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Tag: Coach

  • Red Bulls kick off Michael Bradley era with visit to Orlando

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    (Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

    Former MLS and U.S. men’s national team star Michael Bradley is returning home … in a sense.

    The central midfielder, who logged 151 appearances for the national team while playing nearly 500 matches in his professional career, was hired as the new coach of the New York Red Bulls in December.

    He will lead his new squad on Saturday evening as the 2026 MLS season kicks off with the Red Bulls visiting Orlando City.

    ‘I am excited for the opportunity to be head coach of the club that I started my professional career with and also in the state that I call home,’ Bradley said after he was hired.

    Bradley began his career with the MetroStars, the former nickname of New York’s first MLS club, after being selected 36th overall in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft.

    He made 30 appearances for his father, Bob, then the MetroStars’ head coach, before moving to Europe in 2006, starting with Dutch side Heerenveen. He also would suit up for Borussia Monchengladbach, Aston Villa, Chievo and Roma and enjoyed a standout 10-year stretch back in MLS with Toronto FC.

    He leads a Red Bulls contingent that failed to make the MLS Cup playoffs last season for the first time in 16 years, resulting in the ouster of coach Sandro Schwarz.

    The club added two wingers: Cade Cowell, who had 12 goals and five assists in three years with Chivas Guadalajara, and Jorge Ruvalcaba, who registered 16 goals and nine assists in 100 appearances with Pumas UNAM.

    They will join with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who finished second among MLS newcomers with 17 goals last season. His 22 total goal contributions tied for the club lead, as Emil Forsberg had 11 goals and 11 assists last season.

    Defender Justin Che and goalkeeper Ethan Horvath joined the Red Bulls from abroad.

    ‘The way Bradley’s started everything and the ideas he has, how we want to play football, straightforward, attacking, intensive, everyone embraced that quite fast, and I like that style of play,’ Choupo-Moting said.

    New York faces an Orlando side that also had a disappointing 2025 MLS campaign, finishing just ahead of the Red Bulls in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. The Lions were knocked out of the playoffs in the wild-card round, falling 3-1 to the Chicago Fire.

    Coach Oscar Pareja, now in his seventh season, acknowledged the club’s desire to improve its league standing.

    ‘All of the players came in a good state, and we are ready to push,’ Pareja said. ‘We want to win titles as we did in the past when we won the (2022 U.S. Open) Cup.’

    The Lions added Canadian national team goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau as part of a busy offseason that included the addition of Paraguayan midfielder Braian Ojeda.

    Orlando City did lose Alex Freeman, the 2025 MLS Young Player of the Year, to Villarreal.

    Martin Ojeda and Marco Pasalic combined for 28 goals and 20 assists last year for the Lions, who are looking to reach the playoffs for the seventh straight season.

    –Field Level Media

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  • North Carolina woman buys ‘one of a kind’ Coach bag that’s ‘the last one in the world,’ Then a worker gives it to the wrong customer: ‘I would’ve cried’

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    It’s all fun and retail therapy until the “last one in the world” gets handed to a complete stranger. One North Carolina shopper was living her best luxury moment after snagging a supposedly one-of-a-kind Coach bag. Except, she didn’t actually snag it because an employee accidentally passed her prized purchase straight into someone else’s hands.

    What followed was an awkward, laugh-through-the-pain scramble from the employee and a video filled with laughter. Though the creator kept it lighthearted, some viewers are questioning the professionalism.

    What Happened to Her Coach Bag?

    Everyone knows Coach bags cost a pretty penny. Especially if it’s a rare design. Having said this, Donielle (@travelgurl18) was definitely ecstatic to receive her bag, especially after being told it was “one-of-a-kind.”

    Her clip is only a couple of minutes filled with laughter and explanation, but 3.9 million viewers and 2,000 comments later, people have opinions. The story kicks off right off the bat, with Donielle saying she came to the Coach store, bought a bag, and that the employee gave it away.

    As she refers to the employee as “this young lady,” she pans the camera to show her standing at the back. The employee looks at the camera, grins, and turns away. Donielle says, “So, what is this?”

    Donielle then says that she had bought “this one-of-a-kind” bag that was “last in the world.” She again makes the camera find the employee, and says, “Go ahead. Tell them.” The employee looks at the camera for a second, takes a breath as if about to talk, then ducks and runs from the camera. Donielle laughs and follows her, repeating that she gave away her bag to a different client. The employee then says while smiling, “I’m sorry, y’all.”

    What Does the Employee Do?

    Donielle continues her retelling of the story and says, luckily, the lady who got her bag is still in the mall and will return to the store. She says this thankfully, because if that weren’t the case, she would be having a “breakdown and be crying.”

    As she says this, another employee chimes in and says that the bag is sold out everywhere. A third employee joins the conversation, and he says, “We weren’t gonna let you get out here without your bag, baby. That’s one thing. We were gonna take care of our girl.” He continues by calling her fabulous and saying he loves the attitude. Donielle agrees and then reiterates that the bag was still given away. The employee grins and gives her a bashful hug. 

    Does She Get Her Bag?

     The video then cuts and shows two women walking into the store and one of them is holding a black Coach store bag. Donielle says, “Look at my bag. There it is. It’s back.”

    It gets handed to the employee and the male employee then hands the other woman another box. He says it is the “black and gold.” He says he wrapped it for her and she says, “Are we sure?”

    The women then ask Donielle which purse she bought. She says it’s a tabby. The other woman says at first, she was confused to see Coach calling her phone. The other employees start laughing and Donielle says, “I was literally about to cry.”

    The video cuts again and Donielle is videoing the unwrapping of the bag while she is still in the store. She gushes over the design. The last clip is her and the other woman looking at the camera and Donielle says she’s glad she didn’t like her bag. The other woman says, “I’m glad you got to get yours back.” 

    @travelgurl18 @Coach haul almost gone wrong! Walking by the coach store in @southparkmall and stopped to look… of course I got sucked in to by a purse ??! my wonderful sales associate Jerri had someone pack it in a gift bag and another wonderful sales associate made a mistake and gave it to another customer!! ?? I can laugh now but the panic that went through their faces was evident that this could have went real wrong! I’m so glad the beautiful birthday Lady from Charleston hadn’t left the mall and came back to the store!! Crisis diverted!!! #coach #denimtabby #coachgirlie ♬ original sound – Donielle

    The Viewers Aren’t Laughing Along

    The atmosphere of the video was palpably light-hearted. However, some of the comments are anything but. One viewer says, “I’m sorry but it’s too much laughing going on after spending some coins & having your bag given away.” 

    “I need her to pay attention to what she’s doing. This is a teachable moment,” says another viewer, most likely referencing how the employee keeps avoiding the camera and giggling. 

    Another viewer says, “They laughing like ish funny.” Donielle replies, “It was funny.” 

    “They better be glad that they got you and not me lol,” says one viewer. 

    In a complete 180, other viewers are praising the customer service. One viewer says, “This is a cute story…no argument….just giggles and Cooperation.” Similarly, another viewer shares, “This is customer service. Made a mistake a pleasant experience. I love this whole thing.” 

    A third viewer says, “Seems like a family get together? Everyone is so personable and nice. And the bag is TEA!”

    Others, of course, comment on the bag design. A viewer with over 800 likes says, “That bag Ugg Lee.” Donielle replies, “I love it still!!” 

    Another viewer says, “I would’ve brought it back too. Maybe I gotta see it styled.” Donielle responds, “It’s ok… we all have different styles. I love it. Jean and gaudy… just my style.” 

    The Mary Sue reached out to the creator via email.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Gisselle Hernandez

    Gisselle Hernandez

    Gisselle Hernandez-Gomez is a contributing reporter to the Mary Sue. Her work has appeared in the Daily Dot, Business Insider, Fodor’s Travel and more.

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  • UCF looks to solidify bubble case vs. West Virginia after pair of losses

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    (Photo credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images)

    Two straight losses, including a 92-72 whipping Sunday at Cincinnati, have UCF looking like the ultimate bubble team when it comes to its NCAA Tournament hopes.

    Despite that blowout, the Knights are still on the right side of the bubble, according to most experts, as they prepare for a Saturday night Big 12 home game against West Virginia in Orlando, Fla.

    ‘We’ve just got to keep working,’ UCF coach Johnny Dawkins said. ‘We need to be getting better every day. When you’re in this gauntlet, anything can happen from game to game.’

    This time around, ‘anything’ meant allowing Cincinnati to drain 11 of 18 3-pointers and hit 33 of 56 shots overall, an unusually hot shooting performance for a team that usually struggles to score.

    But the Knights (17-6, 6-5 Big 12) drew a midweek bye, giving them six days to try to fix a defense that has allowed 83.4 ppg in their last seven games. They will also look to get point guard Themus Fulks back on track after he struggled in 19 scoreless minutes at Cincinnati, missing both his shots and committing two turnovers.

    Fulks’ 13.3 points per game are second on the team and his 6.8 assists are 12th in the nation.

    West Virginia (15-9, 6-5) needs to get on a late-season run to earn an NCAA berth. It also had a midweek bye after falling 70-63 at home Sunday against then-No. 13 Texas Tech. The Mountaineers lost that one at the 3-point line, going 2 of 22 while the Red Raiders nailed 13 of 24.

    First-year coach Ross Hodge said the game’s tone was set early when Texas Tech won a string of loose balls that led to baskets.

    ‘I think if you step on the floor legitimately expecting to win the game, you get more loose balls than your opponent,’ he said. ‘That was the ultimate disappointing part of the game to me.’

    Honor Huff is West Virginia’s leading scorer at 15.4 per game, but is coming off a 0-of-8 shooting performance against Texas Tech. He managed six points, all from the foul line.

    –Field Level Media

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  • Roseville figure skating coaches hoping to inspire the next generation of Olympic athletes

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    Athletes and their coaches are already in Milan with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony set for Friday. Meanwhile, coaches in Northern California, like Julia Durkee and Paolo Borromeo from Skatetown Roseville, are preparing to inspire the next generation of athletes. Most days, you can find Durkee and Borromeo on the ice, sharing their expertise from years of training and competing. “Before becoming a coach, I competed until I was like 21,” Durkee said. “And then I became a show skater.” Borromeo is still competing, having reached the Olympic qualifiers in October, although he fell short of skating for the Philippines in Italy. “I had a great time, and it was a good experience going for it,” Borromeo said.Durkee has her own Olympic journey, as she is going to Italy to watch the pair skating and to coach. “I coach in person here at Skatetown, but I am so passionate about getting to coach virtually as well,” she said. Durkee runs a virtual skating club and a YouTube channel, with more than 100,000 subscribers, where she trains people worldwide online. She plans to host clinics and sessions to coach some of them in person while in Europe. “It’s incredible getting to be part of people’s skating journeys,” Durkee said.Both coaches are dedicated to sharing the sport they love. “I want to kind of help provide like other kids the same experiences and feelings that skating has provided for me,” Borromeo said. “You get to help develop their character, you get to help develop their belief in yourself. And it’s just a really beautiful thing to be part of that,” Durkee added.The Olympic figure skating events begin on Friday.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    ROSEVILLE, Calif. —

    Athletes and their coaches are already in Milan with the Winter Olympics opening ceremony set for Friday.

    Meanwhile, coaches in Northern California, like Julia Durkee and Paolo Borromeo from Skatetown Roseville, are preparing to inspire the next generation of athletes.

    Most days, you can find Durkee and Borromeo on the ice, sharing their expertise from years of training and competing.

    “Before becoming a coach, I competed until I was like 21,” Durkee said. “And then I became a show skater.”

    Borromeo is still competing, having reached the Olympic qualifiers in October, although he fell short of skating for the Philippines in Italy.

    “I had a great time, and it was a good experience going for it,” Borromeo said.

    Durkee has her own Olympic journey, as she is going to Italy to watch the pair skating and to coach.

    “I coach in person here at Skatetown, but I am so passionate about getting to coach virtually as well,” she said.

    Durkee runs a virtual skating club and a YouTube channel, with more than 100,000 subscribers, where she trains people worldwide online. She plans to host clinics and sessions to coach some of them in person while in Europe.

    “It’s incredible getting to be part of people’s skating journeys,” Durkee said.

    Both coaches are dedicated to sharing the sport they love.

    “I want to kind of help provide like other kids the same experiences and feelings that skating has provided for me,” Borromeo said.

    “You get to help develop their character, you get to help develop their belief in yourself. And it’s just a really beautiful thing to be part of that,” Durkee added.

    The Olympic figure skating events begin on Friday.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Around the AFC North: Reaction to Steelers Hiring Mike McCarthy

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    Clifton Brown

    Pittsburgh Steelers: Some Former Steelers Not Happy With Mike McCarthy Hire

    After the Steelers announcedan agreement with Mike McCarthyto become their next head coach on Saturday, reaction was mixed among media, fans, and former players.

    The 62-year-old McCarthy won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in the 2010 season. He has also built a strong reputation for working with quarterbacks a list that includes Joe Montana, Aaron Rodgers, and Dak Prescott.

    However, former Steelers and Ravens running back Le’Veon Bell was not optimistic about McCarthy having success.

    Josh Yobe of The Athletic thought McCarthy’s background as someone who was born and raised in Pittsburgh carried too much weight.

    Many Steelers fans on social media were not happy with the choice, but President Arthur Rooney II said McCarthy’s experience with quarterbacks was a major factor. As for the negative reaction among Steelers fans, Rooney said he was not concerned.

    “We’re really not worried about winning the initial press conference. It’s about picking the coach we believe will help us win games,” Rooney saidvia Bob Labriola of the teams website. “Social media really doesn’t enter into it. And none of that will matter once we’re starting to play games.”

    McCarthy and Rodgers were together for 13 seasons in Green Bay (2006-18) and won a Super Bowl. That long relationship could entice Rodgers to return for another season in Pittsburgh, but Rooney said McCarthy’s career stands on its own merit. He has a 174-112-2 record over 18 seasons with the Packers and Dallas Cowboys.

    “We decided to bring Mike on because we believe that he’s the right coach for us at this point to help lead us to a championship,” Rooney said. “We don’t know what Aaron’s plans are right now, and that did not weigh heavily in the decision.

    “We’ll see where Aaron is, and we’ve left the door open, but obviously we all have to sit down and see if that makes sense. So that’ll happen sometime in the next month or so. But the decision was made based on Mike being the coach we want, and it really had very little to do with whether Aaron is going to be back or not.”

    Cleveland Browns: Will Browns Hire Nate Scheeleese After Monday Meeting?

    Are the Browns close to naming their next head coach?

    Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the Browns were meeting with Los Angeles Rams Pass Game Coordinator Nate Sheelhaase Monday in Los Angeles.

    Cleveland’s list of candidates could be narrowing. According to multiple reports, Jacksonville Jaguars Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinskiwithdrew his name from considerationon Monday after signing a new deal. Udinski had interviewed twice with the Browns and was thought to be a finalist.

    The 35-year-oldScheelhaase has been one of the hottest nameson this year’s coaching carousel. The Ravens were one of several teams to interview him for their head coach opening.

    With the Rams losing to the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s NFC Championship game, the Browns quickly pivoted to meet with Scheelhaase. The Browns have cast a wide search and announced thatAnthony Lynn was the 10th candidate to interviewon Sunday.

    Cincinnati Bengals: Orlando Brown Jr. Loves Playing for Zac Taylor

    With Mike Tomlin, John Harbaugh, and Kevin Stefanski no longer coaching in the AFC North, Zac Taylor of the Bengals has the longest tenure in the division, entering his seventh season.

    Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who began his career with the Ravens, is glad Cincinnati has stuck with Taylor.

    “I’ve said this before. I’d kill for Zac,” Brown saidvia Geoff Hobson of the Bengals website. “It’s taken for granted from the outside world when it comes to Zac and its noise. I’m very thankful that ownership and everybody has been able to come together on the same page and proceed to stick together and work as one.”

    The Bengals have missed the playoffs the past three seasons, but Brown views the division as wide-open next season, especially if the Bengals stay reasonably healthy.

    “We’re close, though,” Brown said. “I think in all reality, our division knows that.”

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  • Texas A&M anticipating South Carolina’s best effort in SEC battle

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    (Photo credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images)

    As it sits atop the Southeastern Conference standings, Texas A&M is expecting every opponent’s best shot as it hosts South Carolina on Saturday afternoon in College Station, Texas.

    The Aggies (15-4, 5-1 SEC) have won two straight following an 87-82 loss at Tennessee on Jan. 13. They cruised to an 88-68 victory over Mississippi State on Wednesday, committing just three turnovers, dishing out 18 assists and going 23-of-24 from the free-throw line.

    This is a team that has found its stride after stumbling out of the gates. The Aggies lost their first two nonconference power contests to Oklahoma State and UCF to start the season 2-2.

    Since then, though, they have played as a team poised for a fourth straight March Madness berth.

    ‘There’s an identity to who we are,’ Aggies coach Bucky McMillan said. ‘There’s a belief in what we do.’

    For example, McMillan said, the team could start 0-for-15 from 3-point range, but they’re not going to ‘stop shooting the ball.’

    ‘There’s a belief we’re going to be fine,’ he said.

    The Aggies have the third-best scoring offense in the SEC, averaging 91.7 points per game. Rashaun Agee, who scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the victory over Mississippi State, is averaging a team-leading 13.8 points and 8.8 rebounds a game. Ruben Dominguez has emerged as a top 3-point threat, making an average of 3.3 per game.

    A&M’s offense will be challenged by South Carolina’s defense, which has held opponents to 72 points per game.

    The Gamecocks (11-8, 2-4) are bringing some momentum, too, after an 85-76 victory over Oklahoma on Tuesday. That ended a three-game losing skid.

    Meechie Johnson shined in the victory over Oklahoma, scoring 18 of his 20 points in the second half. Kobe Knox had 18 points in a game in which the Gamecocks never trailed.

    ‘I was happy for the guys. They were really excited to get a good conference win,’ South Carolina coach Lamont Paris said. ‘Just build some confidence for those guys as they move forward. Everyone needs confidence.’

    When these teams met last year in Columbia, South Carolina, A&M won 76-72. However, the Gamecocks have won the last four meetings in College Station.

    –Field Level Media

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  • Bench boosts Bulls heading into matchup with Hornets

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    (Photo credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images)

    Looking to stamp a winning homestand, the Chicago Bulls host the reeling Charlotte Hornets on the second night of a back-to-back for both teams on Saturday.

    Chicago beat the Orlando Magic 121-114 on Friday to improve to 3-2 on its weeklong stretch of home games. A third straight win on Saturday would push the Bulls over the .500 mark for the first time since late November.

    The Bulls had three reserves contribute heavily vs. Orlando. Kevin Huerter’s 20 points, Ayo Dosunmu’s 17 and Patrick Williams’ 15 paced a Chicago group built on balance.

    ‘I thought the bench was great (on Friday),’ Chicago coach Billy Donovan said. ‘I thought Patrick gave us some really good minutes. I think someone had mentioned to me that it’s now 13 straight games that our bench has scored over 30 points, and I think our bench is like third or fourth in the league in scoring. We need everybody, and I’ve tried to preach that to our guys.’

    The Bulls’ need for more hands on deck has been magnified by Josh Giddey’s left hamstring strain, which will leave the 23-year-old out for an extended period of time.

    Giddey is tied with Coby White — who is out because of right calf tightness — for the team lead in points per game (19.2). Giddey also is tied with Nikola Vucevic’s team-high 8.9 rebounds per contest, and he paces the Bulls (and ranks third in the NBA) with 9.0 assists per game.

    In addition to Giddey and White, Chicago forward Zach Collins won’t play on Saturday due to a sprained right toe.

    The Bulls and Hornets will meet for the third time this season after the teams split a pair in Charlotte. The Hornets won 123-116 on Nov. 28, and Chicago posted a 129-126 victory on Dec. 12.

    Charlotte has dropped its past three games, including a heartbreaking 122-121 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday.

    Rookie Kon Knueppel’s 26 points and Miles Bridges’ 25 were nearly enough to lead the Hornets to just their fifth road win of the season, but Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dunk with 4.7 seconds left extended Charlotte’s losing streak. Brandon Miller misfired on a drive to the basket at the buzzer.

    ‘I thought our guys competed their tails off,’ Hornets coach Charles Lee said. ‘I thought there were some stretches where we could have taken complete control of the game. But credit to our players for their competitive spirit.’

    In what’s shaping up to be Charlotte’s fourth straight losing season, the franchise has found a star in Knueppel. The 20-year-old former Duke standout leads all first-year players with an average of 19.5 points per game, and he has scored in double figures in each of his past 15 games.

    Hornets center PJ Hall earned his first career start in the loss at Milwaukee, and he finished with four points and a team-high eight rebounds in 19 minutes. After brief stints with the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies, the 23-year-old Clemson product is catching Lee’s eye on the youth-filled roster.

    ‘I think PJ coming into this environment really early in his career shows how good of a player he is,’ Lee said. ‘He leaves an impact on the game on both sides of the floor. I’m glad about his ability to step into the starting lineup and give us a good boost.’

    –Field Level Media

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  • I Tested the Viral Coach Kisslock Clutch That Sells Out in Minutes

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    While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here.

    As someone who works in New York City, I’m very particular about handbags. I’ve never been the stylish commuter who grabs a mini clutch and is off for a day of adventure from the office to dinner to cocktails. My work bag is essentially the equivalent of a car trunk for me so the more space, the better. That said, it’s no surprise I gravitated to Coach’s recent oversize bag offerings, particularly the Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag ($695).

    Main Image

    But obviously, it’s not just about function. When I saw it on the runway, I immediately recognized the design inspiration: grandma’s coin purse. Coach actually cites the vintage Cashin Carry as its muse, the 1969 handbag conceived by Bonnie Cashin, the brand’s first lead designer. How innovative for Coach to reimagine that archival staple as an oversize It bag — I’ve never seen anything like it. I shared clips of the bag on TikTok and immediately the comment section was flooded with praise. It was clear Coach had yet another burgeoning viral handbag moment on their hands (viral is now an understatement: the bag sells out in a matter of minutes). While the teddy bear and dinosaur styles are also on my shopping list, the kisslock frame bag feels especially fun and versatile — and it comes in a bunch of bold and neutral colors.

    I have to admit though, I had my reservations. The models carried the bag hoisted under their arms on the runway and it was all very cool and effortless but I’m sorry — I need to be on my phone, grabbing my wallet, pulling out my emotional support water bottle, applying my lip oil, taking my supplements, finishing my coffee, and something else I’m forgetting. A hands-free options is needed! Fortunately, Coach planned for that and more.

    Keep reading for my full review of the Coach Large Kisslock Frame bag.

    What I Like About the Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag

    The Coach Kisslock Frame bag is ludicrously capacious in the best way, to quote “Succession.” In fact, after the fashion show, I switched to flats and was looking for a tote to carry my knee-high boots. Imagine my surprise when they actually fit in the Frame bag — that’s how roomy it is.

    To my delight, it does have a strap so if you don’t feel like hoisting a huge bag under your arm, there’s another option for carrying it hands free.

    PS Photography | Jessica Andrews

    What’s Worth Noting About the Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag

    It features an inside zip pocket so you don’t have to go deep sea diving to find your wallet. But if you prefer even more organization and easy access to your smaller items, I’d invest in a handbag organizer ($7, originally $10) you can throw inside.

    Main ImageMain Image

    It’s also a bold style that commands attention, which is further proof that the loud-luxury trend is having a moment. If you prefer a more understated, roomy bag, I’m equally in love with the Coach Soft Empire Carryall Bag ($695).

    Main ImageMain Image

    Who Is the Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag Best For?

    This bag marries style and function in a way that’s truly unprecedented. If you need a spacious, go-with-everything carryall but are tired of being left out of the “It bag” conversation, this is the style for you. It’s the rare head-turning conversation starter that does double duty by holding all your essentials.

    The bag is perfect for everyone from a college student who needs to lug their computer back and forth to class; to a parent whose bag has to house all their kids’s snacks and toys; to a commuter like myself whose essentials need to be on hand at all times. But what sets this apart from your average roomy bag is you can tuck the handle in and be ready for any stylish event on your social calendar.

    PS Photography | Jessica Andrews

    About the Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag

    • It’s available to shop in black, dark brown, and a rainbow logo style.
    • It’s 12.25″ long, 11.75″ high, and 7.75″ wide.
    • It has a detachable leather strap with a 9.75″ drop.
    • It features one inside zip pocket.
    • The exterior is made out of glove-tanned leather and features a leather inner lining.

    Where Is the Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag Available?

    The Coach Large Kisslock Frame Bag is available on the brand’s website and Dillard’s.

    Rating:
    ★★★★★

    Jessica C. Andrews (she/her) is an award-winning editor and writer who currently works as the senior style director of PS, overseeing beauty, fashion, shopping, and identity content. With more than 15 years of experience, her areas of expertise include fashion, shopping, and travel. Prior to joining PS, Jessica held senior roles at Teen Vogue, Refinery29, and Bustle and contributed to The New York Times, Elle, Vanity Fair, and Essence. She’s appeared on “Good Morning America,” NBC, and Fox 5 New York and spoken on various panels about fashion, hair, and Black culture.

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  • Villanova hungry for a rebound, but Pitt might be even hungrier

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    (Photo credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images)

    Villanova is coming off a humbling loss, but the Wildcats won’t be getting any sympathy cards from the Pitt players.

    The Panthers have larger problems, as they look to avoid their fifth loss in six games Saturday when they visit Villanova for a nonconference matchup.

    Pitt (5-5) has endured a rough stretch that has included home losses to UCF (77-67), Quinnipiac (83-75), Texas A&M (81-73) and Hofstra (80-73). The team’s lone win in that span came on Damarco Minor’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer against Ohio State.

    More recently, in the loss to the Pride, Pitt received only 34 points from its starting lineup and allowed Hofstra to shoot 53% from the field.

    ‘I’m really disappointed in us, and this is not taking anything away from them, but we didn’t play with the necessary force that’s required to be good on either side of the ball,’ said Pitt coach Jeff Capel.

    The clear bright spot for the Panthers was Brandin Cummings, who scored a career-high 34 points off the bench. He went scoreless in 19 minutes in the team’s previous game before shooting 10 of 15 from the field and 5 of 8 from 3-point range against the Pride.

    ‘I thought he really practiced well the past couple of days,’ Capel said. ‘He seemed to have a little bit more pop, and he had an outstanding game.’

    Meanwhile, Villanova (7-2) is trying to pick up the pieces after an 89-61 setback at No. 2 Michigan on Tuesday. The Wildcats struggled with their shooting from the field (34%), the 3-point line (27%) and the foul line (64%) in the lopsided defeat.

    ‘You try to get some 3-point looks, but it’s hard because they are so well connected defensively,’ said Villanova coach Kevin Willard, whose team shot 15 of 31 from 3-point range in its previous game, a 27-point victory against Penn.

    Bryce Lindsay, who scored 18 points on 5-of-7 shooting – hitting 5 of 6 3-point attempts – against the Quakers, is hoping to bounce back from a three-point effort on 1-of-5 shooting against the Wolverines. The sophomore leads the team in scoring at 16.4 points per game.

    Pitt has won the last six meetings between the former Big East rivals, although they have not met since 2013.

    –Field Level Media

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  • Forgiveness, redemption and leadership define Team USA wheelchair curler Steve Emt

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    Forgiveness, redemption, and leadership. Those three principles define Team USA curler Steve Hempt. Here’s how Steve Hemp describes growing up in Hebron, Connecticut All American childhood, most popular kid in my high school, great student, and that 6 ft 5, *** great athlete, one who earned an appointment to the United States Military Academy and then transferred to play basketball for the powerful UConn Huskies. But in 1995, his life changed forever. I was *** drunk driver and fortunately I’m lucky to be alive and sitting here with you all great people today. I was left for dead on the side of the road. I woke up from my coma and I was told I was never gonna walk again at 25 years old. He passed out behind the wheel, flipping his pickup truck, and he was ejected. After the crash, Steve spent months lying to people, telling them *** deer caused his accident. Then he accepted responsibility. We’re human, we’re gonna mess up. Forgive yourself, accept what happened, and move on. Steve’s new direction becoming *** high school teacher and basketball coach and finding the sport wheelchair curling. I’m an 11 time national champion, two time Paralympic, going on 3, world championships, and my life slogan, I live by this and I. Every day it’s not what happens to you it’s what you decide to do with what happens. What’s happening now for Emp is historic. He just qualified with Laura Dwyer for the first ever mixed doubles curling event at the Paralympics, and he’s excited to travel to Italy for the first time. I’m looking forward to eating pizza. I don’t know, is it different than what we have in New York or Chicago? I don’t know, um, but just the landscape, the people, just being out there, and again, the opportunity to. Represent Team USA and the grant it’s the stages. It’s goosebumps. On top of being *** teacher, coach, and Paralympian, Empt is also *** motivational speaker who’s written *** self-help book. On the road to Milan Cortina, I’m Fletcher Mackel.

    Forgiveness, redemption and leadership define Team USA wheelchair curler Steve Emt

    Forgiveness, redemption and leadership define Team USA wheelchair curler Steve Emt

    Updated: 3:00 AM PST Nov 28, 2025

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    Forgiveness, redemption, and leadership: Those three principles define Team USA wheelchair curler Steve Emt. Here’s how Emt describes growing up in Hebron, Connecticut: “All American childhood, most popular kid in my high school, great student.”Standing 6-foot-5, Emt was a great prep athlete who earned an appointment to the United States Military Academy and then transferred to play basketball for the powerful University of Connecticut Huskies.But life changed in 1995.”I was a drunk driver; fortunately, I’m lucky to be sitting here with you, great people, today. I was left for dead on the side of the road, and when I woke up from a coma two weeks later, I was told I’d never walk again, at 25 years old,” said Emt. He passed out behind the wheel, flipping his pickup truck, and was ejected. After the crash, Steve spent months lying to people, telling them a deer caused his accident, then he accepted responsibility. “We’re human. We’re gonna mess up, forgive yourself, accept what happened, and move on,” Emt said.Steve’s new direction, becoming a high school teacher and basketball coach, and finding the sport of wheelchair curling. “I’m an 11-time national champion. two-time Paralympian going on three, world championships, too. My life’s slogan, I live by this, and I say it every day, ‘it’s not what happens to you, it’s what you decide to do with what happens,’” said Emt. What’s happening now is historic. He qualified with Laura Dwyer for the first-ever mixed doubles curling event at the Paralympics, and he’s excited to travel to Italy for the first time. “I’m looking forward to eating pizza. I don’t know, is a different than what we have in New York or Chicago? I don’t know, but just the landscape, the people just being out there. And again, the opportunity to represent Team USA on the grandest stage, I get goosebumps,” said Emt. On top of being a teacher, coach and Paralympian, Emt is also a motivational speaker who’s written a self-help book.

    Forgiveness, redemption, and leadership: Those three principles define Team USA wheelchair curler Steve Emt.

    Here’s how Emt describes growing up in Hebron, Connecticut: “All American childhood, most popular kid in my high school, great student.”

    Standing 6-foot-5, Emt was a great prep athlete who earned an appointment to the United States Military Academy and then transferred to play basketball for the powerful University of Connecticut Huskies.

    But life changed in 1995.

    “I was a drunk driver; fortunately, I’m lucky to be sitting here with you, great people, today. I was left for dead on the side of the road, and when I woke up from a coma two weeks later, I was told I’d never walk again, at 25 years old,” said Emt.

    He passed out behind the wheel, flipping his pickup truck, and was ejected. After the crash, Steve spent months lying to people, telling them a deer caused his accident, then he accepted responsibility.

    “We’re human. We’re gonna mess up, forgive yourself, accept what happened, and move on,” Emt said.

    Steve’s new direction, becoming a high school teacher and basketball coach, and finding the sport of wheelchair curling.

    Steve Emt poses for a portrait during the Team USA Media Summit ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games on Oct. 28, 2025, in New York City.

    Mike Coppola/Getty Images

    Steve Emt poses for a portrait during the Team USA Media Summit ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games on Oct. 28, 2025, in New York City.

    “I’m an 11-time national champion. two-time Paralympian going on three, world championships, too. My life’s slogan, I live by this, and I say it every day, ‘it’s not what happens to you, it’s what you decide to do with what happens,’” said Emt.

    What’s happening now is historic. He qualified with Laura Dwyer for the first-ever mixed doubles curling event at the Paralympics, and he’s excited to travel to Italy for the first time.

    “I’m looking forward to eating pizza. I don’t know, is a different than what we have in New York or Chicago? I don’t know, but just the landscape, the people just being out there. And again, the opportunity to represent Team USA on the grandest stage, I get goosebumps,” said Emt.

    On top of being a teacher, coach and Paralympian, Emt is also a motivational speaker who’s written a self-help book.

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  • Report: Liberty tab Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco as head coach

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    The New York Liberty have agreed to name Golden State Warriors assistant Chris DeMarco as their new head coach, ESPN reported on Friday.

    DeMarco, 40, has held a number of roles — including assistant coach and player development coach — during his 13 seasons with the team. He also serves as head coach of the Bahamian senior men’s national team.

    The Liberty opted against renewing the contract of Sandy Brondello on Sept. 23, one season after the team won its first WNBA championship. That news came out four days after New York was bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the Phoenix Mercury.

    ‘We need to nail this,’ Liberty general manager Jonathan Kolb said on Sept. 25 of the coach selection. ‘If we’re going to make a bold decision like this, our players deserve to get the best, and so we’ll take the time necessary.’

    Brondello, 57, is the winningest head coach in franchise history, posting a 107-53 record during her four years at the helm. The Liberty recorded identical 32-8 records in 2023 and 2024, falling to the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals in the first year before beating the Minnesota Lynx last season.

    –Field Level Media

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  • Union begin quest for 1st MLS title with 3-game series vs. Fire

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    Bradley Carnell’s first year as coach of the Philadelphia Union has been a revelation, as he has transformed a team that finished 12th in the MLS Eastern Conference last year into a winner of the Supporters’ Shield.

    Now it is on to the postseason for the Union, who open a three-game series at home against the Chicago Fire on Sunday night in Chester, Pa.

    Philadelphia is attempting to capture the MLS Cup for the first time and become the eighth team in league history to win the title after finishing with the best regular-season record.

    The last club to accomplish the feat was Los Angeles FC in 2022, when they topped the visiting Union on penalty kicks after the teams played to a 3-3 draw.

    ‘The last time that we were in this position, where we finished first in the East, we had to go away for MLS Cup,’ Nathan Harriel said. ‘It makes a big difference being home versus away in these games. It’s great to know that the rest of this year can run through Philadelphia, and it will run through Philadelphia.’

    Harriel is part of Carnell’s signature pressing, structured defense, which surrendered the fewest goals (35) in MLS.

    Led by Kai Wagner (two goals, 11 assists) and Jakob Glesnes, who are two of the three nominees for MLS Defender of the Year, Philadelphia has posted 14 clean sheets, including a pair against Chicago.

    In the most recent matchup, a 4-0 domination at home Aug. 23, four different players scored, including Tai Baribo, who leads the Union with 16 goals.

    Since then, however, Chicago has gone 5-1-2, including a 3-1 win Wednesday over Orlando City in the Eastern Conference wild-card game as Hugo Cuypers scored a brace in the second half.

    ‘They’ve changed formations. They’ve changed a lot of different things that have matched up to the opponent,’ Carnell said. ‘But what they don’t change is the quality of their group, and their front three are excellent soccer players.’

    In addition to Cuypers (19 goals), the trio includes Philip Zinckernagel (15 goals, 17 assists) and Jonathan Bamba (five goals, 11 assists).

    They pace an offense that produced 68 goals, which was the second most in the league and helped boost the Fire to their first playoff berth since 2017.

    Chicago has not won at Philadelphia since 2013.

    ‘They’re Supporters’ Shield champs for a reason,’ Fire coach Gregg Berhalter said. ‘They have a deep squad, so we’ll have our hands full.’

    –Field Level Media

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  • Reports: Florida fires coach Billy Napier

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    Florida has fired head coach Billy Napier in the midst of his fourth season in Gainesville, multiple media outlets reported on Sunday.

    Napier, 46, posted a 22-23 record during his time with the Gators.

    Per the Orlando Sentinel, longtime receivers coach Billy Gonzales is expected to serve as the team’s interim coach. Florida (3-4, 2-2 Southeastern Conference) will return from its bye to face rival Georgia on Nov. 1 in Jacksonville, Fla.

    Napier’s last game was a win, as the Gators seized a 23-21 victory against Mississippi State on Saturday.

    Florida entered the season ranked No. 15 before losses to South Florida, LSU, Miami and Texas A&M. The last three on that list were all ranked in the top 10 at the time.

    Napier already was on the hot seat after compiling a 19-19 record in his first three seasons at Florida.

    He has a 62-35 overall coaching record after posting a 40-12 mark with Louisiana (2018-21).

    –Field Level Media

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  • Not Currently Playing And Not A Coach, Damian Lillard Has A Unique Role With The Blazers – KXL

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    PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — At one point after Damian Lillard returned to the Portland Trail Blazers, he was chatting with coach Chauncey Billups about what his role with the team would be this season as he recovers from an Achilles injury.

    Billups had joked that Lillard would be the “highest-paid assistant coach in the league” but the nine-time All-Star expressed concern that he didn’t want to overstep in his guidance of the team’s young players.

    “And I’m saying, Dame, you’re Dame. You’re OK, bro. Just be you,” Billups said. “Just be who you always are. They’re going to be looking for that direction. And so he’ll find his way as he’s trying to get himself back healthy.”

    Lillard played for Portland for his first 11 NBA seasons before he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks before the start of the 2023-24 season. Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon during Milwaukee’s first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers earlier this year and was subsequently waived.

    That paved the way for his return to the Blazers, who signed him in July to a three-year, $42 million deal.

    Lillard is in a unique position with the Blazers, back on the team but sidelined for the season because of his injury. So naturally there are questions about how he fits into the scheme of things.

    “He is not a coach. He’s a player, and he’s a great player still. And there’s a different level of connectivity that comes with that, you know?” Billups said at the start of the team’s training camp. “Everybody loves Dame. He’s very sensitive to not overstep but we all know Dame, and I told him that’s not even possible because we see the game, we see this thing, the same way.”

    The role, it seems, is pretty much undefined.

    “Like Chauncey said, I guess I’m going to be like another assistant coach. But whatever I can be to the team at this point, that’s what I’ll be, but I’ll definitely be there,” Lillard said.

    Lillard is beloved in Portland. During his final season with the Blazers, he averaged a career-high 32.2 points and became just the seventh player in NBA history to score more than 70 points in a game when he finished with 71 against the Houston Rockets.

    It was just one of many career highlights for a player who would often hit a clutch shot and then point to his wrist indicating “Dame Time.”

    Lillard holds franchise records for points (19,376) and 3-pointers (2,387). He had five games of 60 or more points with Portland.

    He was the 2013 Rookie of the Year and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team in 2021. He won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

    But probably his defining moment came in 2019, when he hit a 37-foot 3-pointer at the buzzer to clinch Portland’s first-round series win over Oklahoma City. Mobbed by his teammates on the court, the camera focused on Lillard’s face. His expression said it all: underestimate Dame at your own peril.

    Lillard said he doesn’t plan on playing this season. Asked before training camp if he’d reconsider if he was close to healthy and Portland was the No. 1 seed going into the playoffs, he joked, “if the team’s the one seed going to the playoffs, then they’ve probably got it.”

    “I’ve been running. I’ve been shooting. I think it’s at the stage where I can do a lot. But it’s tricky because with this injury, what I’ve learned is you get to a point where you can do a lot of these things, but the tendon is not strong enough to stand up to it like it normally would be able to, like doing basketball activities,” he said. “So it’s a long period of being stuck right here.”

    In the meantime, he can be there for the team’s younger players, including Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson, Toumani Camara and Deni Avdija.

    Henderson is sidelined with a left hamstring tear and will miss the start of the season. As he rehabs from the injury, Lillard can lend his advice but emphasized it won’t be too heavy-handed.

    “I’m rehabbing, he’s going to be rehabbing and trying to get back to full health. But I’m not going to be all in his ear, like I just know everything. But there’s a lot that I can share with him,” Lillard said. “As a young point guard, I know the desire, I’ve been there — to want more for yourself and want to grow, want to prove yourself. I’ve been through that process. I’ve been through the struggles. … I know what it’s like off the floor when you’ve got people saying what you need to do and what’s expected. I know that I could help take some of that weight off his shoulders.”

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  • Cincinnati brings dominant offensive line into test vs. UCF

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    (Photo credit: Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

    Coming off a win over then-No. 14 Iowa State on Saturday, its first over a ranked team in head coach Scott Satterfield’s tenure, Cincinnati is on the cusp of the AP Top 25.

    Cincinnati (4-1, 2-0 Big 12) is 2-0 in the Big 12 for the first time in three seasons as a Power Four program, and expectations are rising both inside and outside the program as it prepares to host UCF on Saturday.

    The Bearcats, for starters, are one of three teams in the country to allow only one sack through six weeks. Their offensive line has been named the Big 12 Offensive Line of the Week three times, including for their performance this past week, when they paved the way for the Bearcats’ 260 rushing yards and 474 total yards in a 38-30 upset.

    Quarterback Brendan Sorsby has thrown for 12 touchdowns and just one interception this season, with that one interception coming against Nebraska in Week 1. He’s also rushed for 291 yards and five touchdowns.

    ‘This offensive line group is special. I believe that,’ Bearcats center Gavin Gerhardt said. ‘We have gotten better as time moves on.’

    ‘It starts with (offensive line) Coach (Nic) Cardwell. I don’t think there is a better offensive line coach in the country. I have had three offensive line coaches in my career, but Coach Cardwell is the best offensive line coach for many reasons.’

    Cincinnati’s offensive line will face a stiff test against the visiting Knights.

    UCF (3-2, 0-2 Big 12) boasts a strong defensive front, which has recorded nine sacks and 29 tackles for loss through five games. The Knights are coming off a 27-20 home loss to Kansas, where they were stuffed on three straight runs from the 1-yard line late in the fourth quarter.

    Quarterback Tayven Jackson left with an injury in the third quarter and was wearing a sling on the sideline later in the game. This was one week after he left UCF’s game against Kansas State with a sprained left shoulder joint.

    If Jackson can’t go Saturday, it will be Cam Fancher at quarterback for the Knights.

    ‘This team is good enough to win some of these games, and we just have to be much better in all phases, and more consistent,’ head coach Scott Frost said. ‘We’re awfully close to where we need to be to win some of these games. We haven’t done it yet.’

    The winner of Saturday’s game will take the lead in the all-time series, 6-5. Cincinnati won last year’s meeting 19-13 on the road. Its last home win against UCF was in 2021, the same season Cincinnati went to the College Football Playoff.

    –Field Level Media

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  • “Coach employees be like ‘if I can’t have it no one can’”: Texas dumpster diver hits ‘jackpot’ behind Coach store. Then she sees what the workers did to the handbags

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    Back in the early 2000s, the nickname “dumpster diver” would be taken with great offense. Now, however, what used to be an insult has become a flex. In 2025, TikTok dumpster divers are racking up views by showing off high-end goods rescued from the trash—and followers can’t get enough. 

    Well-known dumpster diver Ella, who goes by @glamourddive on TikTok, has a whopping 2.3 million followers. Her recent video is already at 193,000 views as of Monday. However, her clip is a bit different from what her followers are used to. After hitting the “jackpot” behind a Michael Kors store, Ella tries to continue her winning streak, only to find out that some people don’t like seeing others get lucky. 

    What happened behind this Coach store?

    Ella’s clip begins by showing a plastic bag filled to the brim with scarves, hats, slides, and mini-wallets from Michael Kors–all seemingly mint condition. As she shows off her grandiose haul, Ella says, “This bag is loaded, it’s insane.” And she’s right– this haul certainly calls for the jackpot title. Nonetheless, as the dumpster diver expert goes on to try her luck behind the Coach store, she discovers a sight that angers viewers. 

    “I thought I’d show you guys this is what Coach’s dumpster looks like… they slashed everything up,” she says. 

    It honestly looks like someone went a little too trigger-happy with a boxcutter. Ella shows purses, shoes, and even mini-wallets slashed through beyond the first few layers of fabric. It seems Coach employees wanted to get the message across: “If I can’t have it, then no one can,” according to one commenter.  

    Does Coach really destroy unwanted goods? 

    Back in 2021, Coach went viral for admitting that it destroys its own bags when TikToker Anna Socks (@thetrashwalker) called them out for slashing unused purses. Instead of directly referencing her clip where she says it is done for tax purposes, Coach put out a statement stating “we have now ceased destroying in-store returns of damaged and unsaleable goods…” citing their commitment to sustainability. However, it’s now 4 years later, and we’re still seeing the slashing, so did they really stop it? TikTok viewers weigh in. 

    “What a waste. If it doesn’t get sold it should go to employees and homeless,” one viewer wrote.

    Another commented, “I don’t get it, why throw it away??? Just donate it!” 

    Some call out Coach’s agenda: “But yet Coach claiming they recycle damaged bags,” while another said, “They charge so much but then cut them up and throw them out??? Ridiculous.”

    Dumpster diving woes

    In reality, Ella has actually scored lots of times–and handsomely too. Within her 194 videos of her dumpster diving playlist on TikTok, she shows her hauls from T.J. Maxx, Nike, and Ulta, to name a few. Each time is a surprise with goodies you wouldn’t ever think would be thrown away. That doesn’t mean the hobby always goes smoothly, however. In one story the Mary Sue covered, one dumpster diver had the cops called on her.

    The Mary Sue reached out to Ella via email and Coach via website contact form.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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    Gisselle Hernandez

    Gisselle Hernandez-Gomez is a contributing reporter to the Mary Sue. Her work has appeared in the Daily Dot, Business Insider, Fodor’s Travel and more. You can follow her on X at @GisselleHern. You can email her at [email protected].

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  • Mercury close with 9-0 win, grab series edge over Lynx

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    Satou Sabally scored 15 of her 23 points in the fourth quarter and the host Phoenix Mercury beat the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx 84-76 on Friday to take a 2-1 edge in their WNBA semifinal series.

    Alyssa Thomas amassed 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists while Kahleah Copper also scored 21 points for Phoenix. Thomas passed Sue Bird for the second-most assists in WNBA playoff history.

    The fourth-seeded Mercury, who finished the game on a 9-0 run in the last 3 1/2 minutes, can close out the best-of-five series on Sunday at home for their first WNBA Finals appearance since 2021.

    Natisha Hiedeman had a career-playoff high 19 points, Napheesa Collier added 17 and Courtney Williams contributed 14 for the Lynx, who have lost two games in a row for only the second time this season.

    Thomas stole the ball from Collier and made a layup for an 82-76 lead with 21.8 seconds remaining, after which Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve stormed the court in protest. Reeve, who was arguing what she considered to be excessive contract on Collier, was given a second technical foul on the night and was ejected.

    Collier went to the floor and grabbed her left ankle on the play, and she was helped to the locker room.

    Sabally made all 11 of her free-throws attempts, hitting the final two after the technical foul on Reeve and another at the same time on Minnesota associate head coach Eric Thibault.

    Collier, Williams and Hiedeman did not score in the fourth quarter, going a combined 0-for-7 from the floor against a Mercury defense that limited the Lynx to nine fourth-quarter points on 3-of-16 (18.8 percent) shooting from the floor. The Lynx hit 42.3 percent of their field-goal attempts on the night, while the Mercury made 46.2 percent.

    Maria Kliundikova gave Minnesota a 76-75 lead on a driving layup with 3:31 remaining, but the Lynx did not score again. Klkiundikova scored six of her eight points in the fourth.

    The Mercury’s eight-point winning margin was their largest of the game, which had 15 lead changes.

    –Field Level Media

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  • Mercury aim to ride momentum vs. Lynx in pivotal Game 3

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    The Phoenix Mercury have turned seizing home-court advantage into their postseason identity.

    The Mercury gained the upper hand in their WNBA semifinal series against the top-seed Minnesota Lynx with a Game 2 road victory Tuesday, and they will begin defense of their home floor in the third game of the best-of-five series Friday.

    The Mercury overcame a 20-point deficit in the final 16 minutes of regulation and scored the first six points of overtime while evening the series with an 89-83 victory.

    ‘This is a battle-tested team,’ Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts said of the Lynx. ‘We haven’t done anything yet. We needed to get one there (Minneapolis). We did our job.’The Lynx, who have won four league titles and lost in the finals last year, took Game 1 82-69 at home by outscoring the Mercury by 13 in the fourth quarter. Game 4 is in Phoenix on Sunday.

    ‘It’s a resilient team,’ Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said of her group. ‘It’s a team that responds. There are problem-solvers. Nobody said this stuff was going to be easy. It’s all part of the journey.

    ‘Now we have to beat a really good team at their place. That’s a tall order. We’ll do all we can to do it.’

    The Mercury took home court from defending champion New York in the second game of their first-round series and clinched it with a win in Game 3 at home.

    Lynx point guard Courtney Williams has 43 points, 16 assists and 15 rebounds in this series. Napheesa Collier, the runner-up in league MVP voting, has 42 points and 15 rebounds.

    Pressured by Alyssa Thomas, Collier missed a 16-footer at the buzzer after the Mercury’s Sami Whitcomb hit a 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds remaining to send Tuesday’s game into overtime.

    ‘This is what it’s all about,’ Thomas said. ‘You play the whole season for the playoffs and moments like these. I’ve been chasing a championship for a long time. I think this is our time.’

    Thomas, who spent her first 11 seasons with Connecticut, directs Tibbetts’ free-flowing offense from the foul-line extended. The Mercury went small in their comeback Tuesday.

    Thomas, third in MVP voting, led the league with a career-high 9.2 assists per game in the regular season. Williams was second at 6.2. Thomas has eight triple-doubles and is averaging 18.5 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in the series.

    Phoenix’s Satou Sabally had 24 points, including five 3-pointers, and nine rebounds in Game 2.

    After making 3 of 23 threes in Game 1, the Mercury were 13 of 32 in the second game.

    When ‘Sa’ makes threes, she’s pretty good,’ Tibbetts said. ‘They have a decision to make, right? They are either going to take away the paint or take away threes. It’s really hard to do both.’

    –Field Level Media

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  • ‘This one came from Amazon’: Ohio woman buys display Coach Tabby purse at mall. Then a manager intervenes when she tries to return it the next day

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    A woman tried to return a display Coach purse that she kept in the box and never touched, only to realize she couldn’t. The reason why? It had damage and was missing items despite being sold to her to begin with. 

    In a video with over 80,000 views, Sandy Brown (@sandybrownrn_15) explained a current predicament she encountered after purchasing a large Tabby. Brown bought a large purse from Coach only to realize that she didn’t care for the sizing, returning it the day after getting it. Despite bringing that purse right back to the mall practically in the box, she couldn’t return it. Brown didn’t realize that the Coach store would expect a “like-new” bag despite her buying it worn. 

    In the video, Brown also showed off a YSL bag that was not even remotely scuffed, explaining that she’s had it for three years and that she doesn’t scuff her items. The clerk allegedly claimed that she had possibly “damaged” the bag within 24 hours. “ But you’re telling me in 24 hours, I caused [this much] damage to this bag?” She asked. 

    She reiterated that the day before, the clerk should have told her that display items do not have a return policy. 

    Does Coach take back display items? 

    Brown stated in her video, “ So coach, if you gonna be selling bags that are displayed, make sure people know that they may not get their money back because it shows signs of wear and tear and less than 24 hours.” But does Coach even have a display item policy? 

    Coach does have a specific return policy for some items, but its website does not mention a “display item return policy” explicitly. Both regular and sale items have a 30-day return policy. Only customized items, made-to-order purchases, leather care equipment such as care kits, and fragrances are final sale.

    In that regard, it’s incredibly unusual that Brown couldn’t return her Tabby bag, especially considering the context in which she brought it a day after she originally purchased it. 

    What is a ‘Tabby?’ 

    A tabby is a specific type of coach bag that ranges anywhere from around $250 to over $500 in price. It’s a “’70s-inspired silhouette” bag that’s “classically modern.” The popular bag is popular amongst New Yorkers and Gen-Z. 

    ‘Getting Navy Federal on the phone’ 

    Because the Coach store was not taking her return, Brown decided to call Navy Federal, her credit union, to dispute her transaction. 

    Brown implied that she rarely disputes transactions as a reason that she’ll “get [her] money back. 

    Other commenters noticed the fact that the retail store should have followed the return policy, recommending that she call the company’s corporate line. 

    “[The Coach clerk] is wrong! call the Corporate Office,” one commenter wrote. “They will take care of you.” 

    Another commented on the bag’s condition. Despite being a display bag, its still questionable that the company sold a bag that had obvious wear and tear. “Even if you did wear it [for] 24 [hours] the bag should not be peeling… refund immediately,” they added. 

    Another added, “If this is what they’re gonna do, then they shouldn’t be letting people buy the display bag. They should honor the refund because they didn’t have any more in stock.”

    @sandybrownrn_15 BEACHWOOD MALL COACH COUNT YOUR DAYS YOU SELL ME A DISPLAY BAG I TRY TO RETURN IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS AND YALL TELL ME I DAMAGED IT …NEVER EVER AGAIN @Coach #coachbag #coachtabby #coachbags #returnpolicy #display ♬ original sound – Sandybrownrn_15

    The Mary Sue has reached out to Coach’s Corporate team and messaged Brown on TikTok for more information.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

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  • Max Arfsten among those auditioning for a U.S. team in transition

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    (Photo credit: Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Max Arfsten is not paranoid, but every time he crosses the white line onto the soccer field he feels like the entire world is watching.

    Actually, it’s the weight of the World Cup as the Columbus Crew defender makes a late push for the 26-player U.S. men’s national team roster for the tournament next summer in North America.

    ‘I’m auditioning every match, for sure,’ he told Field Level Media after the U.S defeated Japan 2-0 in Columbus on Tuesday. ‘I don’t ever think anything is handed or given to me no matter what. So honestly, training is the same thing. It’s an audition. I’m trying to prove myself every single time I step on the field. That’s my mentality.’

    The 24-year-old from Fresno, Calif., wasn’t even on the U.S. radar until coach Mauricio Pochettino, who marked one year on the job on Wednesday, debuted him on Jan. 18 against Venezuela.

    Since then, Arfsten has a goal and four assists in 12 matches, including setting up Alex Zendejas for the first goal vs. Japan.

    ‘Just waiting for my moment,’ Zendejas said of his first U.S. start since 2023. ‘It’s crazy to take all this in. I didn’t expect to get called up. Just trying to take advantage of every opportunity.’

    Arfsten, Zendejas, Cristian Roldan and Folarin Balogun improved their stock in the match thanks to a change in schematics.

    For the first time in his 18 matches in charge, Pochettino rolled out a 3-4-2-1 formation after another dreadful performance on Sept. 6 using a 4-2-3-1 in a 2-0 loss to South Korea.

    The switch allowed more players to work in familiar areas. Arfsten was effective at left wingback for the Crew, but playing in a back four for the U.S. exposed his defensive shortcomings. Against Japan he was able to do what he does best — run at defenders and make crosses into the box like the pinpoint pass to Zendejas’ left foot for the goal.

    It was the same on the right side with Alex Freeman, 21, of Orlando City, who has less experience than Arfsten (nine U.S. appearances) but is keeping himself in the roster conversation for now.

    ‘We have players that play in this new formation (with their clubs),’ Pochettino said.

    He also noted center back Chris Richards is more comfortable playing in a back three for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League.

    With Arfsten and Freeman on the wings, it allowed Zendejas on the right and Christian Pulisic opposite him to have space beneath Balogun in the No. 9 role.

    That’s how Pulisic was able to zip an entry ball to Balogun for the second goal vs. Japan, Balogun’s first since June 27, 2024, registered against Panama in the Copa America.

    ‘We are so pleased because he, with his performance, makes us to doubt about (our roster choices),’ Pochettino said of Zendejas. ‘With this type of performance, he’s in the race for the roster for the World Cup.’

    Zendejas, who plays for Club America in Mexico’s Liga MX, has an ally in the U.S. captain.

    ‘I’ve played with him since we were 14 years old, so I’ve always known what a great player he is,’ Pulisic said. ‘He really showed this camp something different, so I’m really happy for him. He deserves it.’

    Roldan was vacationing after the Seattle Sounders won the CONCACAF Champions Cup when he got the call-up. He played alongside Tyler Adams in the midfield vs. Japan, and like the other players on the roster bubble, he impressed Pochettino.

    ‘I am so happy because they understand or understood that they need to perform in the way that we expect,’ Pochettino said. ‘It’s not about to win or to lose the games … but to perform in the way that we expect and the way that we want.’

    There was relief following the win over Japan, No. 17 in the FIFA rankings, which ended a five-match losing streak to teams in the top 25 while being outscored 11-1, though there are still hurdles for players such as Arfsten to make the World Cup roster.

    As good as the performance was Tuesday, it was against basically a B team for Japan and many of the so-called regulars for the USMNT were not brought in for the past two matches for a variety reasons.

    Among the missing were forwards and midfielders Johnny Cardoso, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musa, Ricardo Pepi, Gio Reyna, Malik Tillman and Haji Wright. Defenders absent included Mark McKenzie, Antonee Robinson, Miles Robinson and Joe Scally.

    Another consideration in selecting the right personnel: The U.S. likely will employ four in the back depending on the matchup.

    ‘I think it’s good to have different plans, approaches to the games, different formations,’ Pochettino said.

    He has four more matches this year for evaluation beginning Oct. 10 against Ecuador in Austin, Texas, and Australia on Oct. 14 in Commerce City, Colo.

    At his post-match press conference on Tuesday, Pochettino said he may rely more on European-based players for these autumn friendlies, because in the October window MLS will be entering the final week of the regular season while the November matches will be during the playoffs.

    For Arfsten, the opportunities to make the team could be limited but Pochettino likes what he’s seen so far.

    ‘It’s a player that we really believe in from Day 1, because I see in the way that he is, his character, his personality, the characteristics how he is like a player,’ Pochettino said. ‘I think it’s a combo that we really love, we really like. He’s a very intelligent, very smart guy.’

    Arfsten was in mid-sentence answering a question after Pochettino’s press conference when the coach walked by. With a smile, Pochettino gave him a hug, congratulated him and wished him luck.

    Maybe it was a sign of things to come, maybe not, but Arfsten is staying focused.

    ‘I just try to take it moment by moment,’ he said. ‘I can’t think too much in the future, but I’m definitely going to keep working hard and just do everything I can to get called into the upcoming camp.’

    –Craig Merz, Field Level Media

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