Jan. 22, 2013

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. – Arizona freshman Shelby Edwards has been recognized by the Pac-12 Conference as Freshman/Newcomer of the Week for the week of Jan. 14-20 the league office announced today. (Full release)

The freshman is being recognized for her excellence despite adversity. Several weeks before the season began Edwards sustained an injury to her arm, taking her out of the lineup for the first meet. Rather than let it get to her, the San Tan Valley native began training a new beam routine – one that involved no arm contact with the beam whatsoever.

Because of Edwards’ hard work and ability to adapt, she was cleared by doctor’s to compete the no-hand routine, enabling her to enter the beam lineup.

“Shelby has such a large repertoire of skills it allowed her to put together a no handed beam routine. That in itself is impressive – but the fact that she could do it well enough to immediately make the lineup is something else,” head coach Bill Ryden said.

She proved to be a valuable asset this past weekend, posting a score of 9.750 on the event to contribute to the season high team beam score of 49.000.

“Shelby starts the second half of our lineup, and we had already had three no fall routines. Her routine put us in a great spot and really reduced the pressure for our last few routines,” Ryden said.

This award is Edwards’ first from the Pac-12, and the Pac-12’s third Freshman/Newcomer of the Week awarded all-time. This is also Arizona’s first recognition from the Pac-12 for the 2013 season.

From here, No. 13 Arizona will continue to capitalize on Edwards’ abilities, taking on conference opponent No. 8 Utah this upcoming Friday, January 25 in McKale at 7:00p.m.