Photos: Caitlin Lowe through the years
Before she became a UA softball coach, Caitlin Lowe was one of the Wildcats' stars.
Caitlin Lowe through the years
U.S.A.'s Caitlin Lowe, left, Jennie Finch, center, and Jamie Southern watch from the dugout in the seventh inning as Japan beat the U.S. 3-1 in the championship game of the World Cup of Softball in Oklahoma City, Monday, July 18, 2005. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Caitlin Lowe through the years
University of Arizona softball players, clockwise from center, Kristie Fox, Jackie Coburn, Autumn Champion, Caitlin Lowe, Taryne Mowatt and Cortney Nix welcome Shelly Schultz at home plate after her three-run homer in the first inning against Lehigh University at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, Ariz., Friday, May 20, 2005. Arizona opened the NCAA tournament with a 12-0 win. Photo by Greg Bryan / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Arizona's Caitlin Lowe, left, comforts Jennifer Martinez after Martinez struck out against Texas with the bases loaded in the eleventh inning to end Arizona's run in NCAA Women's College World Series at Don E. Porter Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Okla., Sunday, June 5, 2005. Photo by Greg Bryan / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
University of Arizona's Caitlin Lowe avoids the tag as she slips around to back-door Northwestern catcher Jamie Dotson and scores the first run of the game in the top of the first inning at Hillenbrand Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005. Photo by Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Arizona's Caitlin Lowe goes to the wall for an out against California in the third inning of Game 7 of the NCAA Women's College World Series at Don E. Porter Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Okla., Saturday, June 4, 2005. Photo by Greg Bryan / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Arizona's Kristie Fox, left, hugs UA's Caitlin Lowe, right, after Fox hit the game-winning single during their game against Oregon State in the first game of the College World Series, Thursday, June 1, 2006 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Arizona center fielder Caitlin Lowe beats the throw to Ohio State short stop Billie Carder in the first inning during the NCAA regional tournament at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, Ariz., Friday, May 19, 2006. Photo by Greg Bryan / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA's Caitlin Lowe slides safely into second as Baylor's Lauren Parker misses the throw during the first game of a double header against Baylor, Sunday, March 12, 2006. Photo by Chris Richards / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Arizona softball players, from left, Kristie Fox, Sam Banister, Taryne Mowatt and Caitlin Lowe sing “We are the Champions” during a celebration at McKale Center on June 7, 2006. The Wildcats beat Northwestern to win the 2006 Women’s College World Series.
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA players Kristie Fox, left, and teammate Caitlin Lowe, right, pose for a photo from fans in the crowd while celebrating the Wildcats win over Northwestern to claim the national championship in the College Softball World Series held at Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, June 6, 2006. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe and a teammate celebrate after the Wildcats win over Northwestern to claim the national championship in the College Softball World Series held at Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, June 6, 2006. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA players Sam Banister, left, Caitlin Lowe, middle, and Chelsie Mesa, right, celebrate during a game against Tennessee in the College World Series, Sunday, June 4, 2006 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe tries to catch a deep fly ball hit by Tennessee's Katherine Card, which turned out to be the winning run for Tennessee, in the College World Series, Sunday, June 4, 2006 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe tries to catch a deep fly ball hit by Tennessee's Katherine Card, which turned out to be the winning run for Tennessee, in the College World Series, Sunday, June 4, 2006 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe tries to catch a deep fly ball hit by Tennessee's Katherine Card, which turned out to be the winning run for Tennessee, in the College World Series, Sunday, June 4, 2006 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe tries to catch a deep fly ball hit by Tennessee's Katherine Card, which turned out to be the winning run for Tennessee, in the College World Series, Sunday, June 4, 2006 in Oklahoma City, Okla. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA softball player Kristie Fox, facing the camera, hugs teammate Caitlin Lowe while celebrating their team's win against Texas in the second round game of the College World Series held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Friday, June 2, 2006 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA players Caitlin Lowe, arms in the air at left, and Kelly Nelson, hands in the air at right, and teammates cheer to the crowd after their win against Texas in the second round game of the College World Series held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Friday, June 2, 2006 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA players Autumn Champion, top left, and Sam Banister, face paint right, cheer and pat Caitlin Lowe on the head after she scored the first run in the sixth inning against Texas during their second round game of the College World Series held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Friday, June 2, 2006 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe makes contact with the ball in the last inning of their second round game of the College World Series against Tennessee held at Hall of Fame Stadium, Friday, June 1, 2007 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe hits a single during their second round game of the College World Series against Tennessee held at Hall of Fame Stadium, Friday, June 1, 2007 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Caitlin Lowe bats during the first practice of the United States Olympic softball team at Hillenbrand Stadium on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, Ariz., Monday, Oct. 1, 2007. Lowe played softball for UA and now will start in center field. Photo by Jill Torrance / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Caitlin Lowe bats during the first practice of the United States Olympic softball team at Hillenbrand Stadium on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, Ariz., Monday, Oct. 1, 2007. Lowe played softball for UA and now will start in center field. Photo by Jill Torrance / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA players Caitlin Lowe, left, and Jenae Leles, right, run off the field after Kristie Fox, middle, made a catch to end the inning during their first round NCAA College World Series softball game against Baylor held at the Hall of Fame Stadium, Wednesday May 30, 2007 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Caitlin Lowe makes a diving catch against Pima in an exhibition game — UA vs. Pima Community College — Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007 at Rita Hillenbrand Memorial Stadium. The UA won 11-0. Jeffry Scott / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe dives for a ball and gets it on a one-hop in the 4th inning during their second game of the day against Washington at the College World Series held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Sunday June 3, 2007 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Arizona center fielder Caitlin Lowe, center, puts on a protective mask before the start of the second super regional game against Cal State Fullerton at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, Ariz., Sunday, May 27, 2007. Lowe collided with the outfield wall during the first game on Saturday. At left is left fielder K'Lee Arredondo and at right is right fielder Adrienne Acton. Photo by Greg Bryan / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA's Caitlin Lowe holds a bag of ice on her nose after she hit the wall trying to make a catch in the first inning of Arizona's super regional game against Cal State Fullerton, Saturday, May 26 2007 at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Lowe did not play the rest of the game. Photo by Chris Coduto / Special to the Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Arizona's Adrienne Acton (4) fields the ball after Caitlin Lowe slammed into the wall trying to catch the ball in the top of the first inning of Arizona's super regional game against Cal State Fullerton, Saturday, May 26 2007 at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Lowe left the game with a bloody nose and did not return. Photo by Chris Coduto / Special to the Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA center fielder Caitlin Lowe falls to the ground after slamming into the wall trying to make a catch in the top of the first inning of Arizona's super regional game against Cal State Fullerton, Saturday, May 26 2007 at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Lowe left the game with a bloody nose and did not return. Arizona came from behind to beat Fullerton 11-6, taking the first game in the best of three series. Photo by Chris Coduto / Special to the Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Arizona's Caitlin Lowe (26) gets a high five from the bench, including pitcher Taryne Mowatt, right, after Lowe and K'Lee Arrendondo (7) scored in the third inning of Arizona's game against Texas A&M, Friday, Feb. 23, 2007 at Hillenbrand Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Chris Coduto / Special to the Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA's Caitlin Lowe slides safely into second base as Oregon's Jenn Salling missed the throw from the catcher in the bottom of the first inning at Hillenbrand Stadium, Sunday, April 22, 2007 in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe is caught trying to steal second base by Mississippi State player Chelsea Bramlett during their NCAA regional game held at Hillenbrand Stadium, Saturday, May 19, 2007 in Tucson, Ariz. The Wildcats won the game 8-0. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA players Cyndi Duran, left, Caitlin Lowe, middle, and Sam Banister, right, and other players salute their teammate Chelsie Mesa after she hit a triple driving in Lowe and Adrienne Acton, who were on base, in the 5th inning of their game against Mississippi State during NCAA regional tournament held at Hillenbrand Stadium, Saturday, May 19, 2007 in Tucson, Ariz. The Wildcats won the game 8-0. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
University of Arizona softball player Caitlin Lowe scores from third base as she slides past Howard pitcher Christina McCoy after the pitch went past the catcher in the fourth inning during the first-round regional game on Friday, May 18, 2007, in Tucson, Ariz. Photo by A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
University of Arizona softball player Caitlin Lowe comes up after sliding under the tag of second baseman Celina Rubalcaba in the first inning in Tucson, Ariz., on Thursday, May 10, 2007. Photo by A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
University of Arizona softball player Caitlin Lowe slides under the tag of UCLA catcher Jaisa Creps during the second inning in Tucson, Ariz., on Thursday, May 10, 2007. Photo by A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Center fielder Caitlin Lowe tracks down a fly ball during a fielding drill at practice for the UA softball team at Hillenbrand Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 6, 2007. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Arizona center fielder Caitlin Lowe (26) makes this leaping fifth inning catch against Arizona State, April 6, 2007. UA won 1-0, keeping ASU's losing streak at Hillenbrand Stadium alive since 1993. Photo by David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA players Caitlin Lowe, left, Kristie Fox, middle, and Taryne Mowatt, right, hold up the World Series Trophy after they beat Tennessee in game 3 of their championship series at the College World Series held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Wednesday, June 6, 2007 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe hugs her mom Dawn Lowe after UA beat Tennessee in game 3 of their championship series at the College World Series held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Wednesday, June 6, 2007 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe singles in the 5th inning against Tennessee during game 3 of their championship series at the College World Series held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Wednesday, June 6, 2007 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe, hands in the air, celebrates after her teammate Danielle Rodriguez's slide at home past Tennessee player Shannon Doepking scored the winning run in the 10th inning of game 2 of their championship series at the College World Series held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Tuesday, June 5, 2007 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Left to right, UA players Chelsie Mesa, Kristie Fox and Caitlin Lowe carry a UA flag that was brought to the ground by a Navy Seal parachute team member before game 1 of the championship series between UA and Tennessee at the College World Series held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Monday June 4, 2007 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe tries to catch a home run hit by Tennessee player Alexia Clay in the second inning of game 1 of their championship series at the College World Series held at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium, Monday June 4, 2007 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA's Caitlin Lowe slides safely into second base and into Missouri's Andee Allen during the bottom of the sixth inning, March 5, 2007. Photo by Chris Richards / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA player Caitlin Lowe makes contact with the ball during their College World Series game against Depaul held at Hall of Fame Stadium, Saturday, June 2, 2007 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
UA players in the dugout cheer on Caitlin Lowe, who drove in two runs in the 5th inning during their College World Series game against Depaul held at Hall of Fame Stadium, Saturday, June 2, 2007 in Oklahoma City. Photo by James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Caitlin Lowe of the United States drives in a run in the ninth inning against Japan in softball semifinals on Wednesday, August 20, 2008, in the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, China. (Joe Rimkus Jr./Miami Herald/MCT)
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Members of the United States women's softball team watch during the medal ceremony after losing to Japan in the gold medal game in the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2008. From left to right are: Jennie Finch, Caitlin Lowe, Victoria Galindo, Monica Abbott, and Kelly Kretschman. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Sam Banister, left, first baseman for the University of Arizona, misses the ball as Caitlin Lowe of the U.S.A. Olympic Team runs for first base during the game at Hillenbrand Stadium, Feb. 19, 2008. Photo by Jill Torrance / Arizona Daily Star
Caitlin Lowe through the years
United States center fielder Caitlin Lowe crashes into the wall as she catches a fly ball by Japan's Yukiyo Mine in the fifth inning of a World Cup of Softball game in Oklahoma City, Saturday, July 18, 2009. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Caitlin Lowe, front, takes a throw at first base as teammate Jennie Finch looks on during a Team USA softball practice in Oklahoma City, Tuesday, July 20, 2010. Team USA plays in the World Cup of Softball beginning Thursday. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Coach Mike Candrea, far left, stands with Jennie Finch, Caitlin Lowe, Chelsie Mesa and Taryne Mowatt following a game between the National Pro Fastpitch All-Stars team and the Wildcat softball team at Hillenbrand Stadium, Monday, Oct. 4, 2010.
Caitlin Lowe through the years
Team National Pro Fastpitch center fielder and former Arizona Wildcat Caitlin Lowe skids to a stop after making a diving catch on Chelsea Goodacre's sinking liner in the fourth inning at Hilenbrand Stadium, part of Team NPF's Back To School Tour, Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, Tucson, Ariz. All-Stars from the NPF's four teams are in the last stages of a 22-game tour through 16 states over 40 days. Photo by Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star