Sami Whitcomb Leads Mercury, Bonds with Aussie Teammate Over In-N-Out

The Phoenix Mercury are not only preparing game plans this season, but they are also building chemistry one burger at a time. Last week, veteran guard Sami Whitcomb shared a humorous moment on her Instagram story with fellow Aussie Shyla Heal, giving fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the process. The snapshot? Heal is having a good time with her first In-N-Out burger. Many Americans consider the West Coast fast-food staple a rite of passage.

Aussie teammates are bonding at an In n Out. Phoenix Mercury’s Sami Whitcomb shared on her Instagram story that it was Shyla Heal’s first time having an In n Out burger. #WNBA pic.twitter.com/urrp0vVhyf

— Aya Abdeen (@ayabdeen) May 3, 2025

Heal, who recently joined the WNBA from Australia, was shown an entirely new world with double-doubles and secret menus. A veteran assisted a newcomer in feeling at home, even if it meant fries and a milkshake. The moment was simple and telling. Whitcomb’s influence is even greater when she goes off the tray and onto the court.

“I’ve been in locker rooms that haven’t been great and locker rooms that have had championship pedigree, we’ve won,” Whitcomb said. “So I feel I do know what it takes. I know what it looks like. I know what it doesn’t look like, and I’m in a position to bring that accountability here, which is what I intend to do.”

That leadership isn’t going unnoticed.

Rookie guard Megan McConnell, another newcomer in Phoenix, was quick to respond when asked if any veterans had mentored her.

“Sami Whitcomb,” she said without missing a beat. “She’s in the gym 24/7. Whenever she texts me, ‘I’m going to the gym,’ I’m just following her along.”

Whitcomb is known for being a tireless worker, and now she’s making sure it defines the Mercury’s new identity. Whether she’s setting screens on the hardwood or setting the tone in the weight room, her presence is already being felt by the younger members. For international teammates like Heal, that presence is accompanied by American culture and possibly some animal-style fries. While the Phoenix Mercury may be rebuilding, leaders like Whitcomb set an example of excellence and unity from the gym to the drive-thru, leading to more than a winning season. They’re creating a team.