The 2015 VMAs (Very Mercury Awards)
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.
.@brittneygriner + Alex Harden + sharks = hilarity at @SEALIFEArizona.
WATCH >> http://t.co/sVckRPHHbG pic.twitter.com/w9QcLSUmq4
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) August 25, 2015
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.)
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!
The Must-Follow on Twitter Award: Monique Currie
Case in point:
I cant figure out if im sleepy hungry or bored …. probably all of the above
— Monique Currie (@Mocurrie25) August 24, 2015
Is this a real song Miley ?
— Monique Currie (@Mocurrie25) August 31, 2015
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!
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
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
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.
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
The Best Mobile Office Award: Todd Troxel
Todd puts in work, literally, everywhere.
Lead Actress in a Dramatic Role: DeWanna Bonner and Leilani Mitchell
We couldn’t decide.
DB….
https://vine.co/v/eH2r6IW9TOn
Or Lei….