The 2015 VMAs (Very Mercury Awards)

Tue, Sep 1, 2015, 11:10 PM

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With just a handful of games left in the WNBA’s regular season, much of the attention in the W shifts toward playoffs and end-of-season awards.

Well, here at PhoenixMercury.com, we have our own way of recognizing each and every player: the VMAs (Very Mercury Awards).

(If you’re like me, these are already infinitely better than the VMAs on MTV. Then again, I’m old and didn’t recognize anyone on the show…)

The great part about the Very Mercury Awards is that each player and coach gets one and they are directly correlated with their personalities both on and off the court.

So, without further adieu, we present to you the real VMAs:

The Most Unique and Elusive Sneezer Award: Alex Harden

Alex Harden has an awesome sneeze. It’s one-of-a-kind, and the team loves it.

Unfortunately, it has never been captured on video despite numerous attempts.

If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, did it make a sound? In this case, the tree is Harden’s sneeze and the answer is yes.

The Daily Inspiration Award: Mistie Bass

To quote a Friends episode, Mistie Bass is like “summer in a bowl.”

If you have no idea what I mean by that, check out Mistie’s Twitter and Instagram pages and everything will make sense.

https://instagram.com/p/60QMg0NRwy/

The Airplane Fail Award: Cayla Francis

No words necessary. (Thanks to Mercury VP Vince Kozar for the photo.)

CaptureCaylaa2

The Future Model (And By Future We Mean Now) Award: Tiffany Bias

Tiffany Bias is doing her thing on and off the floor.

Check out the photos below which can be found on Tiff’s Instagram page.

https://instagram.com/p/63G36BmDHo/

The Most High Heels Award: Shameka Christon

Shameka Christon is one of the most positive people on the planet. You’ve read her story about beating the odds through optimism and love, and that certainly isn’t an anomaly. Shameka is always smiling.

Maybe it’s because she has over 365 pairs of high heels — one for every day of the year!

557675263_Shock_Mercury_Gossage0468

The Must-Follow on Twitter Award: Monique Currie

Case in point:

The Most Likely to Jokingly Ruin an Interview Award: Candice Dupree

It’s become a tradition that every time I interview Candice Dupree on camera, she’ll either do or say something funny that we can only use for a “bloopers” video. Thanks, ‘Pree!

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The Sandy Brondello Translator Award: DeWanna Bonner

DeWanna Bonner moonlights as Sandy Brondello’s translator:

  • Knock off early = Cut practice short
  • One more thing = ten more things
  • BG = could mean DB
  • CD = could mean DB
  • DB = could mean DB

DeWanna Bonner

DeWanna Bonner

The Best Entrance Award: Brittney Griner

Could this be any more amazing?

https://instagram.com/p/5GPlswr7JK/

Actually, this might be…

https://vine.co/v/ejBEbpMDQ2x

The Most Shots From Half-court Award: Leilani Mitchell

According to Mercury Communications Manager John Steinmiller, Leilani Mitchell has nailed the most shots from half-court this season.

Unfortunately, we do not have the raw data to prove this, so other players may object…

One of many examples:

https://instagram.com/p/4Hr7HRr7PJ/

The How Do You Pronounce Your Name the Right Way? Award: Marta Xargay

Marta Xargay (CHAR-guy). Our bad, Marta.

#MercAtLynx

#MercAtLynx

The Perfect Form Award: Noelle Quinn

Watch the video below, and tell me that isn’t a perfect shooting stroke.

https://vine.co/v/egL5upL9JHP

Best Director: Sandy Brondello

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

Sandy Brondello is the personification of that term.

The 2014 WNBA Coach of the Year inspires confidence throughout the entire team, and is one of the best leaders you’ll ever meet.

GettyImages-478128548720

The Team Mom Award: Julie Hairgrove

Julie knows everything about the Mercury, and is a fantastic mother to her three daughters.

No-brainer.

WNBA All-Star Practice

WNBA All-Star Practice

The Best Mobile Office Award: Todd Troxel

Todd puts in work, literally, everywhere.

Capturetodd

Lead Actress in a Dramatic Role: DeWanna Bonner and Leilani Mitchell

We couldn’t decide.

DB….

https://vine.co/v/eH2r6IW9TOn

Or Lei….