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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR

Marisa Ingemi @mingemi.bsky.social · 17h

The Valkyries won their first playoff series in their second season ever

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Marisa Ingemi @mingemi.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Man the WNBA finals goes through Ballhalla now

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Meghan L. Hall @itsmeghanlhall.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Arike Ogunbowale breaks a WNBA playoff scoring record with 43 points. Most points in a playoff game in league history.

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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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Reposted by Michelle Smith McDonald, APR

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 · 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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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

At least you are still not quite sure. I'm VERY sure...

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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

Oh, in this league I completely agree with that. And if her interactions with players and on public stages weren’t so ham-handed a lot of this bad feeling could’ve been mitigated. Her tenure isn’t ending on the highest of notes, but it might’ve been time anyway.

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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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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 · 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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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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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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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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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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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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