UA's notable athletes
Check out these notable achievers who went to the UA.
Abdi Abdirahman
Updated
Abdi Abdirahman celebrates after finishing third in the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon, Jan. 14, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
Graduated from UA in: 2001
Why he's famous: Sports — running
Notable accomplishment: Abdirahman was named as the Pac-10 Conference Cross Country Male Athlete of the Year in 1998.
Hassan Adams
Updated
Arizona's Hassan Adams came up with this huge slam to fire up the crowd in the first half as UA went on to beat ASU 68-47.
Graduated from UA in: 2006
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Adams was selected as a member of the All-Pac-10 First Team in 2006.
Brian Anderson
Updated
Chicago White Sox center fielder Brian Anderson dives to catch a ball in the second inning.
Left UA in: 2003
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball
Notable accomplishment: Anderson led the MLB in fielding percentage in 2008.
Gilbert Arenas
Updated
Arizona's Gilbert Arenas (0) has plenty of space to put the ball up after driving for the basket during second half action.
Left UA in: 2001
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Arenas is a three-time NBA All-Star in 2006-08.
Denise Austin
Updated
Image from Denise Austin's Daily Workout, Feb. 21, 1997.
Began at UA in: 1975
Why she's famous: Sports — fitness; Arts — literature
Notable accomplishment: Austin is a former member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Marisa Baena
Updated
Marisa Baena during the Pac-10 Women's Golf Championship at Raven Golf Club. Baena won the event.
Began at UA in: 1995
Why she's famous: Sports — golf
Notable accomplishment: Baena was a standout golfer at UA and won the individual NCAA title in 1996. She was also a three-time All-American and All-Pac-10 selection. She's been a professional golfer on the LPGA Tour since 1999.
Bob Baffert
Updated
Trainer Bob Baffert shows Triple Crown winner American Pharoah to members of the media at Belmont Park in Elmont, N.Y., Sunday, June 7, 2015. American Pharoah won the Belmont Stakes to become the first horse to win the Triple Crown in 37 years. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Graduated from UA in: 1977
Why he's famous: Sports — horse racing
Notable accomplishment: Baffert's horses have won four Kentucky Derbies . — Silver Charm in 1997, Real Quiet in 1998, War Emblem in 2002, American Pharoah in 2015, and Justify in 2018.
Baffert won the Triple Crown with two-year-old colt American Pharoah. It's the first time this achievement has been made since 1973.
Adia Barnes
Updated
Arizona forward Adia Barnes skips rope during practice March 20, 1998, in Dayton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Al Behrman)
Graduated from UA in: 1998
Why she's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Barnes played seven seasons in the WNBA and is now the women's basketball coach at the University of Arizona. She was inducted into the UA Hall of Fame in 2003.
Ricky Barnes
Updated
Ricky Barnes chips onto the 15th green from a sand trap during the second round of the Quicken Loans National PGA golf tournament, Friday, June 27, 2014, in Bethesda, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Left UA in: 2003
Why he's famous: Sports — golf
Notable accomplishment: Barnes was selected as a first-team All-American in 2003.
Brigetta Barrett
Updated
United States' Brigetta Barrett clears the bar in the women's high jump final during the athletics in the Olympic Stadium at the 2012 Summer Olympics, London, Aug. 11, 2012. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Graduated from UA in: 2013
Why she's famous: Sports — high jump
Notable accomplishment: Barrett won a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics.
Michael Bates
Updated
UA's Michael Bates in the 200 meter at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Began at UA in: 1989
Why he's famous: Sports — football, track and field
Notable accomplishment: Bates won a bronze medal in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. He is also a five-time Pro Bowl selection in the NFL.
Amanda Beard
Updated
Amanda Beard is a multiple Olympic gold medalist and won the 2001 NCAA title in the 100 breaststroke.
Graduated from UA in: 2003
Why she's famous: Sports — swimming
Notable accomplishment: Beard is a seven-time Olympic medalist including two gold medals. She's been named American Swimmer of the Year twice — in 2003 and '04.
Mike Bell
Updated
Arizona's Mike Bell celebrates his team's first touchdown after he ran it in during the first quarter at Arizona Stadium, Sept. 10, 2005.
Began at UA in: 2002
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Bell won a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints in 2010.
Kathryn Bertine
Updated
Kathryn Bertine talks about her experience as a rider and activist focused on women in professional bicycle racing during the Tucson Storytellers Project at The Loft Cinema, Tuesday, April 23, 2019, Tucson, Ariz.
Graduated from UA in: 2000
Why she's famous: Sports — cycling
Notable accomplishment: Bertine co-founded Le Tour Entier, a company working to re-establish the Tour de France Féminin.
Mike Bibby
Updated
Arizona's Mike Bibby dunks against Kentucky during the first quarter of their semifinal game in the Maui Invitational, Nov. 25, 1997, in Lahaina, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Bob Galbraith)
Began at UA in: 1996
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Bibby was selected as the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 1998 and was part of the UA's 1997 NCAA champion team. His number, 10, was also retired by the UA.
Monica Bisordi
Updated
University of Arizona's Monica Bisordi performs on the beam April 3, 2004 at the NCAA Women's Gymnastics South Central Region at McKale Center.
Graduated from UA in: 2006
Why she's famous: Sports — gymnastics
Notable accomplishment: Bisordi is the UA's all-time leading scorer in gymnastics with 2,120.79 career points.
Cheri Blauwet
Updated
Cheri Blauwet of California kisses the champion's trophy after winning the women's wheelchair division of the 108th Boston Marathon with a time of 1:39:53 in Boston April 19, 2004. (REUTERS/Jim Bourg)
Graduated from UA in: 2002
Why she's famous: Sports — wheelchair racing
Notable accomplishment: Blauwet won a gold medal in the 2004 Summer Paralympics.
Lance Briggs
Updated
UA's Lance Briggs turns toward the crowd and Arizona fans in disbelief after Cal's score late in the fourth quarter Nov. 3, 2001.
Began at UA in: 1999
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Briggs has made seven NFL Pro Bowl appearances.
Tedy Bruschi
Updated
New Mexico State QB Cody Ledbetter gets sacked by Arizona's Tedy Bruschi on Sept. 11, 1994.
Graduated from UA in: 1996
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Bruschi was selected as a member of the All-Pac-10 first-team in 1993, 1994 and 1995.
Chase Budinger
Updated
Arizona's #34 Chase Budinger uses the body of Utah's #50 Luke Nevill, left, to push off and shoot in the second half. Budinger had eight rebounds and 20 points as the UA defeated Utah 84-71 in the first round of the NCAA game at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, March 20, 2009.
Began at UA in: 2006
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Budinger was the Pac-10 Freshman of the Year in 2007 and a member of the All-Pac-10 First Team in 2009.
Kurt Busch
Updated
Kurt Busch gets high-fives from fans after arriving for the start of the NASCAR Sprint Cup series Coca-Cola 600 auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Sunday, May 25, 2014. Busch finished sixth in the Indianapolis 500 race earlier. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Graduated from UA in: 1996
Why he's famous: Sports — NASCAR
Notable accomplishment: Busch has 25 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins during his career. He won one Cup Series Championship in 2004.
Ka'Deem Carey
UpdatedBegan at UA in: 2011
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Carey holds many UA football records — the UA's single-season record for rushing yards with 1,929 and the UA's single-season record for rushing touchdowns with 23.
Some other UA football records Carey holds:
- Most individual rushing attempts in a game with 48.
- Most individual rushing attempts in a season with 349.
- Most net yards gained in a game with 366.
- Most net yards gained in a career with 4,239.
- Most rushing touchdowns in a game with 5.
- Most rushing touchdowns in a career with 48.
- Most consecutive games with at least 100 yards gained with 16.
Antoine Cason
Updated
Arizona’s Antoine Cason runs back a punt for a touchdown on Sept. 8, 2007.
Graduated from UA in: 2008
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Cason was awarded the Jim Thorpe Award — given to the best defensive back in college football — in 2007, his senior season at UA.
George DiCarlo
Updated
George DiCarlo, UA swimmer, June 7, 1984.
Graduated from UA in: 1986
Why he's famous: Sports — swimming
Notable accomplishment: DiCarlo won the gold medal and broke the then-Olympic record in the men's 400-meter freestyle event at the 1984 Olympics with a time of 3 minutes 51.23 seconds.
Shelley Duncan
Updated
UA's Shelley Duncan shows his power form at the plate in 1999. He leads the team with 15 home runs.
Left UA in: 2001
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball
Notable accomplishment: Duncan was selected as a member of the All-American College First-Team in 2001.
Bob Elliott
Updated
University of Arizona center Bob Elliott (55) tosses a pass during the UA vs. Wyoming basketball game in McKale Center on Jan. 31, 1976.
Graduated from UA in: 1977
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Elliott, a former UA basketball standout and NBA player, was recently honored by members of Greater Tucson Leadership as Man of the Year. A longtime civic leader, Elliott was honored for his integrity, leadership abilities and contributions to the community.
Elliott has served in at least 13 leadership roles in groups, including the Tucson Airport Authority, the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and the Tucson Urban League. He recently published a book titled “Tucson, A Basketball Town.”
Between 1999-2003, he also lent his voice to the video game NBA Live as a color commentator.
Sean Elliott
Updated
University of Arizona basketball player Sean Elliott gets ready to pass the ball during the 1989 NCAA Sweet 16 tournament against UNLV.
Graduated from UA in: 1989
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Elliott is the all-time leading scorer at UA. After his collegiate career, Elliott went on to win an NBA championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 1999.
Elliott's number, 32, was also retired by both the UA and the Spurs after his outstanding career in both places.
Scott Erickson
Updated
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Scott Erickson throws during the first inning of the first game of the American League Championship Series against the Cleveland Indians Oct. 8, 1997, at Camden Yards in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Doug Mills)
Began at UA in: 1988
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball
Notable accomplishment: Erickson was selected as an all-star in 1991 and later won a World Series in the same year.
Jennie Finch
Updated
UA's Jennie Finch pitches during the 5th inning play against the UCLA Bruins at Hillenbrand Stadium, April 7, 2002.
Graduated from UA in: 2002
Why she's famous: Sports — softball
Notable accomplishment: During her time at UA, Finch helped the Wildcats win the Women's College World Series in 2001.
She then went on to help the USA Softball team win a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics and a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics.
Nick Foles
Updated
Arizona quarterback Nick Foles throws against Washington during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Oct. 29, 2011, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Graduated from UA in: 2012
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: In 2013, Foles broke the Philadelphia Eagles' record for most completed passes without an interception. He had 233.
Nick Foles of the Philadelphia Eagles is the first ex-University of Arizona quarterback to play and win a Super Bowl title in 2018.
Nick Folk
Updated
Arizona place kicker #12 Nick Folk against USC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum Oct. 8, 2005.
Graduated from UA in: 2007
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Folk played in the 2007 Pro Bowl.
Terry Francona
Updated
Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona is seen in the dugout during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Detroit Tigers, July 20, 2014 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Began at UA in: 1977
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball
Notable accomplishment: Francona coached the Boston Red Sox to its first World Series victory in 86 years during the 2004 season.
Brenda Frese
Updated
Maryland head coach Brenda Frese directs her players in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Georgetown in College Park, Md., Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Graduated from UA in: 1993
Why she's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: In 2006, Frese coached the University of Maryland's women's basketball team, which won the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Tournament.
Channing Frye
Updated
Arizona's Channing Frye dunks over California's Joe Shipp in the second half of the game Feb. 27, 2003 in Berkeley, Calif. Arizona won 88-75. (AP Photo/Susan Ragan)
Graduated from UA in: 2005
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Frye was selected as a member of the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2006.
Jim Furyk
Updated
Jim Furyk hits on the ninth fairway during the final round of the Canadian Open golf tournament, July 27, 2014, in Montreal. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Paul Chiasson)
Graduated from UA in: 1992
Why he's famous: Sports — golf
Notable accomplishment: Furyk has won 16 PGA Tour events during his career, most notably the U.S. Open in 2003.
Robert Gamez
Updated
Robert Gamez retrieves his ball on the 7th green at Poppy Hills during the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in Pebble Beach, California on Feb. 6, 2003.
Began at UA in: 1986
Why he's famous: Sports — golf
Notable accomplishment: Gamez was named as the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year in 1990.
Jason Gardner
Updated
Jason Gardner goes to the hoop in the 1st half of their win over Vermont 80-51 at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City in the 1st round of the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2003.
Graduated from UA in: 2003
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: In 2005, the UA retired Gardner's number, 22, for his outstanding achievements during his time spent at the UA. These achievements include being selected as an Associated Press second team All-American in 2003.
Rob Gronkowski
Updated
NFL player Rob Gronkowski.
Left UA in: 2010
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Gronkowski, or "Gronk," set the NFL records for most touchdown receptions by a tight end in a season and most receiving yards by a tight end in a season, both in 2011.
In 2021, he set a Guinness World record for "highest altitude catch of an American football" at Arizona Stadium.
Former Wildcat Rob Gronkowski set the Guinness record for the highest altitude catch of an American football at the University of Arizona Friday. Video courtesy University of Arizona Athletics.
Natalie Gulbis
Updated
Natalie Gulbis hits from a sand trap on the fifth hole during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament in Pinehurst, N.C., June 19, 2014. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Began at UA in: 2000
Why she's famous: Sports — golf
Notable accomplishment: Gulbis won one LPGA Tour event in 2007.
Chip Hale
Updated
Tucson Sidewinders field manager Chip Hale applauds his team during a game at Tucson Electric Park against the Salt Lake Stingers June 13, 2005 in Tucson, Ariz.
Graduated from UA in: 1987
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball
Notable accomplishment: Hale was the Arizona Diamondbacks manager from the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
Ron Hassey
Updated
Former UA baseball player Ron Hassey stands at bat during a spring training game against the Cleveland Indians at Hi Corbett Field, March 28, 1989.
Began at UA in: 1972
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball
Notable accomplishment: The UA won a NCAA championship in 1976 while Hassey was a senior.
Jordan Hill
Updated
Arizona's Jordan Hill slams home a dunk over two Washington State defenders in the first half at Friel Court, Feb. 26, 2009.
Left UA in: 2009
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Hill was selected as a member of the All-Pac-10 First Team in 2009.
Trevor Hoffman
Updated
San Diego Padres' pitcher Trevor Hoffman recorded his 52nd save of the season Sept. 23, 1998 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The Padres beat the Dodgers 3-2. (AP Photo/Kevin Karzin)
Left UA in: 1989
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball
Notable accomplishment: Hoffman has the second-highest number of career saves in the MLB with 601. The remarkable part about that record is that Hoffman played shortstop while at the UA.
Alicia Hollowell
Updated
Arizona pitcher Alicia Hollowell pitches against the LSU Tigers May 26, 2006 striking out 11 batters and winning 5-0.
Graduated from UA in: 2007
Why she's famous: Sports — softball
Notable accomplishment: Between 2003 and 2006, UA softball pitcher Alicia Hollowell struck out 1,768 batters in her Wildcat career, which is the UA school record for most strikeouts. Her closest pursuer struck out 1,267 batters — 501 strikeouts fewer than Hollowell.
Jack Howell Jr.
Updated
Jack Howell Jr. Courtesy Pima County Sports Hall of Fame.
Began at UA in: 1982
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball
Notable accomplishment: Howell was inducted into the Pima County Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 for his baseball-related accomplishments.
Nick Hundley
Updated
University of Arizona's Nick Hundley tags Oregon State's Seth Pietsch during the 5th inning May 19, 2003.
Began at UA in: 2002
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball
Notable accomplishment: Baseball America named Hundley as a second-team All-American in 2005.
Andre Iguodala
Updated
Arizona's Andre Iguodala slams home a dunk over Southern California's Gregg Guenther Jr., in the second half Feb. 12, 2004 at McKale Center.
Left UA in: 2004
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Iguodala played for the USA men's basketball team in the 2012 Olympics and helped the team win a gold medal.
Richard Jefferson
Updated
Arizona's Richard Jefferson scores a rare open shot during a game against California Berkeley Feb. 25, 1999.
Left UA in: 2001
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: During his time at the UA, Jefferson helped lead the Wildcats to a Final Four appearance in 2001.
He won a bronze medal in the 2004 Olympics while playing with the USA men's basketball team.
In 2012, Jefferson was inducted into the Pac-12 Hall of Honor.
He also donated $3.5 million to the UA to build the Richard Jefferson Gymnasium that bears his name. His donation is one of the largest individual donations to UA Athletics.
He currently plays for the Denver Nuggets.
Jay John
Updated
UA assistant coach Jay John, left, gives an earful to freshman Richard Jefferson during their game against ASU in Tempe on Jan. 14, 1999.
Graduated from UA in: 1981
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: John is an assistant men's basketball coach at the University of California, Berkeley.
Vance Johnson
Updated
University of Arizona receiver Vance Johnson keeps running against Oregon in 1983. Arizona Daily Star file photo.
Graduated from UA in: 1985
Why he's famous: Sports — football; long jump
Notable accomplishment: Johnson played in three Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos during his career — 1987, '88 and '90.
He was also a world-class long jumper, who won the NCAA championship in 1982.
Steve Kerr
Updated
Former University of Arizona basketball player Steve Kerr looks for an open player as he goes up against Eugene Edgerson during the Lute Olson All-Star Classic basketball game in McKale Center on Aug. 19, 2007.
Graduated from UA in: 1988
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Kerr is a five-time NBA champion. He is the all-time leader in NCAA three-point percentage (57.3 percent). His number, 25, was retired by the UA.
In May 2014, Kerr was named as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors NBA team.
In Oct. 2014, Kerr and his wife donated $1 million to the UA for the ongoing McKale Center renovations.
Spencer Larsen
Updated
Arizona's #51 Spencer Larsen takes down UCLA wide receiver #4 Terrence Austin in the fourth quarter Nov. 3, 2007.
Graduated from UA in: 2008
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Larsen was selected as a member of the All-Pac-10 First-Team in 2007.
Alison Levine
Updated
Picture of UA Alumna Alison Levine climbing Mt. Everest, May 22, 2003.
Graduated from UA in: 1987
Why she's famous: Arts — literature; Sports — extreme outdoor
Notable accomplishment: Levine has climbed the highest peaks on every continent. She is also a New York Times bestselling author of the leadership book "On the Edge."
Warren Livingston
Updated
University of Arizona football cornerback Warren Livingston. Undated photo. Courtesy University of Arizona
Graduated from UA in: 1961
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Livingston played six seasons in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys between 1961-66.
Kenny Lofton
Updated
Kenny Lofton dribbles during a Final Four game against Oklahoma in 1988.
Graduated from UA in: 1989
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball and basketball
Notable accomplishment: Lofton is a six-time MLB All-Star and a four-time MLB Gold Glove Award winner. He is one of only two people to play in a NCAA basketball championship and a MLB World Series.
Harvey Mason Jr.
Updated
Former Wildcat Harvey Mason talks with Wilbur T. Wildcat during the No. 1 University of Arizona Wildcats vs. Arizona State University men's college basketball game on Jan. 16, 2014, at McKale Center in Tucson, Ariz.
Began at UA in: 1986
Why he's famous: Arts — music; Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Is a record producer, songwriter and movie producer. Mason has won multiple Grammy Awards.
Chris McAlister
Updated
UA cornerback Chris McAlister, leaping high for an interception against UTEP, led Arizona to a 12-1 record in 1998 and became a consensus All-American and the 10th overall selection in the NFL draft.
Left UA in: 1999
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: McAlister was a three-time All-Pac-10 first-team selection in 1996-98. He won a Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001.
John Meloan
Updated
Arizona pitcher John Meloan throws against Missouri's James Boone in the first inning at the NCAA baseball regionals play-offs in Fullerton, Calif, on June 3, 2005. (AP Photo/Francis Specker)
Began at UA in: 2003
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball
Notable accomplishment: Meloan had a perfect season in 2004 while at the UA. His record was 10-0 in 11 starts.
Frank Middleton
Updated
Frank Middleton is an offensive guard for the 1996 University of Arizona Wildcat Football team.
Graduated from UA in: 1997
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: In 2007, Middleton was inducted into the Fort Scott Community College Athletic Hall of Fame, where he played before the UA.
Ryk Neethling
Updated
Ryk Neethling takes a break from his training to talk with another swimmer at Hillenbrand Aquatic Center.
Graduated from UA in: 2001
Why he's famous: Sports — swimming
Notable accomplishment: Neethling was part of the 4×100 m freestyle relay team that won a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics.
Alana Nichols
Updated
Alana Nichols from the United States in action during the Women's Super-G sitting of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Paralympics at Whistler Creekside on March 19, 2010 in Whistler, Canada. Alana Nichols finished second in the Women's Super-G sitting. (AP Photo/KEYSTONE/Dominic Favre)
Graduated from UA in: 2006
Why she's famous: Sports — Paralympic wheelchair basketball; Paralympic alpine skiing
Notable accomplishment: Nichols won a gold medal with the U.S. women's Paralympic basketball team in 2008. She also won two gold medals in the 2010 Winter Paralympics.
Dennis Northcutt
Updated
UA wide receiver Dennis Northcutt catches, then loses a pass in the end zone during the first half as Stanford's Corey Hill holds on for the tackle Oct. 11, 1997.
Graduated from UA in: 2000
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Northcutt was named as a Consensus All-American in 1999 while at the UA.
Lacey Nymeyer
Updated
Olympic Swimmer Lacey Nymeyer visits Richardson Elementary School where she used to attend on Sept. 5, 2008. She won the silver medal in the women's 100 freestyle relay at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Lacey is speaking to the students about her race at the Olympics.
Graduated from UA in: 2009
Why she's famous: Sports — swimming
Notable accomplishment: Nymeyer and her 4x200 meter freestyle relay team broke the world record time for the event in 2007 with their time of 7 minutes 50.09 seconds. She was also selected as the Pac-10 Woman of the Year and the NCAA Woman of the Year, both in 2009.
Lorena Ochoa
Updated
Mexico's Lorena Ochoa watches the ball during the final round of the LPGA Corona Morelia golf championship in Morelia, Mexico, May 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Eduardo Verdugo)
Left UA in: 2002
Why she's famous: Sports — golf
Notable accomplishment: Ochoa is a four-time LPGA Tour Player of the Year.
Josh Pastner
Updated
Josh Pastner dribbles the ball past an Oregon defender in January of 1998.
Graduated from UA in: 2000
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Pastner is head coach of Georgia Tech men's basketball team. He was part of the UA's 1997 NCAA champion basketball team.
Antonio Pierce
Updated
The Jets' Curtis Martin, left, runs past the Giants' Antonio Pierce in the second quarter of their preseason game on Aug. 26, 2005. (David L. Pokress / KRT)
Graduated from UA in: 2001
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Pierce won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants in 2007. He was also selected to play in the 2006 Pro Bowl.
Todd Pletcher
Updated
Trainer Todd Pletcher, center, hoists the Belmont Stakes trophy in the winner's circle while standing with jockey Mike Smith, left, and Cot Campbell, President of Dogwood Stables, after Palace Malice won the Belmont Stakes horse race in Elmont, N.Y., June 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Graduated from UA in: 1989
Why he's famous: Sports — horse racing
Notable accomplishment: Pletcher's horse, Super Saver, won the Kentucky Derby in 2010.
Don Pooley
Updated
Don Pooley at the US West Cellular shootout in Tucson Jan. 9, 1996.
Graduated from UA in: 1973
Why he's famous: Sports — golf
Notable accomplishment: Pooley won two PGA Tour events in 1980 and 1987, most notably the B.C. Open in 1980.
Brooks Reed
Updated
Houston Texans outside linebacker Brooks Reed (58) celebrates with Quintin Demps (27) after sacking Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton during the second quarter of an NFL wild card playoff football game Jan. 7, 2012, in Houston. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Left UA in: 2011
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Reed was named a first-team All Pac-10 member in 2010. Reed also attended Sabino High School in Tucson. He's currently a starting linebacker for the Houston Texans.
Sean Rooks
Updated
Los Angeles Lakers' Shaquille O'Neal holds up fellow center Sean Rooks as they pose for a picture at Lakers' Media Day Oct. 14, 1996. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Graduated from UA in: 1992
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Rooks played 12 seasons in the NBA between 1992-2004.
Warren Rustand
Updated
Warren Rustand
Graduated from UA in: 1965
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Rustand played basketball at the UA from 1961-1965, and was the first Wildcat to 1) play on a U.S. national team [1966, Silver Medal]; 2) be named an Academic All-American; 3) be named WAC Scholar/Athlete of the Year; 4) play in a national all-star game [1965 East-West game]; 5) be named All WAC three consecutive years; 6) be named to the All-District 7 NCAA team; and 7) lead the team in field goal percentage and free throw percentage three consecutive years.
Rustand also was named Outstanding Sophomore, Junior and Senior Athlete of the Year and was named MVP, Most Inspirational Player and captain in his junior and senior years. In addition, Rustand was named by The Arizona Daily Star as one of the 15 greatest US basketball players all-time, was elected to the UA Sports Hall of Fame, is one of only two UA athletes to be an All-American and Student Body President, and received the Merrill Freeman Award as the Outstanding Graduate based on character, scholarship and leadership.
After his UA career, Rustand was drafted by the San Francisco Warriors of the NBA but instead chose to play AAU basketball, and served as assistant coach at UA (1967-68). He also coached and administered youth basketball for 20 years and worked as a sports reporter for KVOA-TV (1969-72).
In his career away from basketball, Rustand has been involved in government affairs at the highest level. He was a White House scholar, served a fellowship at the Commerce Department and became Appointments Secretary for President Gerald Ford.
Rory Sabbatini
Updated
Rory Sabbatini hits his approach shot on the 18th hole during the first round of the 2014 John Deere Classic golf tournament at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill., July 10, 2014. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Began at UA in: 1995
Why he's famous: Sports — golf
Notable accomplishment: Sabbatini has won six PGA Tour events, most notably the HP Byron Nelson Championship in 2009.
Roland Schoeman
Updated
Former UA swimmer Roland Schoeman, a three-time medalist at the 2004 Olympic Games, celebrates his world record in the 50 butterfly on July 26, 2005.
Graduated from UA in: 2003
Why he's famous: Sports — swimming
Notable accomplishment: Schoeman set the 50m freestyle world record in 2009 with a time of 20.30 seconds.
J.T. Snow
Updated
Ex-Arizona star J.T. Snow's big bat leads San Francisco into the playoffs.
Began at UA in: 1986
Why he's famous: Sports — baseball
Notable accomplishment: Snow is a six-time MLB Gold Glove Award winner.
Annika Sorenstam
Updated
Annika Sorenstam watches her ball after hitting from the fairway on the 18th hole during the first round of the LPGA Tournament of Champions at Magnolia Grove golf course in Mobile, Ala., Oct. 10, 2002. Sorenstam shot a 6-under 66 for the round. (AP Photo/Mobile Register, Bill Starling)
Graduated from UA in: 1994
Why she's famous: Sports — golf
Notable accomplishment: Sorenstam was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2003.
Mike Springer
Updated
Mike Springer of Fresno, Calif., watches the flight of his fairway shot on the 18th hole during the second round of the CVS Charity Classic in Sutton, Mass., July 24, 1998. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Graduated from UA in: 1984
Why he's famous: Sports — golf
Notable accomplishment: Springer won two PGA Tour events in 1994.
Ed Stokes
Updated
University of Arizona basketball player Ed Stokes and Ray Owes block the shot of a Santa Clara player during the Wildcats' game in the first round of the 1993 NCAA tournament.
Graduated from UA in: 1993
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: During his career at UA, Stokes had 644 rebounds and 167 blocked shots.
Damon Stoudamire
Updated
Arizona point guard Damon Stoudamire had 27 points and 10 rebounds in the Cats' 92-72 West Regional final win over No. 1-seed Missouri in 1994.
Graduated from UA in: 1995
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Stoudamire was named as the NBA Rookie of the Year in 1996.
Salim Stoudamire
Updated
Salim Stoudamire gets fouled in the second half by Alabama-Birmingham's #23 Demario Eddins at the Taco Bell Arena, March 19, 2005, in Boise, Idaho during the NCAA second round game. UA won 85-63.
Graduated from UA in: 2005
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: While at UA, Stoudamire's 3-point field goal percentage was 45.8 percent. Only Steve Kerr had a higher 3-point field goal percentage while at UA.
Jason Terry
Updated
Jason Terry slams home two of his 11 points against Arizona State on Jan. 15, 1999.
Graduated from UA in: 1999
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Terry was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2009. He won an NCAA championship in 1997 at the UA and won an NBA championship in 2011.
Tom Tolbert
Updated
Arizona's Tom Tolbert, left, and Mark Georgeson celebrate after their '88 game against North Carolina that advanced them into the final four.
Left UA in: 1988
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: During the 1987-88 season, Tolbert helped the UA reach the Final Four in 1988 by starting and playing in 38 games, which is tied for the UA school record for most games started and played in a single season.
Darian Townsend
Updated
Darian Townsend during warmups as he is does laps in Hillenbrand Aquatic Center pool May 16, 2012.
Left UA in: 2008
Why he's famous: Sports — swimming
Notable accomplishment: Townsend was part of the South African men's 4x100 meter freestyle relay team that won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics and broke the world record with a time of 3 minutes 13.17 seconds.
Amy Van Dyken
Updated
Gold medalist Amy Van Dyken holds her gold medal after winning the women's 50 meter freestyle at the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, July 26, 1996. Van Dyken was chosen as The Associated Press female athlete of the year for 1996. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Graduated from UA in: 1992
Why she's famous: Sports — swimming
Notable accomplishment: Van Dyken is the first American female to win four gold medals in one Olympic Games.
Bobby Wade
Updated
UA's #1 Bobby Wade catches the ball in the air to score a touchdown during first quarter of the UA vs UNLV game at the UA stadium on Sept. 22, 2001.
Left UA in: 2003
Why he's famous: Sports — football
Notable accomplishment: Wade led the NFC in punt returns for touchdowns in 2005.
Luke Walton
Updated
Wildcat senior Luke Walton shoots over the head of Saint Louis defender Drew Drejaj Dec. 6, 2002.
Graduated from UA in: 2002
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Walton won two NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and '10. He was also selected as an All-Pac-10 First Team member twice, in 2002 and '03.
Brian Williams
Updated
Brian Williams of the University of Arizona falls to the floor begging for a foul against UCLA at Pauley Pavillion in Feb. 1991.
Left UA in: 1991
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Williams won an NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls in 1997.
Derrick Williams
Updated
University of Arizona's Derrick Williams dunks around a host of University of Washington Huskies in the first half in the championship game of the Pacific Life Pac-10 Conference Men's Basketball Tournament at the Staples Center on March 9, 2011 in Los Angeles, Calif.
Began at UA in: 2009
Why he's famous: Sports — basketball
Notable accomplishment: Williams, or "D-Will," was named as the Pac-10 Player of the Year in 2011.
Photos: Tucson's notable achievers
UpdatedNow that you've browsed the UA's notable achievers, click the photo below to check out Tucson's notable achievers.
As featured on
These Cats hit the books just as hard as they hit the field.
Actors and celebrities arrive at the 72nd Annual Golden Globe Awards show at the Beverly Hil…
The most liked, commented and shared posts on the Arizona Daily Star's Facebook Page in Janu…
