Arizona Women’s Basketball strengthens partnership with U of A Arthritis Center [Video]

TUCSON, Ariz. — Nearly 40 years ago, program legend and U of A men’s basketball head coach Lute Olson led the way for Arizona Athletics to partner with the school’s Arthritis Center.

It’s a legacy women’s team head coach Adia Barnes does not take lightly. A few years ago, Barnes was asked to take on the mantle as a partner and leader. For her, it was opportunity not only to support research, but to share her own struggles with arthritis.

“I can barely like bend down sometimes. I needed two knee replacements,” Barnes said. “It affects all of us.”

“She was just so enthusiastic and such a great supporter,” UA Arthritis Center director Kent Kwoh said. “Now we’re really going to be working with her and her team moving forward.

This year’s Bear Down celebration marked the first time the women’s joined Barnes to support the center’s research. U of …