If Remy threw you a no-look pass, would you catch it? ???? pic.twitter.com/zqQdhXQ4ZN
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) September 14, 2019
The 2019-2020 Sun Devil athletic season has started, and so has the excitement for the next batch of super Sun Devils. Here is a Sun Devil to keep an eye on some of our teams as we start our athletic seasons. Included in here is a potential No. 1 pick, a school-record holder, and possible future professionals and Olympians.
ENO BENJAMIN, FOOTBALL
Eno Benjamin returns to Sun Devil Stadium this coming fall after setting a school rushing record with 1,642 yards. Eno ranked No. 5 on a list of the 10 best running backs coming into the 2019 season that was published by USA Today's Paul Myerberg. His talent as a runner and his developing skills as a receiver makes him a strong NFL candidate.
- Benjamin breaks ASU Football's Single-Season Rushing Record
Two words, weight room! Eno Benjamin cuts the UA lead to 5. pic.twitter.com/abytCLazCW
— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) November 24, 2018
SPENCER TORKELSON, BASEBALL
Hard work plus determination equals results which is exactly what star returner Spencer Torkelson has done. Spencer is now the favorite to go first overall in the 2020 MLB draft. With an impressive 2019, Spencer led the country with 25 home runs, was a unanimous All-American voted into by every major media outlet in the nation, and has homered in every single Pac-12 ballpark in the league despite playing just two seasons. Congratulations to whichever team earns the first selection next year, they won't need to think twice about their pick.
- Torkelson an Early Contender for No. 1 Pick in 2020 MLB Draft
AND CRUSH IT LIKE TORK.
— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) May 19, 2019
Let's @byrnes22's reaction tell you everything you need to know about this one.@spennyt with #TorkBomb2??1?? and Devils are on the board! pic.twitter.com/blu91N5ltU
When @LouisvilleBSB skipper Dan McDonnell has such high praise for a player, you listen.
— D1Baseball (@d1baseball) August 14, 2019
Here's what he said about @ASU_Baseball's Spencer Torkelson in our @USABaseballCNT rewind. ??https://t.co/OI7XOrW4lV pic.twitter.com/7vUu9iZIbT
REMY MARTIN, MEN'S BASKETBALL
Being a playmaker is just as important as scoring and returning star Remy Martin fully understands this concept. Remy finds his teammates at the right time, creating opportunities that end in success and defending and making big shots when the game is on the line. His style turned into that of a more traditional point guard last year and his team has greatly benefited from that. He earned second-team All-Pac-12 honors by the league's coaches in 2018-19 and was the Dec. 17, 2018, Pac-12 Player of the Week.
--Martin's Improved Playmaking and Shotmaking Fuel's ASU's Offense
Remy Martin's career-high 2?4? points help lift @SunDevilHoops over California.#Pac12Hoops pic.twitter.com/UpUDI4XnxD
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) January 10, 2019
CAIRO LEONARD-BAKER, GYMNASTICS
Don't shy away from the lights, shine under them. When under pressure, Cairo Leonard-Baker does just that. This past season, Leonard-Baker was named a second team All-American on bars after she scored a 9.900 at the NCAA Gymnastics Championship and was named a WCGA Regular Season All-American on bars. She was named to the All-Pac 12 All-Around First Team and Bars First Team. The returning Gym Devil comes into the 2019-2020 season full of positive energy and a passion for her sport.
--More pressure? No problem for Cairo Leonard-Baker
Congrats to @SunDevilGym's Cairo Leonard-Baker on her 9th place finish at #NCAAGym Championships! ??
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) April 20, 2019
The ASU sophomore scored a 9.9 on uneven bars to earn second-team All-America honors.
?? : https://t.co/yKwQ6txibi#Pac12Gym | #BackThePac pic.twitter.com/VtOEOlX7Gl
KERRI CLAYTON, LACROSSE
Two-time Second-Team All-Pac-12 selection and honorable mention Pac 12 All-Academic Team pick Kerri Clayton returns to Sun Devil Lacrosse for her senior season. In 2019, Clayton recorded points in every game except for one, causing fits for opposing defenses all year. She set a school record for points and goals in a game in the Sun Devils victory over Oregon, compiling 12 points (8 goals & 4 assists) on her way to being named Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week (4/8). Not only is Clayton a physically talented player on the field, she is equally as talented leadership wise which is why she has been named a co-captain each of the past two season.
- Catchin' Up With Kerri Clayton
12. POINT. DAY.
— Sun Devil Lacrosse (@SunDevilWLax) April 6, 2019
Take a bow, @kerriclayton, who assisted on the game-winner! pic.twitter.com/RxEuaXOuTW
YOUSEFF SELIM, MEN'S DIVING
Youseff Selim, two-time 2019 Pac-12 Champion in 1M and PL and two-time 2019 All-American, returns to the pool in 2019-20. From Cairo, Egypt, Youseff has been a wonderful addition to the team. Described by teammates as a "machine" at practice, he pushes through any adversity and always looks on the bright side which is refreshing for teammates and coaching staff to see. The "diamond in the rough" according to head coach Mark Bradshaw, is polishing up very nicely here in Tempe.
Make that two All-American honors for @Youssefselim97!
— Sun Devil Swim/Dive (@ASUSwimDive) March 31, 2019
He scores 322.35 in the consolation finals for platform for 11th place overall! pic.twitter.com/xrNDm1IJSQ
CIERRA RUNGE, WOMEN'S SWIMMING
A 2016 Olympic gold medalist returns this year to Sun Devil women's swim and dive as two-time 2019 All-American and four-time ASU record holder Cierra Runge returns to Tempe. Out of high school, Runge was ranked No. 5 recruit in the country by collegeswimming.com and after attending a couple other schools, ASU was lucky enough to get her swimming here in Tempe. Leading the rest of her team to success, Runge shows what it takes to get to her level. Leading by example, in not just the pool, but in the weight room and in her nutrition.
--Runge Named No. 15 Women's Collegiate Swimmer
This Olympian just keeps getting better. ??@CierraRunge set an @ASUSwimDive record with a personal-best time of 1:44.04 in the 200 free, which ranks ninth in the nation.
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) February 13, 2019
Runge is the #Pac12Swim swimmer of the week. https://t.co/JyjOOonpp9 pic.twitter.com/LDVTvgZUEK
ILZE HATTINGH AND LAURYN JOHN-BAPTISTE, WOMEN'S TENNIS
Lauryn John-Baptiste and Ilze Hattingh earned first-team All-America honors when they advanced to the quarterfinal round at the NCAA Doubles Championships as they went 19-3 last season. They credit their success to their close friendship on and off the court, as their different personalities give them an edge when they play. Individually, Hattingh finished her debut season with a 7-8 regular season record while John-Baptiste with a 10-5 record.
BACK-2?-BACK
— Sun Devil W. Tennis (@sundevilwtennis) May 29, 2019
Lauryn and Ilze earn their second All-America honor and finish at #?8? in the final @ITA_Tennis doubles poll!#ForksUp??
??: https://t.co/tKSJsy9zmV pic.twitter.com/QzZhUb8jOm
JOHNNY WALKER, MEN'S HOCKEY
Unfortunately for his opponents, Johnny Walker will return to Sun Devil Hockey for the 2019-2020 season. Walker is known for antagonizing his opponents, scoring goals, and having the most fun on the ice. Walker held a share of the NCAA goals lead and has consistently been among the nations top scorers. You either love him or you hate him and whichever you decide, fuels Walker's enthusiasm for the game. Walker was an incredible asset for the Sun Devils as they reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time.
--Johnny Walker leading Arizona State to new heights
.@Jwalks96 just Walk'n through the back door! ???? pic.twitter.com/biARgFaRCD
— Sun Devil Hockey (@SunDevilHockey) October 13, 2018
KINDRA HACKBARTH, SOFTBALL
One of the nation's premier hitters and a NFCA third-team All-American will return to the Sun Devil softball lineup in 2020 as Kindra Hackbarth ranked second on the team with 16 home runs and was named to the All-Pac-12 first team, as well as the NFCA All-Region second team.
--Hackbarth Seeking To Become More Dominant (by Nicholas Zeller-Singh, Devils in Details/Febuary of 2019)
You know what day it is?
— Sun Devil Softball (@ASUSoftball) June 26, 2019
If you guessed #WayOuttaHereWednesday you are correct! ????? pic.twitter.com/TzdapJtUkI
ALEXIA DELGADO, SOCCER
Alexia Delgado originally from Jalsico, Mexico, returns to Sun Devil soccer as a very experienced player who has played all over the world. From competing in the Summer Youth Olympics in China in 2014 for the Mexico Team to the FIFA 2016 Under-17 Women's World Cup in Jordan and to being a captain for the Mexico team at the 2018 Under-20 Women's World Cup in France, she has played all over. She dreamed of playing in America since she was a young girl and she starts her sophomore campaign in 2019. With passion and dedication to the sport, Delgado is definitely one to watch for on the pitch this year.
--Alexia Delgado called up to full Mexican soccer team for Cyprus Cup (Feb. 18, 2019)
Our ?? 3 finishes from September! ?? #GoDevils pic.twitter.com/Lirg526zfh
— Sun Devil Soccer (@SunDevilSoccer) October 4, 2018
REILI RICHARDSON, WOMEN'S BASKETBALL
Your Pac-12 honorable mention of 2019 will return to Sun Devil Women's Basketball this upcoming season. Entering the 2019-2020 season ithird on ASU's all-time list for career assists, Richardson is determined to hit number one on that list. Having earned a silver medal playing for the USA Basketball Women's U19 Team at the 2017 FIBA U19 World Cup in Italy, Richardson is an extremely experienced ball player. Providing an interesting dynamic for the team and always bringing a laugh to the court, Richardson is an all-around player.
--Reili Richardson making her mark in Tempe
Congrats to our assists leader, @ReiliRich, who also was awarded the Ellie Kaye Award for playing unfazed every day and demonstrating poise and leadership ?? pic.twitter.com/GhXbqGsjv1
— Sun Devil WBB (@SunDevilWBB) April 18, 2019
OLIVIA MEHAFFEY, WOMEN'S GOLF
2019 Pac-12 and Norman Regional Champion Olivia Mehaffey will return for her senior season looking to build upon her legacy.. The three-time All-American looks to become just the third four-time All-American in program history. As a competitive and aggressive player, never underestimate Mehaffey's ability to finish. Describing herself as one who "thrives" under pressure, it's not over for her until it's over.
- Olivia Mehaffey Wins the 2019 Pac-12 Championship
PAC-12 CHAMPION??@SunDevilWGolf's @OliviaMehaffey wins the individual title! pic.twitter.com/hUjNIFUCME
— Arizona State Sun Devils (@TheSunDevils) April 17, 2019
ZAHID VALENCIA, WRESTLING
Pac-12 Wrestler of the Year and the tenth three-time All American in Arizona State history, NCAA champion Zahid Valencia returns to ASU Wrestling this season. Confident and respectful, Valencia has a little bit of everything which gives him his edge on the court. He knows his capabilities and works hard to maintain the leverage that he has.
--Zahid Valencia wins second-consecutive NCAA Championship
Zahid leaves no doubt. He beats Mark Hall, 5-0. pic.twitter.com/XbbOR7WVhK
— FloWrestling (@FloWrestling) May 18, 2019
NATHAN PONWITH, MEN'S TENNIS
Nathan Ponwith, an All-Pac-12 First-Team and NCAA Doubles National Championship Qualifier, returns to Sun Devil Men's Tennis. He became Arizona State's highest-ranked doubles pair in over 25 years (since 1991) when he and Dominik Kellovsky earned a No. 8 nod in the April 9 edition of the Oracle/ITA ranking. Ponwith transferred from the University of Georgia after the lack of a men's tennis program at Arizona State deterred him from attending at the time. With a new start at his dream school, Ponwith is excited to continue to make a name for himself and his school.
No. 9 ASU men's tennis doubles duo embrace uncharted ground / State Press
First year playing for his hometown team.
— Sun Devil M. Tennis (@SunDevilMTennis) May 7, 2019
First all-Pac-12 selection ??
Congrats, Nathan! pic.twitter.com/kTiOtrLC38
HANNAH HENRY, TRIATHLON
Returning star Hannah Henry is coming back to ASU a two-time USAT Collegiate National Champion and Part of Team Canada for 2019 Pan Am Games. Henry led the Sun Devil triathlon team to its third consecutive national championship. When winning her second consecutive individual championship, she managed to beat her previous national championship time by more than two minutes.
--Easy as one, two, three: Sun Devil triathlon win third consecutive championship (State Press)
--Henry Named to Canadian Pan American Team
SAM NOENNING, WOMEN'S TRACK AND FIELD
Sam Noennig returns to Sun Devil Track and Field this coming season as a two-time NCAA champion, a three-time All-American, and a two-time conference champ. Finishing the year with two national championships and two conference championships, next season can't come soon enough for her.
?? NATIONAL CHAMPION ??@SunDevilTFXC's @samnoennig wins the #NCAATF Women's Shot Put title! pic.twitter.com/0I0RRQBeXZ
— Arizona State Sun Devils (@TheSunDevils) June 7, 2019
IVANA JEREMIC, VOLLEYBALL
Senior outside hitter Ivana Jeremic returns to Sun Devil Volleyball this upcoming season. An extremely valuable player, Jeremic was second on the team for digs with 262 and second on the team in kills with 309. She also was a 2018 Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention. With a mindset of always being able to do better, Jermic never settles for anything besides the absolute best and then some.
--Ivana Jeremic is helping to lead ASU volleyball
Ivana Jeremic received a Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable Mention nod, her second year in a row making the list! #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/YALSeV4yTQ
— Sun Devil Volleyball (@SunDevilVB) November 29, 2018
AMIRA VAN BUREN, WATER POLO
Amira Van Buren received All-MPSF Newcomer Team honors after an outstanding first season in Tempe proving she has the ability and the determination to be a consistently outstanding player for Sun Devil Water Polo. Scoring consecutively in multiple matches throughout the season, she is an incredible asset to the team. At the ASU invitational last March, she made a big splash as she scored six goals in three matches, including back-to-back multi-goal performances.
GOAL!!!
— Sun Devil Water Polo (@SunDevilWP) March 11, 2018
Amira Van Buren continues her incredible performance at the ASU Invitational as she converts on the power play to open the scoring for the Sun Devils in the second half. ASU now leads Pomona-Pitzer 12-4! #SunDevilUnity pic.twitter.com/dNLdVAfDyY
Five Sun Devils Named to MPSF All-Academic Team
CHUN AN YU, MEN'S GOLF
Chun An Yu returns to Sun Devil Men's Golf this upcoming season after earning PING First-Team All-American Honors last year. The senior finished third at the NCAA Championships last season and played in his second straight U.S. Open in June of 2019.
You can add @GolfCoachesAssn First-Team All-American to @kevingolfyu resume as he packs his bags for a fun summer that includes the @ArnoldPalmerCup! https://t.co/PVqNYm97HL @AZGOLFassoc @Pac12Network @PapagoGolf @GrayhawkGolf pic.twitter.com/Qzo75Hs9vo
— Sun Devil Men's Golf (@sundevilmgolf) May 28, 2019
--Chun An Yu finishes third at NCAA Championships (azcentral.com/May 27, 2019)
...and to think this is less than half of the Sun Devils in the @usopengolf. (and that is a pretty solid trio) as @JonRahmpga @PhilMickelson @kevingolfyu take a walk along Pebble Beach Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/3EMgB9KjOE
— Sun Devil Men's Golf (@sundevilmgolf) June 12, 2019
KATELYN CARBALLO, BEACH VOLLEYBALL
Katelyn Carballo returns to Sun Devil Beach Volleyball this spring. In 2019 Carballo moved up to third all-time at ASU in individual wins. She had an 18-16 record as a junior and was paired primarily with Ellyson Lundberg and Katie Cross. Carballo was a Pac-12 All-Academic Honorable mention pick last spring.
SUN DEVILS WIN??
— Sun Devil Beach VB (@SunDevilBeachVB) April 25, 2019
#6 Arizona State upsets #3 Cal, 3-2, in the Pac-12 Championship Opening Round! pic.twitter.com/j94A4nrVxi
COLE RIDDLE, MEN'S TRACK AND FIELD
Cole Riddle returns to Sun Devil Men's Track and Field this season. He earned his first all-Pac-12 honor when he took fourth at the Pac-12 Championships as a freshmen. He's scored in each conference championship he's competed in at ASU, but missed them as a sophomore due to injury. Prior to being sidelined, Riddle moved to second in school history in the outdoor pole vault and moved into the top-10 in history in the indoor event. Riddle has been integral to Arizona State's success in field events and looks to carry his momentum from his freshman season into his third year in Tempe.
Cole Riddle leads the Devils to a 1??2??3?? sweep of the pole vault! #ForksUp pic.twitter.com/C5vVEodGIt
— Sun Devil TFXC (@SunDevilTFXC) January 12, 2019