Sun Devil Athletics will welcome seven new inductees to the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame during Arizona State's football game on October 12 against Washington State. Kick off time is 12:30 p.m. on Pac-12 Network.
Six student-athletes from five different sports and an undefeated NCAA title team make up the 2019 class. Kaitlin Cochran (Softball), Pam Godward (Gymnastics), Mike Leake (Baseball), Joe Spagnolo (Football), Sarah Stevens (Track & Field), Brett Wallerstedt (football), as well as the 1995 Women's Golf Team will all be honored at halftime of the Sun Devils-Cougars game at Sun Devil Stadium.
'Spaghetti Joe' going into ASU Hall of Fame as Joe Spagnolo (by Jeff Metcalfe, azcentral.com) The Hall of Fame Luncheon will take place on Friday, Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the San Tan Ford Club (east-side club level) at Sun Devil Stadium (555 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.Tempe, 85281). During the luncheon, a ceremony will take place in which the new members of the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame will be honored. To register for the luncheon, visit the following link.
The Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1975 to honor the school's most distinguished student-athletes in all sports. Student-athletes become eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame 10 years after their senior class has graduated. Sun Devil Athletics will add yet another a decorated class to the Hall of Fame.
1995 Sun Devil Women's Golf Team
Several legendary teams have been labeled the "greatest team ever" in their respective sport but in the case of the 1995 Sun Devil Women's Golf team, it would be hard to argue anyone has been better. They remain the only team to go undefeated at this level, winning most of them in dominating fashion. The signs were there from the start that this team was special, as the Maroon & Gold won their first event (Diet Coke-Roadrunner Invitational) by a staggering 36 strokes. ASU won its event by an average of 25 strokes, an incredible margin that epitomizes the greatness of this team. Hall of Fame Head Coach Linda Vollstedt, who won a total of six NCAA Championships before being inducted into the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Distinction in 2002, led the way as the Sun Devils became the most successful program in the sport. The 1995 team included some of the most skilled female golfers of all-time, as the lineup featured Heather Bowie, Linda Ericsson, Kristel Mourgue d'Algue, and Vinny Riviello as well as Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Famers Kellee Booth and Wendy Ward. Coming off two consecutive NCAA Championships in 1993 & '94, expectations were extremely high for Arizona State. Somehow, they were able to exceed their potential, crushing the competition on the way to becoming the first collegiate Women's Golf team to win three consecutive National Championships. This was not your typical National Championship run, as the Sun Devils won the title over second place San Jose State by an incredible 26 strokes. Not only did ASU reach unprecedented heights as a team, they enjoyed tremendous individual success. In nine of the 10 tournaments during the 1994-95 season, a Sun Devil took home an individual title. Wendy Ward (five titles) and Heather Bowie (four titles) led the wa. One of the aspects that made this team so special was its depth, and that was on display at the 1995 NCAA Championship. Senior Kristen Mourgue d'Algue won the 1995 individual title, amazingly her first title as a collegiate. Ward finished in a tie for second, helping the Sun Devils capture their fourth of six NCAA titles in the 1990's. Coach Linda Vollstedt took home several National Coach of the Year honors after the season, while Wendy Ward won her second Eleanor Dudley Player of the Year Award. Ward was also named as the Golfweek Player of the Year in addition to receiving the second Honda Award of her career. For the first time at the NCAA level, four players from the same school were named First-Team All-Americans (Wendy Ward, Kristel Mourgue d'Algue, Heather Bowie, and Kellee Booth). All five members of the lineup were selected to the Pac-10 All-Conference Team.
Kaitlin Cochran – Softball – 2006-09
Secondary Education (Mathematics) (BAE) 2010
Kaitlin Cochran left Arizona State as one of the most accomplished student-athletes to ever come through Tempe. Recognized nationally as one of the most dangerous hitters of her time, Cochran was feared and respected by opponents. The four-time NFCA First Team All-American became the second player in Pac-10 history to be named the Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year in her freshmen season and then go on to earn Pac-10 Player of the Year in each of her final three seasons. Cochran was part of a helping establish Arizona State as one of the top programs in the country, winning the 2008 National Championship while making the College World Series and finishing in the Top-10 each season. She was named finalist for the 2009 USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year Award after a tremendous senior season. Cochran enjoyed an illustrious career at the plate, posting numbers that still stand at or near the top of the program record book. Her .445 career batting average, 69 home runs and 315 hits are still program records, while her 230 career RBI and 54 doubles are second in program history. She posted single-season school records by hitting .492 and collecting 92 hits in 2007, recording 19 doubles in 2008, and launching 20 home runs in 2009. She tied the NCAA record by recording a home run in seven consecutive games during a red-hot stretch of her senior season (March 20-April 2, 2009). Cochran set an NCAA record with 29 intentional walks over the 2008 season, six of them coming in the 2008 Women's College World Series. She remains one of nine Division I players to bat .400 with 200 RBI, 50 home runs and an .800 slugging percentage for a career. At the conclusion of her ASU career, Cochran was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2009 NPF Draft by Washington - becoming the second-straight Sun Devil to be drafted No. 1 overall (Katie Burkhart in 2008). Cochran went on to spend four seasons as a member of Team USA, becoming a four-time World Cup Champion while also capturing a Gold medal at the 2011 Pan American Games.
Mike Leake - Baseball 2007-09
Management (BS)
Mike Leake put together one of the most impressive careers by a Sun Devil pitcher, thriving in an offensive-heavy era of college baseball. A workhorse who served as the Friday Night starter for majority of his three seasons, Leake put up spectacular numbers during his career. He appeared in 63 games (47 starts), posting a 40-6 record and a 2.91 ERA over 390.1 innings pitched. In his career, Leake threw 11 complete games and struck out 360 batters. His 40 career wins are second most in school history in the aluminum bat era and the most ever by a three-year pitcher. The epitome of reliability and consistency during his time donning the Maroon & Gold, Leake threw over 100 innings all three years, becoming only the second pitcher in school history to win 10 or more games in three straight seasons (Eddie Bane). The Sun Devils won three Pac-10 titles and made two College World Series appearances during Leake's career. He completed his career turning in one of the greatest individual seasons in ASU Baseball history, finishing his junior year as the nation's win leader with a 16-1 record, leading the Pac-10 with a 1.71 ERA, 142 innings pitched and 162 strikeouts. A unanimous First Team All-American selection, Leake was selected as the National Player of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. He was named a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, Dick Howser Trophy, and National Pitcher of the Year. Leake took home Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year honors for the second straight season, becoming the first ever back-to-back winner of the award. He threw an incredible seven complete games as a junior, including two straight shutouts and 26 consecutive scoreless innings pitched. He got it done on and off the field, as he was recognized as the Academic All-American of the Year. Leake was named Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year, First Team All-Pac-10, and Second Team All-America by Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball as a sophomore in 2008. He finished the season 11-3 with a 3.49 ERA in 121 innings. Bursting onto the national scene, Leake put together one of the most dominating seasons by a freshman pitcher in ASU history. He was named a First Team All-Pac-10 selection, a Third Team All-American by Collegiate Baseball, as well as a First Team Freshmen All-American by Collegiate Baseball and Rivals.com. Beginning the season as the closer, it would not take long for Leake to end up in Friday night starter role. Finished with a 13-2 record in his first season as a Sun Devil, posting a 3.69 ERA in 127 innings. He set a new Arizona State freshman record with 127 innings pitched and 94 strikeouts, while the 13 wins were tied for third most in school history by a freshman. After the completion of his illustrious career in Tempe, Leake was the 8th overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. Leake became the first player since 2000 and first pitcher since 1995 to debut in the MLB without playing the minor leagues, as he made the Reds 2010 opening day roster. Leake is currently a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, playing in his 10th MLB season.
Secondary Education (Physical Education) (BAE) 1982 Pam Godward set the standard for the Sun Devil Women's Gymnastics program that would come to be recognized as one of the best in the country over the next few decades. A standout gymnast for the Sun Devils from 1977-80, Godward became ASU's first female All-American in gymnastics, earning the nation's top honors on balance beam in each of her final two seasons in Tempe. She was the NCAA runner-up on beam in 1979, leading Arizona State to a second-place finish in their region at the AIAW Gymnastics Championships. Godward was an essential part of accelerating the growth of the Sun Devil Gymnastics program. She was a key member of the 1980 team that finished ninth at the AIAW Championships, despite the program being in its fifth year of existence. That year, she finished third in the country on beam, becoming the first of only five Sun Devils in program history to be named a two-time All-American on the event. Godward enjoyed plenty of team success during her first two years in Tempe, as both the 1977 and 1978 Sun Devils finished in the seventh place at the AIAW Championships. During Godward's four years, ASU boasted an incredible dual record of 50-22, including a 22-win campaign in 1980, setting a record for most single-season dual wins that still stands to this day. After her career at ASU, Godward went on to work with young gymnasts serving as a coach for Arizona Stingrays Gymnastics program. She has mentored several future Division-I athletes during her time as a youth coach and remains a part of the program's staff. Godward also has served as a gymnastics' judge since leaving ASU, becoming heavily involved in the Arizona branch of the National Association of Women's Gymnastics Judges (NAWGJ). She previously served as Arizona State Judging Director and is currently a sitting board member of the Arizona NAWGJ. Godward reached Elite status as a judge, earning experience at the NCAA level as a floor judge at the 2000 Pac-10 Championships. She recently received the 2019 Green Flag Award for the state of Arizona from the NAWGJ, a honor given to a NAWGJ member who has made outstanding contributions to the organization, promotes professionalism, and demonstrates leadership.
Joe Spagnolo – Football – 1968-70
Joe Spagnolo starred at quarterback during one of the most successful periods in Sun Devil Football history. Affectionately referred to as "Spaghetti" Joe, the three-year starter compiled a 27-4 record during his time as the signal caller in Tempe, operating one of the most prolific offenses in college football. He ended his outstanding career with 4,551 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, both of which represented school records at the time of his graduation. The two-time First Team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) selection was named 1970 WAC Offensive Player of the Year after a tremendous senior campaign. Spagnolo mastered legendary Head Coach Frank Kush's scheme, eventually leading Arizona State to arguably its most dominant season in program history. The 1970 Sun Devils went 11-0, with Spagnolo captaining an offense that averaged 36.8 points per game, the second most in the country. The 1970 team achieved several program firsts, including securing Arizona State's first ever top-10 national ranking, an undefeated season and an appearance in the school's first nationally televised bowl game. The Sun Devils defeated North Carolina, 48-26, in the third annual Peach Bowl, battling through blizzard-like conditions to secure the victory. Spagnolo ranked fourth in passing touchdowns (19) and 15th nationally in passing yards (2,146) that season, leading ASU to the No. 6 ranking in the final Associated Press poll. In both 1969 & 1970, he led the team in total offense. Spagnolo still holds the several school records, including the most total yards gained in the first game of the season, as he collected 359 yards in a 48-26 victory over Minnesota in 1969. In addition to his prolific passing figures for the time, Spagnolo also ran for 544 yards, including a 100-yard game in the 1969 win over Minnesota. He completed 290 passes going for 4,551 yards, averaging 15.7 per completion, the most among
ASU quarterbacks with 200-300 career completions. After the completion of his collegiate career, Spagnolo was signed as free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971.
Sarah Stevens - Track & Field 2006-09
Kinesiology (BS) 2008
Elementary Education (Teacher Certification) (MED) 2009
Sarah Stevens put together one of the most decorated careers in the history of the Sun Devil track and field program. Not only did she enjoy significant individual accomplishments during her time in Tempe, but she was also a crucial part of one of the most successful eras in the history of the program. Stevens captured a pair of national championships, received 15 All-American honors, and took home seven Pac-10 championships while wearing the Maroon & Gold. She dominated the throwing events during her four years at ASU, winning the 2008 NCAA women's discus national title, as well as the being crowned the 2007 NCAA women's indoor shot put champion. The points she accumulated on the biggest stage were a big factor in the Sun Devils winning back-to-back NCAA Women's Indoor Track & Field national titles in 2007 and 2008. In addition to the success on the indoor team, she was a vital part of an outdoor squad that won the 2007 NCAA Outdoor Championships, helping the women's program earn a sweep of both NCAA championships that year. Stevens was a major part of all three title runs, the first women's track & field team titles in school history. She garnered recognition on and off the field, as she was twice named the USTFCCCA Scholar Athlete of the Year, receiving the award following the indoor season in 2007 (inaugural winner), as well as after the 2008 outdoor season. Stevens' trophy case is littered with All-America honors, highlighted by her selection to the indoor shot put All-America team in each of her four seasons. In addition to her success in the indoor shot, she was a two-time All-American in the outdoor shot put as well. Stevens' versatility and ability to earn points in multiple events is one of the reasons why she is regarded as one of the top field athletes in school history. The two-time weight throw and hammer throw All-American excelled in every event she competed in. Rounding out her incredible 11 All-American honors, Stevens also was a 2008 discus All-American. Despite being a decade removed from the completion of an illustrious career, she still finds her name near the top of the school record books. Her shot put mark of 18.16 meters to win the 2007 national championship is the second-farthest by a female indoors in school history. In addition, her weight throw of 21.59 meters is the third-longest in the history of the women's program. She has Top-five marks in school history in three different outdoor events. Stevens' shot put of 18.40 meters (2007) is good enough for the third-best effort by a female Sun Devil, while her Discus throw of 57.73 meters (2007) and Hammer throw of 66.52 meters are fifth in the respective event in women's program history. Stevens continued to compete internationally for USA Track & Field. She was the 2011 USA indoor shot put runner-up after posting a mark of 17.96 meters.
Brett Wallerstedt – Football - 1988-92
General Business (BS) 1997
One of the toughest and most physical linebackers in Sun Devil history, Brett Wallerstedt made an impact in Tempe that is still felt today. Wallerstedt finished his career with a school record 238 solo tackles, sharing a record that still stands today with his teammate for two seasons, Nathan LaDuke. Wallerstedt collected 362 total tackles over his four-year career, the fourth-highest total in ASU history. After a standout senior campaign, he was recognized nationally as one of the best defensive players in the country, resulting in him being named an AP Third Team All-American. In addition to the Associated Press honors, he also garnered 1992 First Team All-Pac-10 honors. Wallerstedt's final year in Maroon & Gold was one to be remembered, as he was all over the field as the production indicated. He finished 1992 with 119 total tackles, 22 of which were tackles for loss, tied for the seventh-most in ASU single-season history. He capped his collegiate playing career by taking home Defensive MVP honors in the 1992 East-West Shrine Bowl, recording 13 tackles and forcing a fumble. In his final three seasons in Tempe, Wallerstedt recorded 100+ tackles in each, the last Sun Devil to have three-consecutive 100+ tackle seasons. During a junior season in which he emerged as one of the top linebackers in the country, Wallerstedt made 122 total tackles, 87 of which were of the solo variety. The 87 solo tackles in 1991 place him in a tie for fourth in single-season school history. He became a household name after a breakout sophomore season in which he hit the century mark in total tackles, finishing with 109. Wallerstedt earned the first of many spots in the school record book thanks to his 80 solo tackles that season, which are tied for the ninth most by a Sun Devil in a single season. A reliable and consistent performer, the linebacker started the final 33-games of his career. Counted on as one of the team leaders of the 1992 team, he was named a defensive captain as a senior in addition to being selected as the team Defensive MVP in 1991 & 1992. Wallerstedt went on to be selected in the fifth round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Phoenix Cardinals, before going on to play for the St. Louis Rams and Cincinnati Bengals. He played in 30 games, collecting 38 total tackles during his four-year NFL career.
Six student-athletes from five different sports and an undefeated NCAA title team make up the 2019 class. Kaitlin Cochran (Softball), Pam Godward (Gymnastics), Mike Leake (Baseball), Joe Spagnolo (Football), Sarah Stevens (Track & Field), Brett Wallerstedt (football), as well as the 1995 Women's Golf Team will all be honored at halftime of the Sun Devils-Cougars game at Sun Devil Stadium.
'Spaghetti Joe' going into ASU Hall of Fame as Joe Spagnolo (by Jeff Metcalfe, azcentral.com) The Hall of Fame Luncheon will take place on Friday, Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the San Tan Ford Club (east-side club level) at Sun Devil Stadium (555 E. Rio Salado Pkwy.Tempe, 85281). During the luncheon, a ceremony will take place in which the new members of the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame will be honored. To register for the luncheon, visit the following link.
The Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1975 to honor the school's most distinguished student-athletes in all sports. Student-athletes become eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame 10 years after their senior class has graduated. Sun Devil Athletics will add yet another a decorated class to the Hall of Fame.
Introducing the 2019 @TheSunDevils Hall of Fame Class
— Sun Devil W. Golf (@SunDevilWGolf) August 11, 2019
?? 1995 @SunDevilWGolf Team ????????
?? Kaitlin Cochran ????
?? Mike Leake ????
?? Pam Godward ???????
?? Joe Spagnola ????
?? Sarah Stevens ????
?? Brett Wallerstedt ????#ForksUp
??: https://t.co/j7lUUbhp0F pic.twitter.com/KReeTcwkg1
1995 Sun Devil Women's Golf Team
Several legendary teams have been labeled the "greatest team ever" in their respective sport but in the case of the 1995 Sun Devil Women's Golf team, it would be hard to argue anyone has been better. They remain the only team to go undefeated at this level, winning most of them in dominating fashion. The signs were there from the start that this team was special, as the Maroon & Gold won their first event (Diet Coke-Roadrunner Invitational) by a staggering 36 strokes. ASU won its event by an average of 25 strokes, an incredible margin that epitomizes the greatness of this team. Hall of Fame Head Coach Linda Vollstedt, who won a total of six NCAA Championships before being inducted into the Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Distinction in 2002, led the way as the Sun Devils became the most successful program in the sport. The 1995 team included some of the most skilled female golfers of all-time, as the lineup featured Heather Bowie, Linda Ericsson, Kristel Mourgue d'Algue, and Vinny Riviello as well as Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Famers Kellee Booth and Wendy Ward. Coming off two consecutive NCAA Championships in 1993 & '94, expectations were extremely high for Arizona State. Somehow, they were able to exceed their potential, crushing the competition on the way to becoming the first collegiate Women's Golf team to win three consecutive National Championships. This was not your typical National Championship run, as the Sun Devils won the title over second place San Jose State by an incredible 26 strokes. Not only did ASU reach unprecedented heights as a team, they enjoyed tremendous individual success. In nine of the 10 tournaments during the 1994-95 season, a Sun Devil took home an individual title. Wendy Ward (five titles) and Heather Bowie (four titles) led the wa. One of the aspects that made this team so special was its depth, and that was on display at the 1995 NCAA Championship. Senior Kristen Mourgue d'Algue won the 1995 individual title, amazingly her first title as a collegiate. Ward finished in a tie for second, helping the Sun Devils capture their fourth of six NCAA titles in the 1990's. Coach Linda Vollstedt took home several National Coach of the Year honors after the season, while Wendy Ward won her second Eleanor Dudley Player of the Year Award. Ward was also named as the Golfweek Player of the Year in addition to receiving the second Honda Award of her career. For the first time at the NCAA level, four players from the same school were named First-Team All-Americans (Wendy Ward, Kristel Mourgue d'Algue, Heather Bowie, and Kellee Booth). All five members of the lineup were selected to the Pac-10 All-Conference Team.
? Only college Women's Golf team to go undefeated
— Sun Devil W. Golf (@SunDevilWGolf) August 11, 2019
? Won the National Title by 2?6? shots
? Four First Team All-Americans
? Third straight title
?? @TheSunDevils Hall of Fame
The 1995 Sun Devil Women's Golf team has been inducted into the Arizona State Athletics Hall of Fame! pic.twitter.com/WrP0V7vFgA
Kaitlin Cochran – Softball – 2006-09
Secondary Education (Mathematics) (BAE) 2010
Kaitlin Cochran left Arizona State as one of the most accomplished student-athletes to ever come through Tempe. Recognized nationally as one of the most dangerous hitters of her time, Cochran was feared and respected by opponents. The four-time NFCA First Team All-American became the second player in Pac-10 history to be named the Pac-10 Newcomer of the Year in her freshmen season and then go on to earn Pac-10 Player of the Year in each of her final three seasons. Cochran was part of a helping establish Arizona State as one of the top programs in the country, winning the 2008 National Championship while making the College World Series and finishing in the Top-10 each season. She was named finalist for the 2009 USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year Award after a tremendous senior season. Cochran enjoyed an illustrious career at the plate, posting numbers that still stand at or near the top of the program record book. Her .445 career batting average, 69 home runs and 315 hits are still program records, while her 230 career RBI and 54 doubles are second in program history. She posted single-season school records by hitting .492 and collecting 92 hits in 2007, recording 19 doubles in 2008, and launching 20 home runs in 2009. She tied the NCAA record by recording a home run in seven consecutive games during a red-hot stretch of her senior season (March 20-April 2, 2009). Cochran set an NCAA record with 29 intentional walks over the 2008 season, six of them coming in the 2008 Women's College World Series. She remains one of nine Division I players to bat .400 with 200 RBI, 50 home runs and an .800 slugging percentage for a career. At the conclusion of her ASU career, Cochran was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2009 NPF Draft by Washington - becoming the second-straight Sun Devil to be drafted No. 1 overall (Katie Burkhart in 2008). Cochran went on to spend four seasons as a member of Team USA, becoming a four-time World Cup Champion while also capturing a Gold medal at the 2011 Pan American Games.
Now that we are just one day out from tomorrow's celebration, we would like to honor one of the best hitters in Sun Devil Softball history, Kaitlin Cochran!
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) September 28, 2018
The slugger finished 2008 with 86 runs on 76 hits through the season! ?? pic.twitter.com/mpfD4OZDdf
Mike Leake - Baseball 2007-09
Management (BS)
Mike Leake put together one of the most impressive careers by a Sun Devil pitcher, thriving in an offensive-heavy era of college baseball. A workhorse who served as the Friday Night starter for majority of his three seasons, Leake put up spectacular numbers during his career. He appeared in 63 games (47 starts), posting a 40-6 record and a 2.91 ERA over 390.1 innings pitched. In his career, Leake threw 11 complete games and struck out 360 batters. His 40 career wins are second most in school history in the aluminum bat era and the most ever by a three-year pitcher. The epitome of reliability and consistency during his time donning the Maroon & Gold, Leake threw over 100 innings all three years, becoming only the second pitcher in school history to win 10 or more games in three straight seasons (Eddie Bane). The Sun Devils won three Pac-10 titles and made two College World Series appearances during Leake's career. He completed his career turning in one of the greatest individual seasons in ASU Baseball history, finishing his junior year as the nation's win leader with a 16-1 record, leading the Pac-10 with a 1.71 ERA, 142 innings pitched and 162 strikeouts. A unanimous First Team All-American selection, Leake was selected as the National Player of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. He was named a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award, Dick Howser Trophy, and National Pitcher of the Year. Leake took home Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year honors for the second straight season, becoming the first ever back-to-back winner of the award. He threw an incredible seven complete games as a junior, including two straight shutouts and 26 consecutive scoreless innings pitched. He got it done on and off the field, as he was recognized as the Academic All-American of the Year. Leake was named Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year, First Team All-Pac-10, and Second Team All-America by Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball as a sophomore in 2008. He finished the season 11-3 with a 3.49 ERA in 121 innings. Bursting onto the national scene, Leake put together one of the most dominating seasons by a freshman pitcher in ASU history. He was named a First Team All-Pac-10 selection, a Third Team All-American by Collegiate Baseball, as well as a First Team Freshmen All-American by Collegiate Baseball and Rivals.com. Beginning the season as the closer, it would not take long for Leake to end up in Friday night starter role. Finished with a 13-2 record in his first season as a Sun Devil, posting a 3.69 ERA in 127 innings. He set a new Arizona State freshman record with 127 innings pitched and 94 strikeouts, while the 13 wins were tied for third most in school history by a freshman. After the completion of his illustrious career in Tempe, Leake was the 8th overall pick in the 2009 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. Leake became the first player since 2000 and first pitcher since 1995 to debut in the MLB without playing the minor leagues, as he made the Reds 2010 opening day roster. Leake is currently a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, playing in his 10th MLB season.
Pam Godward – Gymnastics – 1977-80? Maddux
— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) July 20, 2019
? One-Hitter
?? Sun Devil
Mike Leake tossed a 98-pitch complete game shutout!pic.twitter.com/X6rPIB1T6j
Secondary Education (Physical Education) (BAE) 1982 Pam Godward set the standard for the Sun Devil Women's Gymnastics program that would come to be recognized as one of the best in the country over the next few decades. A standout gymnast for the Sun Devils from 1977-80, Godward became ASU's first female All-American in gymnastics, earning the nation's top honors on balance beam in each of her final two seasons in Tempe. She was the NCAA runner-up on beam in 1979, leading Arizona State to a second-place finish in their region at the AIAW Gymnastics Championships. Godward was an essential part of accelerating the growth of the Sun Devil Gymnastics program. She was a key member of the 1980 team that finished ninth at the AIAW Championships, despite the program being in its fifth year of existence. That year, she finished third in the country on beam, becoming the first of only five Sun Devils in program history to be named a two-time All-American on the event. Godward enjoyed plenty of team success during her first two years in Tempe, as both the 1977 and 1978 Sun Devils finished in the seventh place at the AIAW Championships. During Godward's four years, ASU boasted an incredible dual record of 50-22, including a 22-win campaign in 1980, setting a record for most single-season dual wins that still stands to this day. After her career at ASU, Godward went on to work with young gymnasts serving as a coach for Arizona Stingrays Gymnastics program. She has mentored several future Division-I athletes during her time as a youth coach and remains a part of the program's staff. Godward also has served as a gymnastics' judge since leaving ASU, becoming heavily involved in the Arizona branch of the National Association of Women's Gymnastics Judges (NAWGJ). She previously served as Arizona State Judging Director and is currently a sitting board member of the Arizona NAWGJ. Godward reached Elite status as a judge, earning experience at the NCAA level as a floor judge at the 2000 Pac-10 Championships. She recently received the 2019 Green Flag Award for the state of Arizona from the NAWGJ, a honor given to a NAWGJ member who has made outstanding contributions to the organization, promotes professionalism, and demonstrates leadership.
#TBT: #GymDevil great Pam Godward became the program's first ever All-American (BB) in 1979!#SunDevilPower pic.twitter.com/oUwq6Td710
— Sun Devil Gymnastics (@SunDevilGym) October 20, 2017
Joe Spagnolo – Football – 1968-70
Joe Spagnolo starred at quarterback during one of the most successful periods in Sun Devil Football history. Affectionately referred to as "Spaghetti" Joe, the three-year starter compiled a 27-4 record during his time as the signal caller in Tempe, operating one of the most prolific offenses in college football. He ended his outstanding career with 4,551 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, both of which represented school records at the time of his graduation. The two-time First Team All-Western Athletic Conference (WAC) selection was named 1970 WAC Offensive Player of the Year after a tremendous senior campaign. Spagnolo mastered legendary Head Coach Frank Kush's scheme, eventually leading Arizona State to arguably its most dominant season in program history. The 1970 Sun Devils went 11-0, with Spagnolo captaining an offense that averaged 36.8 points per game, the second most in the country. The 1970 team achieved several program firsts, including securing Arizona State's first ever top-10 national ranking, an undefeated season and an appearance in the school's first nationally televised bowl game. The Sun Devils defeated North Carolina, 48-26, in the third annual Peach Bowl, battling through blizzard-like conditions to secure the victory. Spagnolo ranked fourth in passing touchdowns (19) and 15th nationally in passing yards (2,146) that season, leading ASU to the No. 6 ranking in the final Associated Press poll. In both 1969 & 1970, he led the team in total offense. Spagnolo still holds the several school records, including the most total yards gained in the first game of the season, as he collected 359 yards in a 48-26 victory over Minnesota in 1969. In addition to his prolific passing figures for the time, Spagnolo also ran for 544 yards, including a 100-yard game in the 1969 win over Minnesota. He completed 290 passes going for 4,551 yards, averaging 15.7 per completion, the most among
ASU quarterbacks with 200-300 career completions. After the completion of his collegiate career, Spagnolo was signed as free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971.
Spaghetti Joe Spagnola with Coach Kush at the 1970 Peach Bowl championship game. #ASULegends pic.twitter.com/dVEEKpG6
— ASU Alumni (@ASU_Alumni) October 28, 2011
Sarah Stevens - Track & Field 2006-09
Kinesiology (BS) 2008
Elementary Education (Teacher Certification) (MED) 2009
Sarah Stevens put together one of the most decorated careers in the history of the Sun Devil track and field program. Not only did she enjoy significant individual accomplishments during her time in Tempe, but she was also a crucial part of one of the most successful eras in the history of the program. Stevens captured a pair of national championships, received 15 All-American honors, and took home seven Pac-10 championships while wearing the Maroon & Gold. She dominated the throwing events during her four years at ASU, winning the 2008 NCAA women's discus national title, as well as the being crowned the 2007 NCAA women's indoor shot put champion. The points she accumulated on the biggest stage were a big factor in the Sun Devils winning back-to-back NCAA Women's Indoor Track & Field national titles in 2007 and 2008. In addition to the success on the indoor team, she was a vital part of an outdoor squad that won the 2007 NCAA Outdoor Championships, helping the women's program earn a sweep of both NCAA championships that year. Stevens was a major part of all three title runs, the first women's track & field team titles in school history. She garnered recognition on and off the field, as she was twice named the USTFCCCA Scholar Athlete of the Year, receiving the award following the indoor season in 2007 (inaugural winner), as well as after the 2008 outdoor season. Stevens' trophy case is littered with All-America honors, highlighted by her selection to the indoor shot put All-America team in each of her four seasons. In addition to her success in the indoor shot, she was a two-time All-American in the outdoor shot put as well. Stevens' versatility and ability to earn points in multiple events is one of the reasons why she is regarded as one of the top field athletes in school history. The two-time weight throw and hammer throw All-American excelled in every event she competed in. Rounding out her incredible 11 All-American honors, Stevens also was a 2008 discus All-American. Despite being a decade removed from the completion of an illustrious career, she still finds her name near the top of the school record books. Her shot put mark of 18.16 meters to win the 2007 national championship is the second-farthest by a female indoors in school history. In addition, her weight throw of 21.59 meters is the third-longest in the history of the women's program. She has Top-five marks in school history in three different outdoor events. Stevens' shot put of 18.40 meters (2007) is good enough for the third-best effort by a female Sun Devil, while her Discus throw of 57.73 meters (2007) and Hammer throw of 66.52 meters are fifth in the respective event in women's program history. Stevens continued to compete internationally for USA Track & Field. She was the 2011 USA indoor shot put runner-up after posting a mark of 17.96 meters.
Brett Wallerstedt – Football - 1988-92
General Business (BS) 1997
One of the toughest and most physical linebackers in Sun Devil history, Brett Wallerstedt made an impact in Tempe that is still felt today. Wallerstedt finished his career with a school record 238 solo tackles, sharing a record that still stands today with his teammate for two seasons, Nathan LaDuke. Wallerstedt collected 362 total tackles over his four-year career, the fourth-highest total in ASU history. After a standout senior campaign, he was recognized nationally as one of the best defensive players in the country, resulting in him being named an AP Third Team All-American. In addition to the Associated Press honors, he also garnered 1992 First Team All-Pac-10 honors. Wallerstedt's final year in Maroon & Gold was one to be remembered, as he was all over the field as the production indicated. He finished 1992 with 119 total tackles, 22 of which were tackles for loss, tied for the seventh-most in ASU single-season history. He capped his collegiate playing career by taking home Defensive MVP honors in the 1992 East-West Shrine Bowl, recording 13 tackles and forcing a fumble. In his final three seasons in Tempe, Wallerstedt recorded 100+ tackles in each, the last Sun Devil to have three-consecutive 100+ tackle seasons. During a junior season in which he emerged as one of the top linebackers in the country, Wallerstedt made 122 total tackles, 87 of which were of the solo variety. The 87 solo tackles in 1991 place him in a tie for fourth in single-season school history. He became a household name after a breakout sophomore season in which he hit the century mark in total tackles, finishing with 109. Wallerstedt earned the first of many spots in the school record book thanks to his 80 solo tackles that season, which are tied for the ninth most by a Sun Devil in a single season. A reliable and consistent performer, the linebacker started the final 33-games of his career. Counted on as one of the team leaders of the 1992 team, he was named a defensive captain as a senior in addition to being selected as the team Defensive MVP in 1991 & 1992. Wallerstedt went on to be selected in the fifth round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Phoenix Cardinals, before going on to play for the St. Louis Rams and Cincinnati Bengals. He played in 30 games, collecting 38 total tackles during his four-year NFL career.