Zachary Ward
Writer/Editor
Zachary Ward is a former Swish Appeal editor-in-chief who began covering women's basketball in 2012. He has written for USA TODAY (as an intern), The Boston Globe (as a freelancer) and The New Hampshire Union Leader (as a staff reporter). He received his master's degree in strategic communication from American University and his bachelor's in journalism from the University of Maryland.
WNBA MVP ladder 1.0
The Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier has been the presumed MVP favorite. Should that be the case? Who is legitimate challenger for the ultimate individual crown?
Lessons from the Lynx’s Phee-less loss in DC
Alanna Smith set a career high in scoring and matched her career high in blocks, stepping up in Napheesa Collier’s absence for the Minnesota Lynx. But dreadful shooting performances from Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams led to the first-place team’s second loss of the season.
WNBA power rankings 3.0
The 5-5 Indiana Fever shouldn’t be at .500 for long now that Caitlin Clark is back. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Aces take a power rankings tumble. Find out where the Fever, Aces and the rest of W’s teams rank.
How a beef with Sue Bird hinted at Kennedy Burke’s breakout season
Kennedy Burke was once a footnote beef to the Seattle Storm’s 2020 championship season. Now she’s an emerging star who leads the WNBA in 3-point percentage.
WNBA power rankings 2.0
The New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx are the WNBA’s two remaining unbeaten teams.
Why the rest of the WNBA should fear Phee
From a second-place MVP finish to a Phee-nomenal 2024 playoffs to 3x3 MVP and 1-on-1 champion for Unrivaled to leading the WNBA in scoring through the first week of the 2025 season, Napheesa Collier is giving A’ja Wilson a run for her money in the best-player-in-the-world race.
Canada’s injury, lots of 3s and more from the Dream’s win in DC
While Jordin Canada suffered an injury in the Atlanta Dream’s 80-70 preseason victory over the Washington Mystics, the team has reasons for optimism, headlined by the play of Brittney Griner. That and more notes from the Dream’s performance in DC.
WNBA power rankings 1.0
After the additions of DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, Sophie Cunningham, Brianna Turner and Sydney Colson, the Indiana Fever widely are considered championship contenders. Where do they stand in the first edition of Swish Appeal’s 2025 WNBA power rankings?
Why AT, PHX fans can form a perfect partnership
Alyssa Thomas was beloved by Connecticut Sun fans, and she has all the attributes needed to be beloved by Phoenix Mercury fans.
Transfer triumph Part II for Terps?
Maryland Terrapins head coach Brenda Frese is at it again, hoping transfer acquisitions Oluchi Okananwa, Yarden Garzon and Gracie Merkle bring success to her program in the 2025-26 NCAAW season.