Posted: Jan 21, 2022
Kyra Vidas is the Head of Basketball Operations and Equipment for the WNBA Phoenix Mercury, Assistant Basketball Operations and Equipment for the NBA Phoenix Suns.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
Everything. I do what I love and I love what I do. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be doing it. Every day is different. Every practice is different. Every travel day is different. Every game is different. I like a fast-paced industry and that every day is a new challenge you can experience with your team.
What do you find the most challenging about your career?
Time management can be challenging in this type of career because it is very fast-paced, and every year can bring something different whether that’s a new roster, new coach, new equipment products, new travel schedule, etc. You have to be efficient, organized, and be ready to move on the fly.
What is the most memorable moment you have had during your career?
There have been many memorable moments during my career. I have been fortunate enough to work with different professional teams, athletes, coaches, support staff, and front offices during the last 7 years that have all made an impact in my life. This past WNBA and NBA season in Phoenix was unique. I was able to witness history and watch the NBA Phoenix Suns and the WNBA Phoenix Mercury both make it to the finals, which only happened once before.
Can you please outline a day in the life of your job on both a game day and non-game day?
There is a lot that goes into both types of days but being prepared and organized is important.
Practice Day:
Wake up, set up the gym, pass out all player gear, work on travel itineraries and plans, help at practice, be on alert if players or coaches need anything, help clean up after practice, make sure laundry is running, collect players gear and shoes. Every day can be something different whether we are passing out more equipment or booking busses for each trip or speaking with hotels about our needs on the road.
Game Day:
There are many details that go into a game day, but to sum it up: Wake up, head to the arena, set up visiting team locker room, set up home team locker room, make sure all uniforms and game attire are in each player's lockers, make sure the court is ready to go with basketballs, towels, and water/Gatorade, make sure all players have their accessories for on-court, stock all fridges, and manage the court and locker room attendants with different team needs. With every team can come different needs, so you have to be prepared to help and assist where it is needed. If teams want a shoot around in the morning of game day, then you are there earlier setting up and making sure they have everything they need on-court and in their locker room.