Former Red Rocks star Kari Lee and her family are grappling with the devastating loss of their family home during the fourth of July holiday. The tragic event unfolded early Thursday morning in Peoria, Arizona, when a barbeque fire spiraled out of control, ultimately destroying their suburban home.

A GoFundMe account has been established to support the Lee family as they work to rebuild their lives. Despite the severity of the fire, it is a relief that everyone managed to escape with only minor injuries being reported. However, the family faced a heartbreaking loss as they were unable to save their five dogs and lost all their belongings in the blaze.

Kari’s athletic achievements as a gymnast for the University of Utah from 2015 to 2019 are a testament to her resilience and determination. During her illustrious career, she earned the distinction of being a three-time All-American and a six-time All-Pac-12 honoree. Kari’s leadership skills were evident as she served as a co-captain in her senior year, demonstrating a high level of consistency by hitting 96% of her routines and securing 20 career victories.

Lee’s contributions were instrumental in Utah’s success, helping the team clinch two Pac-12 Titles in 2015 and 2017. Her efforts also propelled the team to a near-victory at the National Championships in 2015, where they finished as runners-up .

The loss of their home and beloved pets is an unimaginable hardship for Kari and her family. As they navigate this difficult period, the support from the community through the GoFundMe campaign is crucial. The outpouring of generosity and compassion serves as a beacon of hope, helping them to begin the process of healing and rebuilding.

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Three new rookies means three new jerseys and numbers that adorn them. So what numbers did the Utah Jazz newcomers choose?

Cody Williams, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, wore No. 10 at Colorado and wore No. 24 in high school, but he’ll wear No. 5 for the Utah Jazz.

“I wanted a single-digit number,” Williams said.

Isaiah Collier, the 29th pick in the draft, wore No. 1 at USC last season but that number isn’t available to Jazz players, owing to the fact that it’s been retired to honor former head coach Frank Layden. So what’s the reason that he chose 13?

“It was just available,” Collier said with a laugh.

Maybe the most interesting number choice came from 32nd overall pick Kyle Filipowski, who will wear No. 22 with the Jazz.

Filipowski wore No. 22 a few times throughout his high school career, so he has a level of comfortability with the number and was happy it was available with the Jazz, but those who have worn No. 22 with the Jazz have not always fared well, leaving some to call the number cursed for the team.

Most recently, Rudy Gay and Jeff Green wore No. 22 for the Jazz, turning in really underwhelming years after signing with the Jazz as free agents. Prior to Filipowski, 20 players have donned the number 22 for the Jazz and it includes players who were busts, were languishing at the end of mediocre careers and even John Drew, who was the first player banned by the NBA for repeated violations of its substance abuse policy.

Here’s to hoping that Filipowski can turn around the fate of No. 22 for the Jazz.

The players will debut their new numbers during Salt Lake City Summer League, which begins on July 8.

New with the Jazz

From the archives

Extra points

• Jazz rookies arrive in SLC with a foundation the head coach will love (Deseret News)
• Kris Dunn finds new home with Los Angeles Clippers (Deseret News)
• Jazz add Drew Eubanks in free agency (Deseret News)
• Joe Ingles to join former Jazzmen in Minnesota (Deseret News)

Around the league

Up next: SLC Summer League

• July 8, 9, 10 | Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers | KJZZ

The Utah Royals have made an audacious move and brought a real star into their ranks: Mina Tanaka. The Japanese striker, who recently left Kobe Leonessa of the Japanese WE League, arrives at the club with an enviable CV. With 58 appearances and 37 goals to her name, Tanaka brings a wealth of experience and a winning mentality to a team currently struggling in the NWSL. Signed until 2025, she is the Royals’ big bet to turn the season around.

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At 30, Tanaka comes from an illustrious career in Japan. With spells at Tokyo Verdy Beleza and INAC Kobe Leonessa, she has shown her talent time and time again, including a brief spell in the German Frauen-Bundesliga. With 211 goals in 308 club games and 30 goals in 74 international games, Mina is a veritable goal machine. His signing is a clear sign that the Utah Royals are willing to do whatever it takes to move up the table.

Kelly Cousins, the Utah Royals’ sporting director, didn’t hide her excitement about the new signing. “Mina is an experienced player who can have an immediate impact on our team. Her experience will be essential to the development and culture of our young team,” said Cousins. And no wonder. With four Nadeshiko League golden boot titles and several inclusions in the league’s Best XI, Tanaka is a major addition.

Tanaka’s arrival couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. The Utah Royals are in an uncomfortable position in the table, with a record of 2-11-2 and 10 points behind the current playoff line. The team has struggled to find its form, and the presence of a top scorer like Tanaka could be just what they need to turn things around. His nose for goals and his ability in decisive moments will be key for the Royals in the coming challenges.

As well as her skills on the pitch, Tanaka brings a champion’s mentality that could inspire her new teammates. In statements before her transfer, she highlighted her enthusiasm for being part of the Royals’ project and her desire to help the team compete. “I’m very determined to be part of this club, taking the team to the level of competing in the championship title race. I’m looking forward to my journey in Utah. We’ll do it together,” said Tanaka, making it clear that she is ready to give her all for the club.

Tanaka’s signing is also a strategic move for the Royals, who are looking not only to improve their performance, but also to attract more attention and support from fans. A player of international caliber like Tanaka will certainly bring more visibility to the team and could help galvanize the fans around the team. With her imminent participation in the 2024 Olympics for Japan, Tanaka will be in the spotlight, and this could greatly benefit the Utah Royals in terms of marketing and fan engagement.

However, it won’t be an easy road. Japan’s Olympic group with Spain, Brazil and Nigeria promises to be a real litmus test. Tanaka, however, has already shown that he is capable of shining in the biggest competitions, having scored in the final Group D match at the 2023 World Cup, helping Japan beat eventual champions Spain 4-0. Her performance in international tournaments only reinforces her reputation as a top-level player, ready for any challenge.

For the Royals, Tanaka’s presence could be the spark that ignites a turnaround in the season. Her ability to score goals in all sorts of ways and her international experience bring a new dimension to the team. The challenge now is to integrate Tanaka into the team’s style of play and make the most of his abilities.