Arizona Wildcats Honor Aari McDonald Amid NAU Rematch

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Arizona Wildcats women’s basketball team hopes to shake off last year’s losses to Northern Arizona University (NAU) while honoring one of its greatest players, Aari McDonald, during a special evening at McKale Center on Friday.

Fans remember painful losses to NAU last season, including one at home. Coach Becky Burke acknowledges the importance of this matchup. “I know the fans would love to see us get a win in this one and right the ship a little bit, but NAU is a really good team,” Burke said. “So we know we’ve got a good challenge in front of us.”

McDonald, who was integral to Arizona’s success in the past, will be celebrated during the game, where she will speak to the team and the audience. The event was initiated by assistant coach Julie Brase Hairgrove, who wanted to recognize McDonald’s contributions to the program.

Burke emphasized the significance of continuing relationships with former players. “It’s not about who the head coach is,” she said. “It’s about this place, it’s about their experience here.”

The Wildcats come into this game with a season record of 5-1, while NAU faces them with a strong roster and the memory of their previous victories fresh in mind.

Attendance for the game could be boosted by the honoring of McDonald, who was inducted into the Ring of Honor in 2022. Burke hopes the occasion will engage the fanbase and bring more supporters into the seats, as the team continues to build its community connection.

During the match, McDonald’s legacy was evident as her influence on the current players became a talking point for the coaching staff. Burke noted, “She’s arguably the best to ever do it here. That’s where we want to go.”

As the game unfolded, Arizona managed to secure an 87-76 victory over NAU, marking a step toward redemption for previous disappointments. This dual celebration—honoring McDonald and winning the game—reinforces the connection between past successes and the current trajectory of the program.

McDonald attended the game with her husband and was celebrated during halftime with tributes from former teammates. A season-high of 5,613 fans witnessed the event, connecting the past with the vibrant present of Arizona women’s basketball.