February 2017ย โ€“ Erika Barnes served as interim athletic director following Byrne's departure.ย 

Dave Heeke wonโ€™t technically begin his tenure as Arizonaโ€™s athletic director until April.

For now, Heeke is spending some quality time with his family. Heeke is spending the week in Florida watching his son, Zach, who plays baseball for Central Michigan.

Interim director Erika Barnes has been the face of Arizonaโ€™s athletic department in Las Vegas. Between her time in Arizonaโ€™s athletic department and tenure as a standout player for the UA softball team, Barnes has become a familiar face to Wildcats fans.

Barnes has rarely had a moment without a high-five or a โ€œBear Down!โ€ yelled her direction.

โ€œIโ€™ve taken more selfies here then I have in my life,โ€ Barnes said.

Barnes took a photo of her own earlier Friday. The interim AD met legendary broadcaster Brent Musburger and posted a photo of the two of them together to Twitter.

Before Friday nightโ€™s game, Barnes reunited with some of her old Arizona softball teammates. One of them, Leah Oโ€™Brien-Amico, was honored by the Pac-12 alongside other Olympic athletes.

Heeke will likely join the Wildcats on the road during the NCAA Tournament. His April 1 start date coincides with the Final Four in Phoenix.

If Arizona makes it that far, surely Barnes will be there, too.ย 


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