University of Arizona makes transition in athletics leadership

TUCSON, Ariz. — University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins announced today a transition in the leadership of the Department of Athletics, with Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke concluding his nearly seven-year tenure on Feb. 2. Robbins has appointed legendary Wildcats former head softball coach Mike Candrea as the interim director, pending approval by the Arizona Board of Regents.

"I want to thank Dave for his outstanding efforts in leading our athletics program through a period of significant change," said Robbins. "He helped get our men's and women's basketball programs and our football program on a strong trajectory, oversaw the success of several of our sports teams and greatly enhanced the student-athlete experience. Dave always displayed the highest integrity, and I am appreciative of his partnership and dedication. On behalf of all Wildcats, I wish Dave and Liz and their family all the best in the years to come."

Heeke came to Tucson in 2017 after serving as the Director of Athletics at Central Michigan University and years spent in intercollegiate athletics at several institutions. Heeke left his mark in the ensuing years at Arizona, elevating the student-athlete experience, overhauling facilities, leading record-setting academic achievements, elevating the department's fundraising and enhancing the overall culture of the department. During his tenure, Arizona won dozens of team and individual national and Pac-12 championships, with several head coaches earning Coach of the Year honors. Heeke also currently serves on the NCAA Men's Basketball Committee.

"It has been my honor and privilege to have served the University of Arizona for the last seven years. Tucson and the entire Wildcat Nation are amazing communities that Liz and I have embraced with our hearts," said Heeke. "I want to thank President Robbins, our talented coaches, devoted staff, and loyal supporters for their partnership on this journey. Most importantly, I want to thank our student-athletes who committed to our standard of excellence by setting all-time academic records and competing for championships. I am very proud of the work we have accomplished together! Bear Down! Go Cats!"

Candrea stepped down as the winningest coach in NCAA softball history in 2021, having led the Wildcats to eight national championships during his 35-year tenure.

"Every Wildcat knows the history of Mike Candrea and what he means to our university and community, and I am grateful for Mike's willingness to step into the interim role," said Robbins. "I am confident Mike and Dave will ensure a smooth transition as we immediately begin a national search for a new Director of Athletics. With our transition to the Big XII, success in our high-profile programs, a passionate fan base, and institutional alignment, I am confident that we will be able to attract a tremendous new leader of our athletics program."

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Media contact:
Pam Scott
University Communications
Office: 520-621-1951 | Cell: 509-570-4610
pscott@arizona.edu

The University of Arizona, a land-grant university with two independently accredited medical schools, is one of the nation's top public universities, according to U.S. News & World Report. Established in 1885, the university is widely recognized as a student-centric university and has been designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. The university ranked in the top 20 in 2022 in research expenditures among all public universities, according to the National Science Foundation, and is a leading Research 1 institution with $824 million in annual research expenditures. The university advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships as a member of the Association of American Universities, the 71 leading public and private research universities in the U.S. and Canada. It benefits the state with an estimated economic impact of $4.1 billion annually.

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Land Acknowledgment

We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.