Jennifer Gillom, former Phoenix Mercury star, is retiring as the head coach of Xavier Prep's girls basketball team after leading them to the 2024 Open Division title. She will be succeeded by Elijah Knox, a former player development coach for the Seattle Storm.
Key points
Jennifer Gillom is retiring as Xavier Prep's girls basketball coach
She led the team to the 2024 Open Division title
Elijah Knox will replace her as head coach
Gillom coached at Xavier Prep from 2004-2010 and 2017 onwards
She developed many Division I college recruits
Mentioned in this story
Jennifer GillomElijah Knox
Xavier PrepPhoenix MercurySeattle Storm
Exclusive: Former Mercury star Gillom steps down as Xavier coach
Phoenix Xavier Prep's longtime girls basketball coach and Phoenix Mercury All-Star Jennifer Gillom, who led the team to the 2024 Open Division title, is retiring from the program, The Arizona Republic has learned.
Gillom, 61, will be replaced by former Mercury and Seattle Storm player development coach, Elijah Knox.
Gillom built the all-girls Catholic school team into a perennial powerhouse, which produced a multitude of Division I college recruits. She coached the Gators for two different stints: from 2004-10 and again beginning in 2017.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Q&A
Why did Jennifer Gillom step down as Xavier Prep coach?
Jennifer Gillom is retiring from her role as head coach of Xavier Prep's girls basketball team.
Who will replace Jennifer Gillom as the coach of Xavier Prep?
Elijah Knox, a former player development coach for the Seattle Storm, will take over as head coach.
What achievements did Jennifer Gillom have at Xavier Prep?
Gillom led the team to the 2024 Open Division title and developed numerous Division I college recruits.
How long did Jennifer Gillom coach at Xavier Prep?
Gillom coached the team during two separate periods: from 2004 to 2010 and again starting in 2017.
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Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Noemie Brochant poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kiana Williams poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Peyton Williams poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury center Natasha Mack poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury center Natasha Mack poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kiana Williams poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Noemie Brochant poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forwards DeWanna Bonner (L) and Alyssa Thomas poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Peyton Williams poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kiana Williams poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kiana Williams poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury center Natasha Mack poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Noemie Brochant poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury center Kyara Linskens poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury center Natasha Mack poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury center Kyara Linskens poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Peyton Williams poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Noemie Brochant poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kiana Williams poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Peyton Williams poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury center Natasha Mack poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury center Natasha Mack poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kiana Williams poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Noemie Brochant poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forwards DeWanna Bonner (L) and Alyssa Thomas poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Peyton Williams poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kiana Williams poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kiana Williams poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury center Natasha Mack poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Noemie Brochant poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury center Kyara Linskens poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury center Natasha Mack poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury center Kyara Linskens poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Peyton Williams poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sami Whitcomb poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Kahleah Copper poses for a portrait during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
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The 2026 Phoenix Mercury media day photoshoot
Mercury guard Sha Carter poses for a picture during the Phoenix Mercury media day in Phoenix, on May 6, 2026.
Gillom began with the WNBA at its inception in 1997, playing through 2003. She helped lead the Mercury to the 1998 WNBA Finals when they lost to the Houston Comets. She's credited for starting the Mercury home crowd's "Mighty Mercury" chant and is in the franchise's Ring of Honor.
Gillom had some overlap years, 2008-10, coaching in the WNBA and with Xavier. She was an assistant with the Minnesota Lynx from 2008-09, then the Sparks from 2010-11. Gillom's last two coaching jobs in the league were for the Washington Mystics in 2012 and the Connecticut Sun from 2013-15.
After years of losses in the AIA state playoffs, including two straight 6A conference finals in 2018 and 2019, Xavier won its first and only Open Division title over Phoenix Desert Vista in 2024 and finished the season 26-4.
