Rivalry Week is always full of fanfare and excitement, as the battle for Territorial Cup points, bragging rights, school and state pride are all on the line.
But when Sun Devil Women’s Basketball hosted Arizona on Wednesday, Jan. 28, the game was about more than beating the longtime rival from down south. Although they did that too, winning 68-61 in front of 6,121 fans.
The game was also about welcoming a hopeful next generation of Sun Devils, before they could even walk.
During halftime, nine tiny tots lined up at center court for the Baby Race, ready to compete for the ultimate prize: A stadium full of cheers from a 6,000+ crowd at Desert Financial Arena, and a Sun Devil swag bag. All they had to do was cross the finish line first.
These babies have the need for speed 🐣 pic.twitter.com/tZk5ukG8VX
— Arizona State Sun Devils (@TheSunDevils) January 29, 2026
The race itself delivered what everyone had hoped for. Adorable, silly-fun chaos, wrapped up in onesies. Darling little Sun Devil fans crawled in different directions. Some didn’t crawl at all. Some zigged, some zagged, some froze, some flirted with cheerleaders. Others became more interested in their toys than in the competition.
When all was said and done, little Koah crossed the finish line first. He zipped out to an early lead by sprinting to the finish line, only to sit right before crossing, letting his opponents catch up to make the race interesting.
Baby Koah and his mother, Rashell Bahe, celebrate Koah’s first-place finish.
“He stressed everybody out at the end,” Koah’s mom, Rashell Bahe, joked. "He was enjoying the atmosphere, you know, the glitz and glam and just taking in the moment.”
Throughout the next couple of minutes, a handful of babies followed suit. Others decided to keep doing their own thing.
“All of our training didn’t lead us to the result that we had hoped for, but we’re happy with the experience overall,” joked Jerome Myers, father of baby racer Teddy.
The power of Sun Devil Nation
In more ways than one, Sun Devil Women’s Basketball’s victory over the Wildcats was more than just a win. It served as a way to bring the community closer together and strengthen its bonds.
“You’re not the one who’s actually winning the game, but you feel part of that community, and so that win is a lot more than just a win for the basketball player, the football player, whoever it may be. It’s a win for the community,” noted Bahe. “So when it comes to rivalries, it makes that win so much sweeter because we are that community.”
That community extends beyond generations and countries, too.
Teddy comes from a long line of Sun Devils, and like little Koah, this wasn’t his first Sun Devils game. Teddy’s grandfather, his dad Jerome, and his two siblings are all ASU alumni, so his future will include many more Sun Devil games.
In fact, the Myers looked at the Baby Race competition as practice for something bigger: the upcoming Sun Devil Football game in London, the Union Jack Classic. The family already has their tickets, and little Teddy will be in attendance.
“I think this was a good way to see how he will do in a big atmosphere,” said Andrea Myers, Teddy’s mother.
Teddy, left, and his dad, Jerome, pose for the camera moments before the start of the baby race.
Making core memories
While Teddy might not remember this event personally as he grows up, his family will.
Eight family members, including Teddy’s older brothers and cousin, filled the stands to cheer the little guy on, helping create a memory and story that can be told for years.
“We are a sports family, and I’ve coached a lot of rec sports for the city of Mesa,” said Jerome. “I love being here and being able to show my sons and nephew what that next level of success looks like, what college is, and knowing that these people are no different from you or me. It shows them what they can attain.”
Bahe feels the same way.
“I know Koah’s not going to remember this, but it’s good memories for us, and I get to show this event in the baby books later when he grows up,” she said. “We are exposing him to what it looks like to be supported, even at a young age. I see how supportive the community is, not helping you to attain your degree, but also as a Native American as well, and as a family."
So while Koah and Teddy won’t be growing to six feet tall and slamming basketballs in the net anytime soon, moments like a Baby Race at a Sun Devil Women’s Basketball game plant something early.
The stories that their families will tell add to their family traditions of Sun Devil success. Before they can walk, this next generation of Sun Devil hopefuls is already learning what it feels like to belong, just like their parents before them.
Of course, the decision won’t be forced.
“It’s really going to come down to what he wants to do," said Andrea. “But it’s always a possibility.”