UA softball player remembered as 'inspirational'

Arizona Summer Wildcat Julie Reitan

Teary-eyed teammates, family and friends joined together last night to mourn the death of Julie Reitan, and share memories of her loving and energetic personality that touched so many lives.

"Her love of life brought out the best in people," said Krista Gomez, an assistant coach. "She taught me to be happy everyday."

Reitan was found dead in her north side home Friday morning. She was 21.

A preliminary autopsy by the Pima County Sheriff's Department indicated no sign of foul play.

Although Reitan had diabetes, toxicology and other test results will be necessary to determine the exact cause of death.

More than 1,200 people gathered last night at McKale Center for Reitan's memorial. Friends, teammates, and hundreds of fans - some who never met Reitan - all embraced her parents, brother and family.

The memorial, which included a reading of scriptures underlined in Reitan's Bible, exemplified the strong spirituality that served as a foundation in her life.

"Julie led a life of service, self sacrifice, surrender, and a love for others," Pastor David Drum said. "Because her life was in order, she was ready to die at 21 as she would've been at 81."

Reitan brought the team closer by leading team prayers before and after every game said assistant coach Amy Chellevold.

She was always there for teammates when they had a problem, Chellevold said .

After the ceremony, team members exchanged pictures and fond memories and then huddled together in a prayer for Reitan.

" We really needed do it to help with the healing process," Chellevold said.

Along with her inspiration, teammates said Reitan was always able to keep the them loose with her sense of humor.

"She was the most popular player on the team," Chellevold said. "She was a great jokester."

Chellevold said that Reitan liked to play a game called "Make Me Laugh" where the players took turns making funny faces at each other.

UA softball coach Mike Candrea said Reitan's number will be retired in tribute to her contributions to the team.

"It represents something to myself and the kids in the program," he said. "She was more than just a player, she was the spiritual leader."

Candrea said the days since Reitan's death have been hard because the players were not all together. He said that the beginning of next season will be difficult for the team without her.

"It's going to take time," he said.

Reitan's teammates said they would not soon forget her.

"She was always there at a time of need," said Nancy Evans, a junior pitcher for the Wildcats.

"Every game I play for the rest of my career will be dedicated to her," Evans said.

Athletic Director Jim Livengood said Reitan was an outstanding student-athlete who excelled on the field and academically.

"She was a tremendous part our program," Livengood said.

Excelling was never a difficulty for Reitan. She was named to the Pacific-10 Conference all-academic team June 12, which requires students to have a minimum 3.0 grade point average.

Reitan, who batted .318 for the season, used timely slap-hitting to help this year's softball squad finish with a 61-5 record and a best-ever Pacific 10 Conference mark of 26-1.

High achievement in sports and academics was nothing new for Reitan. In 1993, while playing for Tucson's Sahuaro High School, Reitan's bunt led to an overthrow and eventual game-winning run in the Class 4A state championship game.

At Sahauro, Retain, who was also was a standout in cross country and track, graduated valedictorian of her senior class.