Our student-athletes continue to break records in the classroom each semester. Spring 2023 was another banner semester in the classroom as Arizona Athletics posted its highest spring semester GPA with a 3.296. The academic success last semester also extended the department's streak of semesters with a 3.000 GPA and  above to 11 consecutive semesters, which was also an all-time high. Spring 2023 also pushed Arizona's cumulative GPA to an impressive 3.332, which is an all-time high for any semester.

Our athletics department's "Wildcat Way" mission is to develop student-athletes into academic, athletic and life champions, and we are proud to see this mission fulfilled at an unrivaled level of excellence. Arizona Athletics strives to be a point of pride for our campus, community and the Wildcat Family, and our record-breaking success in the classroom is something we can all be proud of. I would like to congratulate our student-athletes and outstanding C.A.T.S. Academics staff for once again raising the bar of excellence in the classroom.

BLACK STUDENT-ATHLETE SUMMIT

Our C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development program is an integral part of our department's Commitment to an Athlete's Total Success, and it continues to collaborate on key diversity and inclusion initiatives. The latest example of this programming is highlighted by a contingent of student-athletes and staff attending the Black Student-Athlete Summit in Los Angeles. You can click here to read about the impact of the trip in the words of those in attendance.

"The Black Student-Athlete Summit was a life changing experience not only because we were surrounded by like-minded individuals, but because of the way that we were being poured into," said Martel Irby from Arizona Football. "My favorite part of it all was "Pro Day" as it provided us with the opportunity to connect and ask questions to those who are currently doing exactly what we want to do. This Summit is something I would recommend to every Black Student Athlete around the country as it has opened countless doors for me in just a week of being there."

Opportunities, like this one, are part of our student-athlete experience that empowers student-athletes to develop as leaders, community members, and future professionals.

FUTURE OF COLLEGE ATHLETICS SUMMIT

Arizona Athletics is proud to be a part of the University of Arizona's marquee symposium on "The Future of College Athletics" this week in Washington, D.C. Held at the university's Washington, D.C. Center for Outreach & Collaboration, the groundbreaking conversation will include the voices of national leaders in college athletics as well as Arizona Wildcats. Myself, Coach Fisch and Maya Nnaji from Arizona Women's Basketball will be a part of this outstanding event.

Thursday's summit is an example of how our university and athletics department continue to lead from the front when it comes to college athletics and the student-athlete experience. Our athletics department remains committed to being at the forefront nationally as we continue to live the "Wildcat Way" and develop academic, athletic and life champions.

WILDCAT HEADLINES 

• Softball's Allie Skaggs Named Rawlings Gold Glove Winner and CSC Academic All-America Honors. 

• Volleyball Welcomes Five to 2023 Roster

• Baseball's Romero Earns Collegiate Baseball All-America Recognition

• Men's Tennis Rakes in ITA Regional Awards

• Football Single-game tickets are now on sale with Bear Down Pricing! Click here to purchase. 

SHOW YOUR COLORS 

?My nephew, Danny Carlson of Appleton, Wisconsin (MBA UA online program 2022) received this treat from his girlfriend Annie Flaherty to support the Wildcats during the PAC-12 baseball tournament semi-final.   Danny and Annie visited Hi Corbett Field with me in March and saw a Cats victory.   (See second photo taken by usher Paul.)

Brad Bittorf, baseball (and soccer) season ticket holder

Gigi Elson (94') is proud to announce that her great granddaughter, Arlo Faye Dupree is officially a Wildcat for Life!

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. 

Bear Down and Go Cats! 

Dave Heeke 

Vice President and Director of Athletics 

University of Arizona 

uofaad@arizona.edu