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ARIZONA EDGE



Our athletics department is proud to announce the launch of our Arizona Edge program, which focuses on educating, informing and assisting our student-athletes in preparing to develop their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) moving forward. Arizona Edge is another tremendous tool in our comprehensive student-athlete development through our Commitment to an Athlete's Total Success (CATS) program.
 
By partnering with the nationally renowned Eller College of Management on campus, Arizona Edge will focus on branding, networking, financial programming and other personal and professional development areas. The goal is to equip Arizona student-athletes with information, education and resources to prepare them for future NIL opportunities.
 
Arizona Athletics is committed to the holistic development of the outstanding young men and women in all our athletics programs, and Arizona Edge is the newest addition to our Commitment to an Athlete's Total Success (C.A.T.S) program.
 
FOOTBALL SEASON



We are quickly approaching game week to open the 2020 Arizona Football season, and we have some key updates and exciting ways for you to stay engaged during the season. The Pac-12 Conference finalized game information for our season opener at Utah on Saturday, Nov. 7. The Wildcats will kick off in Salt Lake City at 2 p.m. (MST) with the game being broadcasted on ESPNU. With new kick off times and television designations coming out every week, we continue to encourage all of you to use the official football schedule page on ArizonaWildcats.com for the most up-to-date schedule information.
 


In conjunction with the 2020 season, Arizona Athletics has announced its virtual sellout campaign. Even though we will not be able to welcome fans in the stands this season, this initiative can help the Wildcat Family stay engaged and connected to the program while helping our department through these unprecedented financial times. Virtual tickets are available for purchase and tax deductible. You can also earn priority points with the Wildcat Club. We've also got some great giveaways and gifts included in various virtual ticket packages, so click here to purchase yours.
 
We also want to remind all our fans and supporters about the Fan Cutout Program we announced in last week's Wildcat Wednesday. We've received great feedback and enthusiastic support for this initiative as Wildcat fans from across the globe have ordered cutouts of themselves, friends, family members and even pets to fill the stands at Arizona Stadium. To have your cutout installed in time for the home opener versus USC on Saturday, Nov. 14, please click here to order before Wednesday, Nov. 11.
 
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION WEEK

Diversity and inclusion are at the core of what we do at Arizona Athletics, and I am proud of all the programming and work our department does to recognize and celebrate the unique diversity of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, campus and community members.
 
We are honoring NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Week by expanding on our important work by telling the great stories of our diverse student-athlete population. This national campaign is just one of the many ways our entire athletics department tells the diverse stories, backgrounds and heritages of our Wildcats. Diversity and inclusion are key parts of how we live the Wildcat Way and how Arizona Athletics supports the University of Arizona's commitment to a vibrant, empowered and inclusive campus.
 
POWERING THE RETURN



Our ongoing series recognizing the dedicated staff members who have made our return to campus and competition continues. Our latest installment takes a look at our C.A.T.S. Mental Health Services department led by two tremendous Wildcats. Michelle Skog and Rachel Webb head up our mental health counseling unit, and they have served our student-athletes, coaches and staff with compassion and care during these challenging times.
 
Michelle and Rachel embody professionalism and the Wildcat Way as they support the mental health and wellbeing of all Wildcats. They took the lead on our recent Mental Health Awareness campaign, and this dynamic duo showcased the importance of mental health in living the Wildcat Way. Thank you Rachel and Michelle for everything you do and for your everlasting dedication to the health and wellbeing of all!
 
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT: WOMEN'S BASKETBALL



We have written in previous editions of Wildcat Wednesday showcases of our individual programs. As we approach the month of November, we'd like to highlight Coach Adia Barnes and Arizona Women's Basketball. The program has begun team practices for the 2020-21 season and will officially begin their season the week of Thanksgiving. I had the chance to stop by one of the team's practices, and it was a wonderful opportunity to see how special this program is firsthand.
 
Coach Barnes returns nine Wildcats from last season, which was one of the greatest seasons in program history. Included in those returners is All-American Aari McDonald who has proven she is one of the best players in the nation as she returns for her senior season. Aari is joined by Cate Reese, Sam Thomas and Helena Pueyo as returners who earned all-conference honors a season ago. This core of electric upperclassmen is joined by talented newcomers as Arizona Women's Basketball is ready to pick up where they left off as a top program in women's college basketball.
 
The team's 2020-21 schedule is still being finalized, and we will continue to share the newest information and updates in Wildcat Wednesdays. Bear Down Coach Barnes and company!
 
CAMPUS RECOGNITIONS

We want to congratulate the University of Arizona and our campus partners on their most recent accolades and honors. The successful sample collection by OSIRIS-Rex on Asteroid Bennu made international news. The NASA-University of Arizona partnership that powers this ongoing mission not only highlights our flagship university as a world leader in space sciences but continues to make our University a galaxy-wide source of pride! The University of Arizona continues to show that #SpaceIsWildcatCountry.
 
The University also received outstanding marks in national news and data as well as UArizona earned top ranks from the U.S. News & World Report's 2021 Best Global Universities in space science and research. This flagship institution continues to make its mark in national rankings and honors, and we are proud to represent such a first-class university.
 
The University of Arizona is a special place, and Wildcat pride is present throughout our country, world and solar system.

WEAR THE COLORS – SHARE THE PHOTOS

Send us your photos of you wearing the colors while staying safe!

Thank you for wearing the colors and sharing your Arizona pride! Make sure to take a picture the next time you are wearing the colors and send it to us, we just might include it in next week's Wildcat Wednesday! And even if your photo submission doesn't make  next week's edition, please check our "Wear the Colors" album at facebook.com/ArizonaAthletics on Fridays.
 
NOTE: Please submit photos for Wildcat Wednesday with an original email to uofaad@arizona.edu using the subject line 'Wildcat Wednesday photo.' Also, please ensure all submissions are clear and properly lit. We also ask that you identify everyone in the photo so we can highlight them accordingly.




 
Stay Safe, Bear Down and Mask Up!
 
Dave Heeke
Director of Athletics
University of Arizona
uofaad@arizona.edu