a bigger part of Joe Whitt Jr.'s strategy this season. And if he achieves this objective, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of him becoming a long-term piece of Washington's defensive puzzle. Owens has every athletic intangible needed to be successful. And having such a strong veteran support system is only helping his cause. More Commanders news and analysis
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