Mizuno Signs University of Arizona Wildcats Softball to Multi-Year Equipment Deal

by Harper Cornell on January 20, 2011

Mizuno USA has signed an equipment contract with one of the most prestigious NCAA Fastpitch programs in the history of the sport, the University of Arizona Wildcats.  As an "Official Equipment Partner of the Women's Softball Program", the Wildcats will be equipped with our high performance ball gloves, equipment bags, protective gear, and the Frenzy 3.0 fastpitch bats this upcoming season.

The Wildcats have won eight NCAA National Titles, and have been National Runner-Up five times, most recently this past season.  Several of the most famous names in the sport have emerged from the Arizona program, including Mizuno Brand Ambassador and two-time Olympic medalist, Jennie Finch.  The Wildcats are coached by softball legend Mike Candrea, who has won over 1,100 games since joining the program in 1986.  Candrea has also served as the Head Coach of the US National Team, when the team won a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.   

Here is what Mike Candrea had to say about signing with Mizuno:

"We look forward to our new partnership with Mizuno, and working with a company that has been instrumental in growing the sport of fastpitch softball.  Mizuno's commitment to our game is evident through their excellent product line and visibility at softball events around the country.  Our program is eager to work with such a great company that is dedicated to sporting goods innovation and the future of fastpitch softball."

Arizona joins an impressive roster of Mizuno sponsored teams, including the 2009 National Champion Washington Huskies, Nebraska, Nevada-Reno, Oklahoma State, and Southern Mississippi.  The Wildcats finished the 2010 season ranked # 2 in the nation, and will open their season on February 10th.