Mercury Star Kahleah Copper Makes Special Request to Coaches For Her 31st Birthday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 7:00 AM ET

It was a special night for the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday as they extended their win streak to three games. The Mercury had an 83-79 win over the Chicago Sky, with help from star forward Kahleah Copper. The four-time All-Star had 28 points, three rebounds and three steals to lead the team to victory.

The entire team was in good spirits after the win. Additionally, it was Copper's 31st birthday. The star forward even spoke about being close to scoring her age against the Sky.

“It’s also 28 on the 28th, so I’ll take that too,” Copper said.

She also made a specific request to the coaching staff to celebrate her special day.

Copper Asked the Coaching Staff to Wear Suits For Her Birthday

Following the contest, Copper told the media that she had asked the coaching staff to wear something special. The 2021 WNBA champion asked head coach Nate Tibbetts and the other coaches to dress in suits in honor of her birthday.

"It was just my idea, just something different," Copper said. "I just got tired of seeing them in sweats, and it was my birthday. Like I want to see y’all. Go dress up. Go find yourself something nice."

Phoenix Mercury wing Kahleah Copper said it was her idea for the coaches to wear suits and she gave them a 10/10.

“I just got tired of seeing them in sweats, and it was my birthday. Like I want to see y’all. Go dress up. Go find yourself something nice.”#WNBA pic.twitter.com/dlwyaMDjhO
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) August 29, 2025

Copper loved how the coaching staff looked wearing suits. After that, Tibbetts confirmed that it was the star forward who made the specific suggestion. The head coach shared that the entire team will celebrate the 6-foot-1 forward's birthday over dinner.

"This was a request from Kahleah. I haven't worn a suit to a game in about five years in the old NBA days. I think it was a good change of pace," Tibbets said.

Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said the entire Mercury coaching staff wore suits because they’re having dinner in the Ra Ra Room after the game to celebrate Kahleah Copper’s birthday.#WNBA pic.twitter.com/ITP2yMAJvC
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) August 29, 2025