Mercury's Scorch shows support for Sunday honoree Holly Rowe

Published Aug. 25, 2016 2:19 p.m. ET

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ESPN reporter Holly Rowe will be honored at Sunday's Phoenix Mercury-vs.-Los Angeles Sparks game as the team's 2016 recipient of the BBVA Compass Bright Futures Woman of Inspiration award.

Rowe has used her platform as a television personality to publicly document her battle against cancer. Despite the dark moments she faces, she says she chooses to focus on what makes her happy, her work. She will share the story of her battle against cancer with Mercury fans during a special halftime interview at center court.

"Holly has always been a supporter of not only the WNBA but the Phoenix Mercury and our athletes, committed to telling their stories and helping us to grow our game," said Mercury vice president of operations Vince Kozar. "She is a pioneer who has risen to the top of a historically male-dominated field. Most inspiring of all, she has not allowed her current battle with cancer to keep her from doing the job she loves with her trademark energy, enthusiasm and smile. Holly is an inspiration and we feel fortunate to be able to honor her this year."

Rowe recently shaved her head as part of her ongoing battle, which inspired Mercury mascot Scorch and the Suns Gorilla to show their support for her and everyone battling the disease.

Sunday's game will tip off at 6 p.m.

Previous recipients of the Woman of Inspiration Award are Robin Roberts (2007), Ali Vincent (2008), Jackie Joyner-Kersee (2009), Billie Jean King (2010), Picabo Street (2011), Hope Solo (2012), Lisa Fernandez (2013), Jordan Wieber (2014) and Mo'ne Davis (2015).