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Sky hope revamped roster leads to first playoffs

After six seasons but no playoff appearances, Chicago revamped its roster. Coach Pokey Chatman hopes the experienced veterans help the Sky reach new limits.

May 15 | By Michelle Smith

Smith: LSU's Caldwell enjoying new role

LSU's Nikki Caldwell has worn many hats as a head coach, including mentor and teacher. Now, after giving birth in March, she adds parent as she learns to master even more multitasking.

May 11 10:04 AM ET | By Michelle Smith

Ashley Walker taking a long shot in WNBA

Former Cal star Ashley Walker is in Mystics camp, among the players who are back from overseas and fighting once more for a few precious spots in the WNBA.

May 9 | By Michelle Smith

Virginia high school lacrosse coach on verge of 600 wins

Kathy Jenkins is approaching her 600th victory as a Virginia high school lacrosse coach at St. Stephen's and St. Agnes -- a milestone she never expected to mark in a sport she never played.

May 3 | By Michelle Smith

Players unite to help 10-year-old cancer victim

The Stanford and Cal women's soccer teams played their spring game as a fundraiser to support 10-year-old cancer victim Brianne "Breezy" Bochenek.

Apr 24 | By Michelle Smith

VanDerveer applauds success, issues challenge

At the Cardinal's postseason gala, coach Tara VanDerveer acknowledges the team's great accomplishments -- a 79-game home winning streak, five straight Final Fours -- then asks who will step up to keep it going.

Apr 20 | By Michelle Smith

ND coach clarifies comments on Griner's ability

Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw issued a statement Tuesday night, clarifying comments she made about Baylor center Brittney Griner in her postgame news conference following the Fighting Irish's 80-61 loss in the national title game.

Apr 4 6:43 PM ET | By Michelle Smith

Mulkey's spirit shows in winning Lady Bears

It wasn't until Baylor coach Kim Mulkey took the last of her starters out that she finally stopped coaching. She put her hands to her face, seemingly holding back tears, and wrapped star Brittney Griner in a lengthy embrace as her bench began to celebrate the Bears' extraordinary accomplishment.

Apr 4 7:39 AM ET | By Michelle Smith

'Team mom' Brittany Mallory leads Notre Dame

Brittany Mallory had taken a couple of weeks after Notre Dame's loss to Texas A&M in the national championship game to think about whether she wanted to return for a fifth season.

Apr 3 3:45 PM ET | By Michelle Smith

Nneka Ogwumike finishes without a title

When it was officially over, Baylor having won 59-47 to advance to the national championship game (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN), Nneka Ogwumike called her team to center court. She talked to them in a close huddle, some of her teammates had tears in their eyes, but in that moment, Nneka did not.

Apr 2 2:02 AM ET | By Michelle Smith

Nneka Ogwumike, Stanford back in Final Four

Nneka Ogwumike is back in the Final Four for the fourth time in her career. Stanford's run of five straight national semifinal appearances matches Connecticut and LSU in women's Division I history.

Apr 1 10:56 AM ET | By Michelle Smith

Delle Donne named to WBCA All-America team

Delaware junior Elena Delle Donne, plus two players each from Baylor and Stanford were named to the 10-player WBCA All-America team.

Mar 31 6:53 PM ET | By Michelle Smith

Smith: Auriemma weighs in on Stanford-Baylor

Mar 31 5:43 PM ET | By Michelle Smith

Final whirlwind of preparations

The Cardinal prepare to leave for the Final Four in a 60-hour whirlwind of practice and interviews -- with time set aside for movies, pedicures and shopping.

Mar 30 | By Michelle Smith

Stanford looking forward to playing Baylor

It wouldn't be entirely accurate to say that the entire Stanford campus is abuzz with the prospect of the women's basketball team going to the Final Four to play Baylor (8:30 p.m. ET Sunday, ESPN) and its ubiquitous star Brittney Griner.

Mar 29 1:49 AM ET | By By Michelle Smith

Smith: Yes, Stanford really is that good

From having to travel 3,000 miles in the early rounds to facing questions over whether it deserved its No. 1 seed, Stanford has answered every challenge.

Mar 26 | By Michelle Smith

Smith: Duke's Shay Selby has come into her own in final season

After a turbulent start to her career at Duke, Shay Selby has come into her own in her final season.

Mar 27 8:15 PM ET | By Michelle Smith

Smith: Nneka Ogwumike leads Stanford to Elite Eight

Not to be outdone by dunks, Duke or Dawn Staley, Nneka Ogwumike's 39 points put Stanford into the Elite Eight.

Mar 24 | By Michelle Smith

Smith: Fresno Elite Eight breakdown

Duke and Stanford will meet for the first time in an NCAA tournament game in Monday's Elite Eight.

Mar 24 | By Michelle Smith

South Carolina's Staley meets mentor in regional

Coaches are sometimes reluctant to be completely honest with star players. That, however, was never an issue between Tara VanDerveer and Dawn Staley.

Mar 24 5:01 PM ET | By Michelle Smith

Smith: Da'Shena Stevens leads St. John's to Sweet 16

Mar 23 8:50 PM ET | By Michelle Smith

Family time is short but sweet

Between games and studying for final exams, there is precious little time for parents to spend with the players during the NCAA tournament, but they all make the most of it.

Mar 23 | By Michelle Smith

Smith: Fresno Regional breakdown

Three of the region's top four seeds will clash in the Sweet 16, where St. John's just might be primed for an upset.

Mar 21 | By Michelle Smith

Stanford beats WVU at own game

An opponent can push Stanford around for a while, but you have to do a lot to push the Cardinal over in the NCAA tournament.

Mar 20 12:24 AM ET | By Michelle Smith