French forward Valériane Ayayi is settling into her new home with the Phoenix Mercury, and so far, the Valley has rolled out the welcome mat in style.

Since arriving in Phoenix, Ayayi has been blown away by the level of support and professionalism she's encountered. It's a homecoming of sorts for the veteran, who played one season with the San Antonio Stars back in 2015 before her career took her overseas. Now, she's back in the WNBA and reuniting with former EuroLeague teammate Alyssa Thomas, a cornerstone of the Mercury's roster.

But what's really turning heads for Ayayi isn't just the familiar faces—it's the organization's commitment to its players. When asked what surprised her most about the Mercury, she didn't hesitate: "The facilities. I would say that's really the biggest thing that I'm like, 'Wow, this is amazing.' It shows this is something serious."

Phoenix has long built a reputation for investing in its athletes, and the brand-new training facility that opened in 2024 only cements that legacy. For Ayayi, the attention to detail is a game-changer, proving that the Mercury's reputation around the league is well-earned.

But it's not just about the state-of-the-art gyms and recovery rooms. The human element is what truly seals the deal. "As I already said, I love the people here," Ayayi shared. "That's also a big aspect for me because I'm a people person. The care they have for me—and for my family—is huge."

Ayayi's comments echo what many Mercury players have said before: this organization feels like home. For a player making the leap from overseas, that trust and sense of belonging make all the difference. And with the Mercury's support system in full swing, Ayayi is ready to make her mark in Phoenix.