Today’s Top Read
Becky Hammon dismissed comparisons between Indiana and the Las Vegas Aces with one word: "No." But perhaps everyone was looking at the wrong team. With Angel Reese emerging as a dominant force alongside Atlanta's established veterans, the Dream are showing intriguing similarities to the early Aces teams built around A'ja Wilson. Could another WNBA dynasty be taking shape?
OTHER HEADLINES
Becky Hammon dismissed comparisons between Indiana and the Las Vegas Aces with one word: "No." But perhaps everyone was looking at the wrong team. With Angel Reese emerging as a dominant force alongside Atlanta's established veterans, the Dream are showing intriguing similarities to the early Aces teams built around A'ja Wilson. Could another WNBA dynasty be taking shape?
The WNBA Finals head to Atlanta tied 1-1 after two games that showcased Golden State's defensive resolve and the Dream's response. The Valkyries survived the opener behind Gabby Williams before Angel Reese answered with a historic 30-point, 16-rebound performance in Game 2. From record-setting defense to uneven scoring support, the opening games revealed the adjustments that will decide the title.
What began as an unexpected TikTok introduction became a friendship that transcends generations and oceans. From overcoming adversity to building LivEra, Woody's journey is one of perseverance and character. But beyond the success is a bond between two single fathers, forged through loyalty, honest conversations and the simple act of showing up when life gets difficult.
Three words summed up Klint Kubiak's frustration after the Las Vegas Raiders' 33-30 loss to Buffalo: "Close games out." At 3-3, the Raiders have proven they can compete with the NFL's best, but costly penalties, red-zone failures and missed fourth-quarter opportunities continue to haunt them. Kirk Cousins and his teammates know the difference between being competitive and becoming winners.
The Las Vegas Raiders are 3-3, and that's better than almost anyone expected. With losses to the Chiefs, Bills and Patriots, Las Vegas has proven it can compete with the NFL's elite. Close calls aren't victories, but progress shouldn't be ignored. Six games into a season that began with little optimism, the Raiders are changing the conversation. The next challenge? Turning competitiveness into wins.
The Atlanta Dream can win the WNBA Finals in six games behind Jordin Canada’s championship pedigree and Angel Reese’s relentless impact. Explore why Canada’s leadership and playmaking can crack Golden State’s defense, how Reese’s rebounding and defensive dominance can earn her Finals MVP, and why Atlanta has experience, confidence and talent to capture its first championship against the Valkyries.
She found me when I wasn't looking for anyone. Myah entered my world with laughter, warmth and a grace I didn't expect to find on TikTok. Behind that bubbly personality is a young woman whose kindness, class and genuine friendship have reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful connections are the ones we never see coming.
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
A devastating leg injury. A 25-year job lost. Overwhelming medical bills. Workplace toxicity. And the terrifying return of suicidal ideation. When my body broke down, so did my will to live. But a surgeon, a physical therapist, my son, longtime friends, professional athletes and unexpected allies from TikTok helped me rediscover the power of loyalty, kindness and cerebral strength. This isn't a triumphant comeback story. It's an unfiltered account of survival, resilience and finding reasons to keep going.
WGRamirez.com is back—and just getting started. Join Willie G for Southern Nevada sports coverage, compelling stories and honest conversations about mental health. From the biggest games to the battles we face beyond them, next chapter has a purpose: Because every conversation matters. Welcome back.
Front office staff are taking mental health seriously for their WNBA organizations, as the narrative continues to be at the league’s forefront.
As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to close, the conversation stays vibrant in the WNBA, where rookies and veterans have made it a top narrative in order to endure a professional career.
Hailey Van Lith survived suicidal thoughts and mental health issues, and with hard work has persevered en route to becoming the 11th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 WNBA Draft.
From ‘Hashtags’ to ‘Baggage’, Sports Leadership students learn realities of life by sharing their harbored throughs in a mental health essay
The WNBA is a heavy dose of reality and can certainly interfere with the elation rookies feel after achieving their dream of making it to the league. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but sustaining cerebral durability for the next four or five months is a challenge they acknowledge they're up against.
I pay tribute to my own grandfather, Andrew E. Anka, and explain how I was able to transition from my pain of losing him while I was 23, to coping by looking at the next chapter of my life.
WNBA
Becky Hammon dismissed comparisons between Indiana and the Las Vegas Aces with one word: "No." But perhaps everyone was looking at the wrong team. With Angel Reese emerging as a dominant force alongside Atlanta's established veterans, the Dream are showing intriguing similarities to the early Aces teams built around A'ja Wilson. Could another WNBA dynasty be taking shape?
The WNBA Finals head to Atlanta tied 1-1 after two games that showcased Golden State's defensive resolve and the Dream's response. The Valkyries survived the opener behind Gabby Williams before Angel Reese answered with a historic 30-point, 16-rebound performance in Game 2. From record-setting defense to uneven scoring support, the opening games revealed the adjustments that will decide the title.
The Atlanta Dream can win the WNBA Finals in six games behind Jordin Canada’s championship pedigree and Angel Reese’s relentless impact. Explore why Canada’s leadership and playmaking can crack Golden State’s defense, how Reese’s rebounding and defensive dominance can earn her Finals MVP, and why Atlanta has experience, confidence and talent to capture its first championship against the Valkyries.
Three-time WNBA champion Kiah Stokes has become the defensive anchor of the Valkyries, earning praise from Gabby Williams and Natalie Nakase as Golden State prepares for its championship showdown with Angel Reese and the Dream.
Five MVP awards. Three consecutive. Three WNBA championships. A'ja Wilson's historic accomplishments are rewriting the record books, but her greatest impact extends far beyond basketball. From a young girl simply dreaming of surviving the world to a superstar redefining excellence, Wilson is carrying the weight of greatness on her own terms. As the WNBA enters a new era, her dominance, authenticity and relentless pursuit of improvement are transforming the GOAT debate into a conversation about her legacy.
Caitlin Clark wants Kelsey Mitchell beside her for the rest of her career. After powering the WNBA's highest-scoring duo, Clark is weighing her own contract opportunity with Indiana's championship goals in mind, while making Mitchell's return her top priority as the Fever face an important offseason.
Angel Reese knows what it takes to win a championship. Three years after leading LSU to an NCAA title, she's helping the Atlanta Dream chase their own history, bringing rebounding, toughness and championship experience to a team determined to turn regular-season success into postseason glory.
After covering A’ja Wilson since her rookie season, I know the respect she deserves. But in a heated playoff moment, Wilson crossed a line that created an unnecessary risk for herself, her teammates and the Aces’ championship hopes.
TIK TALK FROM TIKTOK
What began as an unexpected TikTok introduction became a friendship that transcends generations and oceans. From overcoming adversity to building LivEra, Woody's journey is one of perseverance and character. But beyond the success is a bond between two single fathers, forged through loyalty, honest conversations and the simple act of showing up when life gets difficult.
She found me when I wasn't looking for anyone. Myah entered my world with laughter, warmth and a grace I didn't expect to find on TikTok. Behind that bubbly personality is a young woman whose kindness, class and genuine friendship have reminded me that sometimes the most meaningful connections are the ones we never see coming.
Sometimes the people who make the biggest difference in our lives are the ones we never expected to meet. Through TikTok, I found Azzie, a young woman whose humor, kindness, personality and genuine friendship helped bring light into some of my darkest days. What began as an online connection became something far more meaningful, reminding me that friendship isn't measured by distance, age or circumstance.
An ocean separates us. A generation stands between us. Yet in six short months, Chase became the little sister I never knew I needed. From heartfelt conversations to unexpected moments of emotional support, our friendship transcended age, distance and circumstance. What began on TikTok became something far more meaningful: a bond built on trust, loyalty, unconditional love and the beautiful gift of chosen family.
CELEBRATING MOTHERS
Dearica Hamby's dedication toward her daughter, Amaya, is infectious and inspiring. She granted a private Zoom session a couple of months back, in preparation for this Mother's Day project, and it became candid, uplifting, straightforward, and nothing but smiles while talking about her lively little sidekick WNBA fans worldwide have fallen in love with when the two are splashed across social media.
On Thursday May 6, Drew Robinson stepped on to the field at Las Vegas Ballpark, defying the greatest of odds, and accomplished what some might deem a miracle. A little more than one year after surviving a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head during a suicide attempt, it was the second-best Mother's Day gift Renee Robinson could have asked for.
Dearica Hamby's dedication toward her daughter, Amaya, is infectious and inspiring. She granted a private Zoom session a couple of months back, in preparation for this Mother's Day project, and it became candid, uplifting, straightforward, and nothing but smiles while talking about her lively little sidekick WNBA fans worldwide have fallen in love with when the two are splashed across social media.
Arizona basketball coach Adia Barnes is an inspiration to many young women, as a coach, mentor and mother of two. Adia shared some time with WGRamirez.com, and discussed the normalcy of juggling of being full-time collegiate basketball coach and full-time mother.
HONORING PROUD FATHERS
Vegas Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves has become a fan favorite since arriving in 2018. Fans of all ages love him across the Southern Nevada. At home, he’s as big a fan of his kids, as they are of their father. Ryan talked to WGRamirez.com about how becoming a father has changed his life.
Golden Knights wives Tasha Stephenson, l, and Melissa Smith hold their newborns, Ford and Isla, respectively, donning personalized baby tops as they watch their fathers, Chandler and Reilly, play recently at T-Mobile Arena.
What father wouldn’t be proud of a child who lays out the blueprint of a dream - a detailed five-year plan - and then executes it to perfection? Jordin Ramirez’s #2020Vision came true in November when he received the keys to a facility that will become his perFIcT gym.
Lindy La Rocque grew up in a basketball gym, watching her father, Al, turn Las Vegas’ Durango High School into a basketball powerhouse during the 1990s. Now retired, Al said it’s been a dream come true to have his daughter return home to coach the UNLV Lady Rebels.
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