For Arizona State’s student-athletes, representing the Maroon and Gold is an honor. The colors and the pitchfork represent a tradition of pride and the relentless pursuit of excellence. But being a Sun Devil student-athlete also stands for something far greater than what happens during the game, match or meet.
When each player puts on the uniform, plays under the bright lights, and hears their name called over the loudspeaker, it’s also a reminder that they were once on the other side. They were the kids in the stands with eyes wide and racing hearts, dreaming of what it would feel like to be where they are today. They were hanging out after the games with markers in hand, hoping to get a signature or snap a photo with the athletes they looked up to.
Now, they’re the ones holding the pen, inspiring the next generation to dream just as boldly.
It’s a feeling that’s not lost on today’s Sun Devils. They know the significance of everything coming full circle and the importance of paying it forward.
Game Days in action
No matter the sport, no matter the venue, kids across the Valley light up when they get the chance to interact with Sun Devils. After volleyball matches at Desert Financial Arena, the court floods with young fans eager to get autographs and bump volleyballs with players they’ve been cheering for during the game.
“I used to be that kid. My sister and I used to go to every game we could,” said middle blocker Colby Neal. “Even though it could be inconvenient because you want to go home, it’s remembering that you are representing something bigger than yourself, and that tiniest little things mean so much. Whether it’s staying to talk to kids or give them a high five or take a picture with them, the little things like that really matter and can change people’s lives."
Senior outside hitter Bailey Miller agrees and added how the Sun Devil Volleyball program prides itself, not only on its back-to-back Big 12 Championship titles but also on its community engagement.
“We take our community seriously, especially when it comes to the kids, because they look up to us,” said senior outside hitter Bailey Miller. “Every time we play, we’re playing for them. We really make it a point to be good role models and show them that anything is possible.”
Sitting in the stands after a Volleyball game, it’s clear how excited young fans are to have met members of the team. Most are smiling ear to ear, jumping up and down with excitement, telling their parents to look at their new prized possession, and have an almost indescribable look of joy in their eyes.
Conversations in the stands
A similar phenomenon is happening on the other side of campus at Alberta B. Farrington Softball Field with the Sun Devil Softball team.
During fall ball play, a Little League softball team from Peoria, Arizona, the Sidewinders, was in attendance for a game, and players not in the lineup sat with the team during the game to talk, share advice, and answer questions.
“It was kind of funny hearing little girls ask us questions like, what position I play, how long I’ve been playing softball for, and it’s funny to hear the answers come out of my mouth,” said Takyla Davis, a sophomore infielder from Georgetown, Delaware. “I can’t believe I’ve been playing softball for 10 plus years, and these girls are just starting."
As the game continued, the little leaguers asked bigger and more complicated questions about game scenarios and the culture surrounding college athletics.
"I think it’s so cool to help them learn the fundamentals of the game. It's fun to give them that breath of fresh air and show them what they can do when they get into college. I enjoy doing it."
At the end of the game, the Sidewinders gathered to collect autographs and take photos with the girls who sat with them, plus the rest of the lineup.
"When I was younger, I would go to UCLA and Cal State Fullerton games, and would get signatures from the girls afterwards. I would hang them up on my wall and be like, 'that’s going to be me one day, ‘” Tiare Ho-Ching, a sophomore infielder from Long Beach, California, reminisced. "It’s such a blessing to have everything come full circle like this and now be that person for these girls and be their inspiration."
An adult’s perspective
From a parent’s perspective, having Sun Devil student-athletes be accessible means the world. During Football season, several other teams set up during Sparky’s Tailgate to sign autographs for fans. During the 2025 season, Sun Devil Soccer was one of those teams on hand.
Jade and Nash Johnston, soccer players themselves, were two of the youngsters lined up to meet Sun Devil stars Pauline Nelles, Cameron Valladares and Peyton Marcisz.
“It’s awesome for our daughter to see these role models in person because she’s really into soccer,” said Jade and Nash’s father, Kelsey Johnston. “For her to get an autograph and see what’s possible, it just means the world to her.”
Lifetime memories? Priceless
At Arizona State University, and most institutions across the country, the school’s football program is the most popular … and its biggest money maker. But, according to Coben Bourget, senior wide receiver for Sun Devil Football, the interactions kids have with the players are priceless.
“We all remember being a kid in the stands or waiting on the side for one of our favorite players or someone on the team to acknowledge us, or to sign something, and just give us part of their time,” said Bourget. “Growing up, that’s something you look forward to just as much as anything else.”
“To be in a position to give back and make somebody’s day just by taking a picture, just by saying hi, that holds a lot of weight to it. That’s something that doesn’t have a price on it. You can’t pay for that anywhere."
The same can be said for Sun Devil Hockey. Following the overtime win against Denver on Saturday, Nov. 22, 8-year-old Michael Cutrona was one of the lucky kids to catch a Star of the Game puck. The puck he caught was one autographed and thrown over the glass by captain Kyle Smolen. The smile on his face after the game said it all. Core memories were made that night for the youth hockey player with aspirations to one day be a hockey superstar in his own right.
In the classroom
Off the court and in the sand, the Sun Devil Beach Volleyball participates in an ongoing series of events called Building Brilliant Futures, in which players teach the sport to middle-school-aged children.
“I know personally that my cup is filled up with energy and joy after giving back, even though it may be tiring and take time out of your day. It is always, always a privilege,” said Reagan Hope, a graduate student from Phoenix. "I’m super happy to do it. Afterward, I felt jazzed up and excited for games with fans and kids to interact with. I’m down for as many of these events as coach sets up."
Sun Devil excitement
Back on the indoor volleyball court, Miller says the excitement surrounding the Sun Devils speaks for itself.
“Volleyball is such a fun sport to watch,” she said. “We always say once fans come to one game, they never want to leave. They’re hooked, and I hope we can continue to inspire people."
For the Sun Devil teams, the message is clear: Being “all in” doesn’t stop when the match does. It extends to every autograph, every young fan, and every moment that helps grow the game they love.
Sun Devil memories for Life
While the sports differ, the heart behind the interactions remains the same. ASU student-athletes know that every autograph might end up taped to a bedroom wall. Every fist bump might become a story told at the dinner table. Every encouraging word might help a kid believe they can achieve their dreams.
Kids remember these moments forever. Someday, those same kids might be the ones signing autographs, telling a new generation that they once sat right where they are now. That’s how the Sun Devil spirit continues, one smile, one autograph, one inspired young fan at a time.