Ketia Swanier's Journey with the Phoenix Mercury: A Championship Story
The Phoenix Mercury made history in 2009, and Ketia Swanier was a key player in their success. But here's where it gets interesting: Swanier's path to the championship was not without its twists and turns. Before joining the Mercury, she spent time with the Connecticut Sun, where she was drafted in the first round. Swanier's draft class included other notable players like Candace Parker and Sylvia Fowles. The Mercury had a pick right after Swanier, and they selected LaToya Sanders, who averaged 4.4 points and 3.5 rebounds during her time with the team.
Swanier's rookie season with the Sun was a learning curve. She played 25 games, starting in six, and averaged 1.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, and an assist. After her stint with the Sun, Swanier joined the Mercury the following year, and her impact was immediate. She played 33 games in the 2009 season, coming off the bench, and averaged 2.8 points, 1.6 assists, and 1.6 rebounds.
Swanier's time with the Mercury included a playoff run where she saw action. She averaged 2.2 points, 1.4 assists, and a rebound during that run, which included matchups against the San Antonio Silver Stars, Los Angeles Sparks, and Indiana Fever. The Mercury's victory over the Fever 3-2 was a turning point, and Swanier was a part of the team that went on to win the championship.
Swanier's second season with the Mercury was her breakout year. She had a career-high 17 points, six assists, two rebounds, and a steal against the Tulsa Shock. The Mercury's star power was on full display, with Diana Taurasi leading the way (26 points, five assists, two rebounds, and a steal), Candice Dupree (23 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks), Tangela Smith (13 points), DeWanna Bonner (11 points), and Penny Taylor (10 points).
Swanier's journey with the Mercury is a testament to her resilience and skill. Her presence on the 2009 championship team cements her place in franchise history. So, if you're a fan of the Mercury's past glory, make sure to follow us on X for more stories like this one! Click right here (https://x.com/MercuryOnSI) to stay updated on the latest news and insights from the WNBA's most historic teams.
