How Mercury's Pettis Proved Herself In College

Bridget Pettis was one of the Phoenix Mercury's first players, and during her college years, she showed why she belonged with the team.

Jun 26, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky forward Candace Parker (3) shoes are seen during the first half of a WNBA game at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Bridget Pettis is a Phoenix Mercury legend, and she had her jersey retired. She is one of four players tied to the Ring of Honor, and two of her teammates are with her. Jennifer Gillom and Michele Timms had their numbers retired, and Penny Taylor, who joined the Mercury in 2004, did as well.

Aug 19, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; The shoes of Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally (0) are seen before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images / Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Pettis has a special place in Mercury history, as she was the one who scored the team's first basket. They played the Charlotte Sting in that game, and they beat them 76-59. Pettis was the leading scorer, and he had 17 points. She also had three assists, three rebounds and a block. Phoenix had one other player who scored in double figures, as Toni Foster had 14.

Mercury draft elite guards

Before the Mercury started their season, they added players in a unique draft. That draft included players who were out of college, and they played professionally elsewhere. The Mercury drafted Pettis in the first round of that draft, and they added Nancy Lieberman in the second.

Sep 7, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Detailed view of an official WNBA basketball in the hands of a young female Phoenix Mercury fan against the Chicago Sky during game one of the WNBA Finals at US Airways Center. The Mercury defeated the Sky 83-62. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Both of them were talented, established guards, and when it came to Pettis' college years, she had some notable seasons. She started her journey at Central Arizona College, and she eventually transferred to Florida.

In her first season at Florida, Pettis averaged 14.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.8 steals. She continued to play well in her second season, and she averaged 15.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.2 steals. During that year, she had some nice games in Florida's tournament run.

Mercury legend Bridget Pettis comes on the court during the Ring of Honor ceremony at the Footprint Center on Saturday, May 18, 2024. / Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Florida faced Bowling Green during that time, and Pettis helped her team get the win. She had 17 points in that game, and she also had six rebounds, four steals and two assists. Florida's win was a close one, as the guard and her teammates beat Bowling Green 69-67.

Pettis and her team advanced, and they faced Virginia. That game did not go in their favor, as Virginia picked up a 69-55 win. Pettis had 25 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Overall, she played well, and she scored 42 points during that run. She showcased her talents, and she brought that same energy to the Mercury. She became a Mercury legend, and her legacy is discussed to this day.

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