Top UA Astronomy Professor Honored as Women's Sports Pioneer

Marcia Rieke recognized by Big 12 Conference for achievements in science and advocacy for women's athletics

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Marcia Rieke, a renowned University of Arizona astronomy professor who helped develop instruments for the James Webb Space Telescope, is being honored by the Big 12 Conference as the school's Faculty of the Year. Rieke, who played women's basketball during her time as an undergraduate at MIT, is being recognized for her pioneering work in both science and advocating for opportunities in women's sports.

Why it matters

Rieke's dual accomplishments as a top scientist and women's sports advocate highlight the important role that female leaders can play in breaking down barriers and inspiring the next generation. Her recognition by the Big 12 shines a light on the progress made in women's athletics over the past several decades, while also underscoring the continued need to promote gender equity in both academia and sports.

The details

During her time at MIT, Rieke was part of the women's basketball team, which played against other women's colleges in the East. She credits her experience as an athlete with teaching her valuable lessons about discipline and resilience that served her well in her subsequent career as a renowned astronomer and instrument developer for the James Webb Space Telescope.

  • Rieke is receiving the Big 12 Faculty of the Year award on Wednesday, February 16, 2026.
  • The award ceremony will take place during the Arizona Wildcats' basketball game against Brigham Young University at the McKale Center.

The players

Marcia Rieke

A Regent's professor at the University of Arizona who is being honored by the Big 12 Conference as the school's Faculty of the Year. Rieke is a renowned astronomer who helped develop instruments for the James Webb Space Telescope and was also a pioneer in women's college basketball during her time as an undergraduate at MIT.

Big 12 Conference

One of the major NCAA Division I athletic conferences in the United States, recognizing Rieke's achievements in science and advocacy for women's sports.

University of Arizona

The institution where Rieke currently serves as a Regent's professor in the astronomy department.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

The university where Rieke played women's basketball as an undergraduate, gaining valuable experience that informed her later career in science and research.

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What they’re saying

“MIT could see Title IX coming over the horizon, and they prided themselves on having more NCAA sanctioned teams than any other university although they were not big time in any one of them.”

— Marcia Rieke (azpm.org)

“I remember we played at Wellesley, which is a women's college. And we did okay.”

— Marcia Rieke (azpm.org)

“Being part of a basketball team taught me about discipline and resilience as I moved into my career in science and research.”

— Marcia Rieke (azpm.org)

What’s next

Rieke will receive the Big 12 Faculty of the Year award during a ceremony at the McKale Center on Wednesday, February 16, 2026, prior to the Arizona Wildcats' basketball game against Brigham Young University.

The takeaway

Marcia Rieke's dual accomplishments as a pioneering astronomer and women's sports advocate serve as an inspiring example of how female leaders can break down barriers and pave the way for greater gender equity in both academia and athletics. Her recognition by the Big 12 Conference underscores the progress made in women's sports, while also highlighting the continued need to promote opportunities and role models for the next generation of young women.