Posts by Jenn Hatfield

Jenn Hatfield has been a contributor to The Next since December 2018 and is currently the site's managing editor, Washington Mystics beat reporter and Ivy League beat reporter. Her work has also appeared at FiveThirtyEight, Her Hoop Stats, FanSided, Power Plays and Princeton Alumni Weekly.

Wearing red jerseys, five Washington Mystics players huddle a little past midcourt.

Despite winless start and missing playoffs, Washington Mystics ‘set a foundation’ in 2024

September 22, 2024

Brittney Sykes: ‘Resiliency is an understatement’

Washington Mystics players stand near midcourt after a game and put their fists together in a huddle. The players are each smiling or shouting in celebration.

‘A domino effect’: Shatori Walker-Kimbrough leads Mystics’ bench with buckets, blocks and pregame pep talks

September 19, 2024

Walker-Kimbrough leads the WNBA in bench points, but her impact on her teammates goes beyond that

Washington Mystics center/forward Shakira Austin dribbles the ball with her left hand near the free-throw line as Atlanta Dream forward/center Lorela Cubaj tries to cut off her angle.

Washington Mystics shut down Shakira Austin as they continue to chase a playoff spot

September 16, 2024

A loss to Atlanta on Sunday means Washington doesn’t control its playoff destiny

Several Washington Mystics players who are on the bench celebrate a play by shouting, making 3-point signs with their fingers and putting their hands in the air.

How the Washington Mystics climbed from 0-12 into playoff position

September 14, 2024

Friday’s win at Atlanta was the Mystics’ seventh in nine games, pushing them into eighth place

Washington Mystics director of player development Sefu Bernard sits next to point guard Julie Vanloo after practice. He has a laptop on his lap. They look at the screen together, and Bernard gestures with one hand as he talks.

Behind the scenes of the Washington Mystics’ player development

September 11, 2024

It’s been a tough season for the Mystics, but they’re making deposits in their future

A close-up photo of Washington Mystics forward Myisha Hines-Allen releasing a jump shot. The Mystics' video board and championship banner are visible in the background.

‘Happy as hell for her’: Washington Mystics welcome back Myisha Hines-Allen

September 9, 2024

Hines-Allen played her first game in Washington on Sunday since being traded to Minnesota in August

Washington Mystics guard Ariel Atkins dribbles the ball with her left hand just inside the 3-point line.

Ariel Atkins isn’t the Mystics’ point guard, but she’s facilitating more than ever

September 1, 2024

Atkins is averaging a career-high 3.4 assists per game while leading Washington in scoring

Former Washington Mystics guard/forward Alana Beard stands at a glass podium at center court and addresses the crowd during her Hall of Fame induction. Mystics general manager Mike Thibault and Beard's family and friends stand on either side of her.

‘Destructive’ defense, unparalleled scoring put Alana Beard in Mystics Hall of Fame

August 24, 2024

The former No. 2 overall pick inspired current Mystics guards to strive to defend like her

Washington Mystics forward Myisha Hines-Allen smiles as she runs down the court.

Trading Myisha Hines-Allen was hard for the Mystics, but it can help their rebuild

August 22, 2024

Mike Thibault prioritizes draft picks, flexibility to get back to contention

Washington Mystics players Jade Melbourne, Julie Vanloo and Aaliyah Edwards and general manager Mike Thibault posed for a photo at center court before heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Each held the flag of the country they represent: Australia, Belgium, Canada and the United States, respectively.

How the Washington Mystics’ Olympians are approaching the rest of the WNBA season

August 18, 2024

Jade Melbourne, Julie Vanloo and Aaliyah Edwards are back after joys and disappointments in Paris