By: Jeremy Hawkes, Assistant Media Relations Director – Arizona State University – Sun Devil Athletics
TEMPE – The Arizona State University softball team will host its annual Alumni Game this Friday, Oct. 18 at Farrington Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., beginning at 7 p.m.
The free event is open to all softball fans, offering a chance to get a glimpse of this season’s Sun Devil squad while also getting the opportunity to once again see ASU favorites from the past, as returning players and newcomers will square off against each other in a friendly competition.
This annual event is meant to be a special time for all Arizona State Softball alumni to get back to their alma mater and participate in a friendly game between the current 2013-14 Sun Devils and the players of the past.
For former Sun Devils, this marks an opportunity to meet new head coach Craig Nicholson, as he embarks on his first season as leader of the consistently successful Arizona State softball program.
This year’s game features a myriad of former standouts, including no less than 12 WCWS National Champions that are slated to be in attendance with over 20 alumni scheduled to participate in some shape over the course of the weekend.
Among those schedule to be at the event are two-time national champs Krista Donnenwirth, Lesley Rogers, Michelle Nulliner, Mandy Urfer as well as 2011 NCAA champions Christina Zambrana, Lacy Goodman, Lucy Aubrecht, Talor Haro, Annie Lockwood and Nikole Afusia alongside 2008 WCWS Champions Caylyn Carlson and Jessica Mapes.
It’s not only recent graduates slated to attend, as plenty of former Sun Devils from decades past will also be at the game, including: Lynn Mooney (’73), Paula Miller-Noel (’73), Kim Bickford (’84), Laurie Woodcock (’85), Cheryl Steffen (’87), Stefanie Muscat (’90), Kim Anderson (’91), Karey Kaler (’91), Wendy Johnson (’94), Susanne Reynolds-Berger (’96) and Roxanne Tsosie (’98). Several of those listed are slated to take part in the game as well.
“I look forward to welcoming back all of our elite alumni this weekend,” Nicholson said. “Our program has a rich tradition of excellence on and off the field and I look forward to continuing to build and expand upon that relationship during my time at Arizona State.”
Prior to the game, the alumni in attendance are welcomed to join a Booster Tailgate beginning at 5 p.m. while all alumni and boosters are also invited to join the team following the game for pizza and further fellowship in the team room.
For alumni still planning on making the trip and requiring further information, please contact Kasey Kaler at kkaler@asu.edu
Fan admission will be free of charge, with the entirety of the Sun Devil family welcome to celebrate Devils of the present as well as Devils of the past.
