Softball

Iveson resigns as manager of Heat

Stacy Iveson stepped down as manager of the Arizona Heat on Tuesday, citing family reasons. But the startup National Pro Fastpitch team moved swiftly Wednesday and named former UA starter Debbie Day as its new manager. "We look at this as a real positive thing," said Heat general manager Cindy Jordan, who indicated Iveson will remain with the team as an assistant coach on a part-time basis. "It's really not a resignation; it's a redefinition of her role. This strengthens our team." Day, a 1992 UA graduate, is head softball coach and associate athletic director at Division III Cal Lutheran University. Jordan said Day, who could not be reached for comment Wednesday, will join the team May 21. "Her reputation really precedes her," Jordan said of Day, a two-time All-America pitcher who was part of the Wildcats' first NCAA championship team in 1991 and has the school's best career ERA (0.44). Iveson, a former UA player and coach who is also head coach of Pima College's nationally ranked program, said Wednesday that recent health problems for her 2-year-old son, J.T., prompted her to limit her role with the Heat. "My son has been kind of sick lately," Iveson said. "He's OK right now. I was having reservations before, just because it was going to be so much time away from home. I finally got real with myself when he got sick. "I just thought that if I'm gone and he gets sick I'm going to be worthless." Jordan said Iveson will be with the team for all of its 30 home games this summer and may take some road trips. She will be in charge of the Heat's training camp when it opens May 17, along with Mark Doren, a consultant with Major League Baseball. "I'm still going to be involved," said Iveson, whose Aztecs, ranked third in the latest NJCAA poll, host the ACCAC Division I playoffs this weekend. The Heat makes its debut June 1 at Sacramento. Its home opener is June 5 at 7:35 p.m. at Hi Corbett Field.