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This past week, the WNBA’s 12 teams opened their preseason training camps and hosted their media days. Media day events serve as an opportunity for squads to imagine how they will “make way” this season — scripting, staging, and styling their success. With it seeming that the 2019 season will feature a competitive fight for the eight playoff slots, each team is right to envision its best and brightest possibilities.
Here are some of the most intriguing scenes from each team’s media day.
Atlanta Dream
With Angel McCoughtry still recovering from the knee injury she suffered last season, the Dream’s ability to again overachieve depends on Tiffany Hayes certifying her status as a WNBA superstar.
Look who’s back in the ️@tiphayes3 is ready Dream fans!#DreamOn pic.twitter.com/f0qRO6souo
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) May 9, 2019
Chicago Sky
In the Windy City, new coach James Wade will seek to make the Sky a contender by maximizing a promising mix of established veterans and emerging talents.
Nothing less than #skytown pic.twitter.com/DocDA7TdBD
— Chicago Sky (@wnbachicagosky) May 8, 2019
Connecticut Sun
Even after acquiescing to Chiney Ogwumike’s trade request, Jasmine Thomas, Alyssa Thomas and Jonquel Jones give the Connecticut Sun a talented trio on which to build on last season’s success.
4352 points, 1976 rebounds and 1138 assists are back. pic.twitter.com/mxlG7gwt9r
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) May 7, 2019
Dallas Wings
Although the absences of Skylar Diggins-Smith and Liz Cambage have dented Dallas’s playoff prospects, new coach Brian Agler can continue to steer the Wings in the right direction due to a collection of dynamic talents.
Better than we were yesterday.
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) May 6, 2019
Training Camp day 2, let’s get it pic.twitter.com/HnNMlIuvDo
Indiana Fever
While the Fever will miss Victoria Vivians’ shot-making, the arrival of fellow Mississippi State Bulldog Teaira McCowan should help accelerate Indiana’s rebuild.
We can't get enough of these two. @VictoriaVivians and @Teaira_15 make a great duo. #AllForLove | #Fever20 | #HailState pic.twitter.com/fzV8ns6OCk
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) May 6, 2019
Las Vegas Aces
Although they drafted Jackie Young and traded for Sugar Rodgers, the Aces’ continued ascendance still is all about A’ja Wilson.
Year 2 for #22
— Las Vegas Aces (@LVAces) May 8, 2019
♦️@_ajawilson22♠️ pic.twitter.com/86MhXdK1eZ
Los Angeles Sparks
The arrivals of new coach Derek Fisher, Chiney Ogwumike (sister of longtime Sparks star and former MVP Nneka) and newly-minted NCAA national Champion Kalani Brown should reinvigorate a Sparks squad that was beginning to stagnate.
Can you spot the new faces #GoSparks #LeadTheCharge pic.twitter.com/ZQxeQF4lf5
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LA_Sparks) May 5, 2019
Minnesota Lynx
Yes, who would believe that former nemesis Odyssey Sims would be key to the Lynx’s effort to maintain competitiveness during Maya Moore’s season-long sabbatical?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ pic.twitter.com/qAtVXsuVoK
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) May 9, 2019
New York Liberty
If Kia Nurse and other members of the Liberty can channel the spirit of Hall of Famer Teresa Weatherspoon, the Liberty should return to relevance in 2019.
Training Camp Season. Day 1. Let’s get it! #LibertyLoud #throwback pic.twitter.com/cjtp6vkK8h
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) May 5, 2019
Phoenix Mercury
With Diana Taurasi beginning the season out of commission due to back surgery, the focus in Phoenix will be on Brittney Griner.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) May 6, 2019
Seattle Storm
While the defending champion’s loss of their MVP may have stalled their dynastic rise, the swagger of Sue Bird should give Storm fans confidence about Seattle’s chances.
** MIC DROP ** @S10Bird#WeRepSeattle pic.twitter.com/McXZZoJTxt
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) May 6, 2019
Washington Mystics
The focus, fitness and flair of the Mystics should strike fear into other squads, as Washington’s combination of stars and depth seems to have them well-situated for a title run.
'Stics Training Camp is in session.#TogetherDC #SticsSZN pic.twitter.com/kHtXn3thiI
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) May 6, 2019