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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR

@macsmith413.bsky.social
1K followers 247 following 201 posts

Professional Communicator. Writer. Proud Spartan. Come for the women’s hoops, stay for the unsolicited advice.

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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
The IX Sports @theixsports.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
All season long, Golden State's identity revolved around its defense. So what do we make of a Game 1 in which the Valkyries set numerous offensive records? Our @macsmith413.bsky.social reports live from San Francisco. #WNBA www.theixsports.com/the-ix-baske...
theixsports.com
Takeaways from Golden State's dominant Game 1 win over Dallas | The IX Basketball
Golden State Valkyries break offensive records in their first-ever playoff win, 104-80.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
First playoff win in Valks' history was a statement win. Franchise-best 104 points. Franchise-best (tied) 18 3-pointers. Three players +20 for the first time. Nakase still going to be pissed about giving up 80.
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Marisa Ingemi @mingemi.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
This is how loud it is and it hasn’t even started yet
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
With 1:35 left in the second quarter, the Valkyries have outscored Dallas 31-11.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
No justifying this. edsource.org/2026/ice-imm...
edsource.org
Why is ICE making arrests so close to schools? San Diego grapples with enforcement surge
A flurry of immigration enforcement steps away from schools in California’s second-largest city has sparked outrage among educators and local officials.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Nneka Ogwumike’s stellar career on the court will always be regarded side by side with her historic leadership impact on the W and sports more broadly. She is nothing less than a civil rights figure. Having covered her since her career at Stanford, I am unabashedly and objectively proud of her.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Kate Starbird @katestarbird.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Rumors about “rigged elections" are now a fixture of U.S. elections, leading to diminished trust in election results & democracy (broadly). These rumors can sometimes be hard to debunk, esp. in their early stages. Our UW team has identified the 6 common ways that election integrity rumors mislead:
Infographic titled "Six Ways 'Rigged Election' Rumors Mislead." A two-column table pairs six labeled categories with descriptions. The first three categories are:

No Evidence: The rumor is entirely unsubstantiated. There's no evidence to support the rumor.

Fake/False Evidence: The rumor is based on fake or synthetic evidence (e.g. AI-generated content), manipulated evidence, or false witness testimony.

Misinterpreted Evidence: This rumor is based upon real evidence that has been misinterpreted or intentionally mischaracterized to create a false impression.

A black banner then introduces the final three categories: "Real Evidence, Real Voting Issue, False Narrative."

Exaggerated Impact: The rumor centers on a real issue with voting but falsely insinuates or exaggerates impact on election results.

Ignored Remedies: The rumor centers on a real issue with voting but ignores and/or obscures the remedies that would address this problem

False Blame: The rumor centers on a real issue with voting but either falsely attributes intent for an accidental issue or places blame on an innocent party.

Source: UW Center for an Informed Public, September 2026.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Marisa Ingemi @mingemi.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Here are Valks playoff scenarios after games today... - Still 1 game back of MIN, Lynx need to win to clinch; 2 games with IND If Valks stay in 2nd, these are scenarios for 7: - Dallas: W/Seattle, 2 WAS Ls - NY: W/Atl, WAS and DAL Ws - WAS: 2 Ls, NY and DAL Ls - IND: 2 Ls, NY W, WAS 2 Ws, DAL W
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
@minakimes.bsky.social such a good conversation with Pedro this week.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Marisa Ingemi @mingemi.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Valkyries (31-11) close out Seattle 70-57 in regular season home finale. Third career double-double for Charles. Jocyte with a career-high 11 points. Valks finish 17-5 at Ballhalla in the regular season.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
International basketball is an exercise in maturity. Clark’s biggest weakness spot. She will have to get there.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Along Came Poly-4-The-W @alongcamepoly4thew.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
on the topic of Coach Charmin Smith, this Berkeley, Ca event is tonight! An evening w/ sports journalist Michelle Smith & #CALWBBALL Coach Charmin Smith, in conversation about Tara VanDerveer's legacy and the past, present & future of women's sports. tix here www.booksociety.social/event-detail...
booksociety.social
Women’s Basketball Mania! The story of legendary coach Tara VanDerveer | Book Society
Join us for an evening with sports journalist and Hall of Famer Michelle Smith and Cal Women's Basketball Head Coach Charmin Smith, in conversation about Tara VanDerveer's legacy and the past, present...
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Literally awake at night feeling the excitement of my impending arrival of my first grandchild and a deep existential worry about the world she is coming into. Totally normal right?
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
USC and UCLA should never be forgiven for what they did to the Pac-12.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
FWIW I don’t see Nneka taking on commissioner. Would make more sense for her to take over leadership of the WNBAPA at some point. Or my secret wish, run for office in Texas… But there is another former Stanford player out there who might be in line…Amy Brooks.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Fair assessment. But I give her a lot of credit for navigating the league through the pandemic season, giving the players a platform for their social justice efforts and having the league thrive, coming out the other side.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Kate Starbird @katestarbird.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Seattle Times comes out against I-638. It s terrible law, based in bigotry, that hurts all girls who want to compete in school sports, requiring invasive sex testing. If you’re in WA state or know someone who is, please spread the word: Vote NO on I-638. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/edit...
seattletimes.com
Seattle Times recommends 'No' on I-638, ban on trans girls in sports | Editorial
If this were a “Washington problem“ it would be worth studying as a pressing issue to be resolved by the electorate, informed with science. But it is not.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Summary of thoughts on Cathy Engelbert’s retirement. Good for business. Not great with people. Not well served by those who could’ve helped with that. I want to retire at 62 too. You get to a point where you’re just frigging tired of dealing. Players don’t need next commissioner to be their friend.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
The IX Sports @theixsports.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
BREAKING: Cathy Engelbert has decided to retire as #WNBA commissioner at the end of the 2027 calendar year. She spoke to our @howardmegdal.bsky.social about this decision: www.theixsports.com/features/bre...
theixsports.com
Cathy Engelbert talks retiring as WNBA commissioner | The IX Sports
For Cathy Engelbert, the decision to step away as WNBA commissioner has been in the works for several years.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
How very Susan Collins of him.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
In the way-back machine, my flag football story from Alaska from espnW, when the sport was just getting started... www.espn.com/espnw/more-s...
espn.com
Flag football takes hold in Anchorage
Aiming to come into compliance with Title IX, officials in Alaska were looking for a sport to fill the void. They turned to flag football and since have seen girls flock to the field.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Another banger from @jerrybrewer.bsky.social. www.nytimes.com/athletic/753...
nytimes.com
Enes Kanter Freedom isn’t protecting women. He’s out to instigate, divide, marginalize
Freedom came to taunt and be ejected. Unfortunately, he succeeded. He made a mockery of his supposed cause, but got the attention he craved.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
In crisis communications, we ask the following guiding question, “What would reasonable people appropriately expect a responsible organization to do in this situation?” The @WNBA needs to ask this question more.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Alex Zalben @azalben.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Here's the official announcement of Parton's passing from her reps, along with the request that in lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com
NASHVILLE, TN (August 25, 2026) – Global icon and humanitarian, Dolly Parton, known to the world as a beloved singer, songwriter, philanthropist, actress, playwright, and author died peacefully today in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 80 years old.

 

Dolly is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years Carl Thomas Dean (1942 – 2025), her mother Avie Lee Caroline Owens (1923 – 2003), and father, Robert Lee Parton, Sr. (1921 – 2000). 

 

A rhinestone life that shone bright enough for the world to see, Dolly will forever stand as an inspiration not only through her timeless music and prolific songwriting, but also her wit, warmth, and kindness that made us all feel like family. Dolly Parton’s legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience. With a seven-decade career, she inspired multiple generations of artists and fans with her music and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Her songs will continue to resonate with people of all ages, and her philanthropic work will have a lasting impact.

 

At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family. Dolly’s fans and friends from around the world are encouraged to pay tribute to Dolly on social media by tagging @DollyParton or by leaving a message at www.dollyparton.com.         

 

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at www.imaginationlibrary.com.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Dolly did good. Be like Dolly. A gut punch.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Howard Megdal @howardmegdal.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
You ban him. You give exactly as much energy and attention as is required to the task and nothing more.And then you never think about or talk about him again. #wnba
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Maggie Hendricks @maggiehendricks.bsky.social · 22/08/2026
Here's most of her statement:
in most of these occasions, it's men, and I want you to know that is the gayest thing that you can do is to go to a store, a sex shop, buy a dildo, come to a women's game to throw the dildo on the court. That is the gayest shit that I've ever heard. So I'm a firm believer in anyone that has so much problem with a certain marginalized group, just come out and say that you're a part of our marginalized group because that hate is unwarranted. It's not factual, and it says more about the internal struggles of that individual than it ever will say about the collective group. Men, the men that are throwing it, but also shows that you are weak, like extremely weak, and it says a lot about how you feel about women. But we don't care. It's a disruption of the game. Y'all name a shit to us. Y'all gay to us. We see it. So keep throwing them. If you just want to keep telling us you're gay, you can you can come out. Once we have it, you'll be nicer to people. You'll be happier in your life. You don't need to go to therapy or nothing. And green, like get your skin color. Sorry. Thank you for asking me that. I've been waiting for this question. No.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
The IX Sports @theixsports.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
The Golden State Valkyries have climbed the ranks, and stayed healthy in a season otherwise plagued by injuries. Now, @macsmith413.bsky.social writes, they face their greatest challenge yet: the Minnesota Lynx www.theixsports.com/the-ix-baske...
theixsports.com
Golden State Valkyries face key challenge against Minnesota Lynx | The IX Sports
Wednesday's matchup with Minneapolis is a key point for the Golden State Valkyries as the WNBA playoffs, and their title hopes, loom large.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
terryhorstman @terryhorstman.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Epic matchup tonight between the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the W. And @macsmith413.bsky.social is epic as always on the subject.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
@nnekaogwumike.bsky.social will not only go down as the greatest player the @stanfordwbb.bsky.social has ever produced, she will be considered one of the most consequential figures in the history of women's basketball. Oh, and she should have been an Olympian. On to the next great adventure.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Robin Carr @robincarr.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
#SportsChicks summer outing at Equal Parts, North Beach, San Francisco ❤️🌉 @macsmith413.bsky.social Joan Ryan @annkillion.bsky.social
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Jon Cooper @joncooper-us.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
🚨🚨🚨🚨
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Early impression of a Valks team without Stokes and Salaun...shaky. Down 24-16 at the end of 1 to Chicago.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Marisa Ingemi @mingemi.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Valks starters vs Chicago: - Burton - Williams - Zandalasini - Thornton - Amihere Salaun and Stokes OUT
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
It was never a coincidence that when ESPN asked her about her politics, that was the one issue that she honed in on.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
The Athletic @theathletic.com · 08/08/2026
Sophie Cunningham says she wants the WNBA media to focus on basketball. But after her comments about trans women in sports, the Fever have found themselves at the center of a culture war that keeps overshadowing what happens on the court: nyti.ms/4c7CM5S
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Jackie Powell @classicjpow.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Multiple sources within the league have told @theixsports.bsky.social that there’s a very good chance that a team with cap room like the Sparks, Sun or Mystics will pick up Betnijah Laney-Hamilton before she clears waivers. More here on BLH's chapter ending in NY.
youtube.com
New York Liberty waived franchise stalwart Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. Where could she go next? #wnba
YouTube video by The IX Sports
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Alexa Philippou @alexaphilippou.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Chelsea Gray made history tonight: She is the first player in WNBA history to make a game-tying buzzer-beater at the end of regulation and a game-winning buzzer-beater at the end of OT in the same game, according to Elias.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Your Evil Twin, Skippy 🇵🇸 🏳️‍⚧️ @twinskippy.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams: “There’s a lot of discourse around trans athletes and what they can compete in. I would welcome a trans athlete on my team or against my team. Anytime. I don’t think it’s a problem in the world, it’s just another way to kind of attack trans people.”
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
The IX Sports @theixsports.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
The #WNBA trade deadline came and went, and the Golden State Valkyries elected to keep their roster as-is. @macsmith413.bsky.social explores why they made that decision, and how they stand to benefit: www.theixsports.com/the-ix-baske...
theixsports.com
Why the Golden State Valkyries kept their roster at trade deadline | The IX Sports
The Golden State Valkyries won 11 of their last 13, and are keeping their roster together as the WNBA season enters its final stretch.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
terryhorstman @terryhorstman.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
And we got a book at practice today! Can’t wait to read Natasha Howard’s ‘The Vision Through My Lens: My Life in Basketball and Beyond” with the great @deyscha.bsky.social, my colleague at @theixsports.bsky.social! Preorder link below:
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
Along Came Poly-4-The-W @alongcamepoly4thew.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Full quote on Natalie Nakase’s answer to being asked about what she thinks about regarding the ongoing Sophie Cunningham/trans-athletes debate that's swept across the WNBA - kenzo fukuda on x "Im all about women, little girls deserving to play & that includes trans women...im all about inclusivity"
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Sophie Cunningham isn’t rejecting politics. She’s cashing in on them www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...
theguardian.com
Sophie Cunningham isn’t rejecting politics. She’s cashing in on them
Sophie Cunningham’s rise says less about basketball than the incentives of a sports culture where outrage, identity politics and attention have become lucrative commodities
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Disparate thoughts: 1) S Cunningham thing is starting to feel orchestrated by those who want to keep issue in front of people, er voters. The midterms are coming. 2) Not surprised Valks didn't move on Plum. Would have been too costly and in Year 2, GSV doesn't need to be in short-term rental biz.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
All hail Cheryl Reeve.
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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR
The IX Sports @theixsports.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
With Kelsey Plum on the verge of leaving Los Angeles, @emilyadler.bsky.social and a roundtable of our WNBA reporters pitch trade packages for the star guard from potential landing spots around the league. www.theixsports.com/the-ix-baske...
theixsports.com
WNBA reporters pitch potential trades for Kelsey Plum | The IX Sports
The IX Sports' WNBA beat reporters weigh in on possible trade packages their teams could make for five-time All-Star Kelsey Plum.
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Support independent bookstores and women who write about women's sports! Come on out and let's talk about how Tara VanDerveer laid the groundwork for the incredible support that the @wgoldenstate.bsky.social enjoy!
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Yup. www.nytimes.com/athletic/747...
nytimes.com
Cathy Engelbert may be unpopular with WNBA players, but she's not paid to be their bestie
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Michelle Smith McDonald, APR @macsmith413.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Anyone who revels in the WNBA “mess” and then lectures others about player mental health should check themselves. Hard.
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The IX Sports @theixsports.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
The Valkyries were the hottest team in the WNBA entering the All-Star break. But can they contend for a title? @macsmith413.bsky.social looks at the key questions facing Golden State as they get ready for the stretch run: www.theixsports.com/the-ix-baske...
theixsports.com
Valkyries rolling, yet face some stretch-run realities | The IX Basketball
Can the Valkyries challenge Minnesota or Las Vegas on the way to a title run?
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