AD Newsletter - May 14, 2025
05/14/2025 | General, Inside Athletics
Dear Wildcats:
This has been an extremely fulfilling week here on campus and it’s only just begun. Our teams have won championships, reached postseason play and are achieving record academic success. We’re also introducing a brand-new program that will give everyone never-before-seen insight into what it’s like to be a Wildcat.
Big 12 Championship Teams Celebrated
On Monday, our entire staff celebrated the department’s first two Big 12 championship teams in Women’s Golf and Men’s Tennis in the Hall of Champions. Both programs benefitted from a burning desire to achieve greatness with excellent leadership from head coaches Giovana Maymon and Clancy Shields, respectively. The morning was made even better by the attendance of President Garimella, who congratulated both teams on their fantastic seasons.
2025 Bear Down Takeover Tour Comes to a Close
We wrapped up the 22-stop Bear Down Takeover Tour at U of A Scottsdale Center and what a road it has been!
We’ve met many of you on one or more of these visits across our 1,000-mile journey and have received excellent feedback along the way. We wanted this experience to be so much more than outreach. We packaged food and helped clean up our communities, all of it alongside you, the people we represent. Thanks to everyone for your support and be sure to look for us on the road again next spring!
Gallery: Bear Down Takeover Tour Selects 2025
Wildcat Wednesday Hits the Airwaves
The "Wildcat Wednesday", produced by Arizona Athletics, is a weekly episode on the Bear Down Podcast that highlights the stories of Arizona student-athletes, coaches, and letterwinners.
Each episode delves into the personal journeys of Wildcats across various sports, offering listeners behind-the-scenes access into their experiences and achievements. The episodes serve as a platform to celebrate the dedication and hard work of Arizona's athletic community.
In the first episode, hear from:
- Men's tennis All-American Colton Smith as he prepares to play in the French Open
- Carlie Cisneros from volleyball as she prepares to go to training camp for USA Volleyball's U21 team this summer
- Track & Field Associated Head Coach Francesca Green ahead of the Big 12 Championship
- Regan Shockey from softball as the Wildcats get ready to host the Tucson Regional
Episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and ArizonaWildcats.com by clicking here!
Student-Athlete Graduation Set for Thursday
Arizona Athletics will hold its 2025 Graduation Celebration on Thursday at 9 a.m. in the McKale Center. The ceremony will be hosted by Mackenzie Hamilton and, among the list of speakers, will include our five co-valedictorians:
Maia Brown, Soccer
Iñaki Cabrera Bello, Men's Tennis
Diego Marquez, Men's Track & Field
Tanvi Narendran, Women's Tennis
Olivia Rubio, Beach Volleyball
It has been a record-setting year in the classroom for our student-athletes as we boasted a program-record 3.37 GPA last fall and achieved an all-time high graduation success rate of 90%.
Postseason Softball at Hillenbrand This Weekend
The Wildcats will be back in the friendly confines of Hillenbrand Stadium for the NCAA Tournament this weekend, starting with a 4:30 p.m. game against Santa Clara on Friday. Grand Canyon and Ole Miss will also be in Tucson as double elimination will be the format for all participating teams. Tickets are still available here for those who haven’t purchased!
Spring Sports Coming Down the Home Stretch
Softball isn’t the only Wildcats team navigating the postseason this spring. Women’s Tennis made back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances for the first time in 14 years and Men’s Tennis, fresh off that Big 12 title, cruised through its Tucson Regional and into the Sweet 16. Fellow conference champion Women’s Golf played its NCAA Regional in Lubbock and Men’s Golf finished up its season today at the Amherst Regional in Virginia.
Outdoor Track and Field has hit the postseason as well as it begins competition at its Big 12 Championships tomorrow in Lawrence, Kansas.
Baseball is in Houston this weekend for its final regular season series of 2025 before starting Big 12 Tournament action next week at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Football, Soccer and Volleyball Season Tickets are LIVE!
For those still looking to lock up 2025-26 season tickets for the Wildcats’ football, soccer and volleyball seasons, doing so is just a click away!
Stay in Touch with the Wildcat Club!
Just a reminder that you can always stay up-to-date with all Wildcat Club happenings by visiting us online here, emailing us at wildcatclub@arizona.edu or by calling 520-621-CLUB!
MJ Neilson … what a talent!
Our staff had the great fortune to experience the incredible talent of swimmer MJ Neilson on Monday at our all-staff meeting. MJ was not only a two-time Big 12 Championships Finalist in the 100 and 200 Fly, she also is a VERY accomplished vocalist. Give it a listen!
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to Arizona Athletics. Your generosity not only fuels our programs but also empowers our student-athletes to excel both on and off the field.
Bear Down.
Go Cats.
One Arizona!
Desiree Reed-Francois
Vice President and Director of Athletics
University of Arizona
