Taking a break from such duties as balancing the state's budget and deflecting rumors of a possible vice presidential nomination, Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano enjoyed a stint as guest coach for the ASU women's basketball team on Thursday.
Even though a seat at the bench was reserved especially for her, the governor rarely kept it warm.
"I was standing, jumping, clapping and wishing our team well," Napolitano said. "I enjoyed it. They played well tonight."
Being on the bench provided a different perspective for Napolitano, an avid sports fan.
"It's a totally different angle on the court," Napolitano said. "Listening to coach (Charli Turner Thorne) during the timeouts, and being a part of the huddle makes it feel like you're in the game."
Being involved in Arizona sporting events is nothing new for the first-term governor. Late last year, Napolitano was part of a committee that was successful in its bid to bring the 2008 Super Bowl to the Valley. She hopes to lure more events to the state for years to come.
"Sports is very important (to Arizona)," she said. "We want to keep adding to the great sports community we have here. We're bidding for the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the hockey all-star game and all kinds of stuff."
When asked if she was the good luck charm that came through for the Sun Devils as they defeated Oregon 65-40, the governor was hesitant to take credit for the spoils.
"I'm undefeated as a guest coach," Napolitano said. "That's all I'll say."
Reach the reporter at vic.vela@asu.edu.
