ASU News
Sports
From the court to the lab and beyond, it's game on
Examining the connection between sport and global relationships
As the world turns its attention to the United States during the FIFA World Cup, sport’s role in shaping the U.S.'s relationship with the rest of the world is one to explore — and one lab at Arizona State University has a head start.
The Cactus Bowl, most recently known as the Rate Bowl, is not only returning to its former name but also to ASU, where it was held at then-Sun Devil Stadium from 2006 to 2015.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup arrives in North America, ASU’s Andrés Martinez reflects on soccer’s growth in the U.S. and explores the convergence of fútbol and American football in his new book.
More sports stories
From Tempe to the Thames: Sparky takes London
Sparky, ASU’s official mascot, will be in London for six nights in late June and early July to promote ASU London and the Union Jack Classic football game.
West Valley takes off
The West Valley is emerging as a hub for logistics, athletics and advanced manufacturing, with local businesses gaining momentum from the growth. See how this fast-growing region benefits from ASU’s small business support and programs, like engineering, supply chain logistics, sports psychology and others, that prepare students for in-demand jobs.
This ASU grad has a supersize dose of school spirit
After years of keeping her secret, Sydney Lindon-Lake — who is graduating this May with a Bachelor of Arts in interdisciplinary studies — can finally come clean: She’s Sparky.
Game on: ASU students join ‘hot' field of sports psychology
A growing understanding that sports psychology coaches can make the difference between success and failure for athletes has created a rapidly increasing demand for them at all performance levels. An ASU master’s degree was designed to meet that need, and its first graduates are now entering the workforce.
ASU student‑athletes bring Sun Devil spirit to Tempe elementary school
A visit from Sparky and Sun Devil Athletics turned an ordinary afternoon into one that sparked curiosity toward college readiness for students at Fuller Elementary in Tempe.
Poitier Film School filmmaker, ASU diver wins $5k prize in ReelShort contest
Caleb Liban has never shied away from competition. The student filmmaker from Denver is a competitive diver with the ASU Men’s Swim and Dive team, which won a national championship in 2024. So it’s no surprise that when Liban learned about a film contest in an innovative medium, he’d crush that, too.
MORE FROM SUN DEVIL ATHLETICS: For game stories, athlete spotlights and schedules, visit sundevils.com.