Why Mercury's Miller Was Involved In An Award Race

The Phoenix Mercury got off to a great start in 1997. They finished the season with a record of 16-12, and they were one of four playoff teams. The Mercury lost to the New York Liberty, but they set themselves up for success. Phoenix reached the WNBA Finals the following year, as they beat the Cleveland Rockers to advance. Then, they lost to the Houston Comets. The Mercury proved that they were a force, and during that time, they were coached by a legend. Cheryl Miller was Phoenix's coach , and before her coaching career, she was a star at USC. She was an assistant coach for USC after her playing days, and she became the head coach later on. Then, she made her way to Phoenix. In the league's first season, the WNBA introduced awards like Most Valuable Player (MVP), Defensive Player of the Year and Coach of the Year. Rookie of the Year was introduced a year later, and the Sixth Woman of the Year was introduced in 2007. The inaugural season had some great coaches, and some of them were involved in the Coach of