The C.A.T.S. program, the Commitment to an Athlete's Total Success, is Arizona Athletics' nationally-recognized life skills program for student-athletes. This award-winning holistic development program is the inspiration for The Wildcat Way as well as this comprehensive strategic plan. That commitment serves as a building block for the future of Arizona Athletics and as a roadmap of how we will achieve our goals. This strategic plan is our commitment to contribute more, accomplish more, be more and Bear Down.
Founded by Cedric Dempsey and Rocky LaRose in 1991, C.A.T.S. was a pioneer program and the first of its kind to focus on the total holistic development of student-athletes to develop the life skills needed over time to lead a healthy, positive and productive life following graduation. The C.A.T.S. program grew to become the foundation and namesake for several of Arizona Athletics' student-athlete services, including academics, life skills, medical services, mental health services and strength and conditioning.
C.A.T.S. Academics provides customized services to student-athletes for them to achieve academic success. Academic Counselors and Learning Specialists guide a student-athlete in selecting the services that highlight their academic strengths and improve their academic weaknesses. Graduation and personal growth steer C.A.T.S. Academics in services that are offered. C.A.T.S. Academics supports The University of Arizona's mission of enhancing scholarly achievement of undergraduate students by:
- Striving for excellence regarding the academic, athletic and personal performance of its student-athletes.
- Providing exemplary leadership and necessary services to support, manage, and lead its student-athletes.
- Promoting the academic growth and individual development of student-athletes in preparation for successful careers and personal fulfillment after college.
