Softball Earns Pac-12 Sportsmanship Award
TUCSON, Ariz. – Arizona Softball has been awarded the Pac-12 Sportsmanship Award, announced by the conference on Thursday. The Wildcats were nominated after supporting Oregon Softball following the injury of senior centerfielder Hanna Delgado during the series between the teams.
In the first game of the series at Hillenbrand Stadium on April 12, Delgado went for a diving catch in the outfield and sustained a season-ending injury after colliding with the wall. Arizona's medical, event management, and emergency services staff provided Delgado with immediate attention to ensure the best care and support. While Delgado was receiving medical attention, Arizona's players joined Oregon in a circle on the field to show support for Delgado and for Oregon's team.
"Softball is family. This conference is a family," said head softball coach Caitlin Lowe. "When Hanna's injury occurred our entire focus was getting her the immediate medical attention she needed, and then doing anything we could to support Oregon in that moment. I am very grateful and proud of our medical team for their quick response and handling of the situation, and to all those at Banner Health for taking care of her. It was great to see both teams come together in a moment that was bigger than the game. Hanna, her family, and the entire Oregon softball program remains in our thoughts during her recovery."
The following day, Arizona's coaching staff agreed to postpone the start time of the second game of the series to allow Oregon's team time to process the emotions that a serious injury of a teammate can take on a team. Arizona's team also left flowers and notes of encouragement for Delgado as a gesture of support.
This is the first time that an Arizona team is earning this honor. Arizona has had five individual student-athletes earn this award: Sarah Shimomura (2018), Bryson Beirne (2012), Katie Matusik (2011), Lindsey Kelley (2009), Channing Frye (2005).
The Pac-12 Sportsmanship Award is selected by members of the Pac-12 Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) and is based on good sportsmanship and ethical behavior in participation of intercollegiate athletics, as well as a demonstration of good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting.