Dear Wildcats: 

Thank you for supporting our 504 student-athletes, 22 programs and our talented and passionate coaches and staff. Your generosity continues to power Arizona Athletics, fueling success in the classroom, in competition, and in the community. As we build momentum together, we want to take a moment to highlight some of the successes from the past month that are helping shape a bright future for the Wildcats. 

 September Momentum 

This past month has been one to remember. Fall sports are in full swing and winter sports are gearing up. Triathlon hosted their first ever home event and beat ASU while Football is off to a 3–0 start for the first time since 2015, and the excitement inside Arizona Stadium has been electric. A packed ZonaZoo student section, incredible energy, and a team that refuses to back down have reignited pride across our campus and community. The passion of Wildcat Nation has been on full display, and the momentum continues to build with each week. But we are just getting started, and we need your support more than ever—show up, be loud, and help carry us forward as we take on Oklahoma State at home on Oct. 4. 

 September also brought a transformational moment off the field. We proudly announced a $5 million gift from R. Ken Coit, whose generosity named the R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics position and will be permanently recognized with new signage at Gate 3 of Arizona Stadium. This gift not only strengthens the foundation of Arizona Athletics, but also signals a bold vision for our future. 

 Moments like these remind us why your support matters. It’s not just about winning games, it’s about creating opportunities for young people to dream big and achieve more than they ever imagined.  

 One of those young people is Kayden Luke, a Tucson native from Canyon del Oro High School, who grew up dreaming of wearing the Block A. Today, Kayden is living that dream as a Wildcat Football player, representing his hometown and inspiring the next generation of Arizona student-athletes. Stories like his are made possible because of you.  

What’s Next: October is Loaded 

In October, we look forward to welcoming many of you to campus and we hope you will join for many exciting athletic events. With so much happening across our programs, October offers unique opportunities to celebrate, connect, and show your pride. 

R. Ken Coit Celebration Weekend (Oct. 3–4): We’ll unveil the R. Ken Coit sign at Gate 3, honor Ken during football gameday, and celebrate his visionary generosity throughout the weekend. 

 Red-Blue Showcase presented by First Watch (Oct. 3): Coach Tommy Lloyd and Men’s Basketball will bring their trademark energy back to McKale for the first time this season at the Red-Blue Showcase. Women’s Basketball will be a part of Red- Blue this year, with an introduction of the team and coaches and participation in a 3-point shooting contest alongside the members of the men’s basketball team. The evening closes with the Post/Move concert featuring DJ Diesel (Shaquille O’Neal) and Mix Master Mike on Bear Down Field, making this one of the most unique Red-Blue Showcase experiences ever. Get your tickets to both events now at ArizonaWildcats.com.  

 Arizona Football vs. Oklahoma State (Oct. 4): A marquee Big 12 showdown in Arizona Stadium at 12 p.m. MST. This game will also serve as a centerpiece for our community celebration, highlighted by honoring R. Ken Coit and showcasing our program on a national stage. Get your tickets now to support the Wildcats in Arizona Stadium. 

 Big 12 Fall Tour (Oct. 2–4): Tucson is proud to host the Big 12 Conference’s Fall Tour, bringing league leadership, media attention, and community engagement to our campus. As part of the tour, Arizona Athletics is partnering with the College Football Playoff Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers initiative to fund a library makeover at Mission View Elementary in Tucson Unified School District. Arizona student-athletes, our Wilbur and Wilma mascots, and our spirit squads will be on-site to celebrate the reveal and connect with students. This project builds on our reading incentive program with Mission View, through which we distributed more than 300 tickets to Arizona Football’s season opener to reward young readers. These service efforts reflect our commitment to inspiring the next generation of Wildcats while strengthening ties with our community. 

 Mental Health Awareness Week (Oct. 4–11): Supporting the holistic well-being of our student-athletes is central to our mission, and mental health remains a year-round priority for Arizona Athletics. This dedicated week shines a spotlight on that commitment, with expert guest speakers, campus partnerships, and intentional opportunities for student-athletes to engage in open dialogue. It builds on the resources and support we provide every day, reinforcing the message that seeking help, building resilience, and caring for the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—are essential to the Wildcat experience. 

 Women’s Basketball Open Practice (Oct. 16): Fans will get an early look at new Head Coach Becky Burke’s vision for the program. Known for her relentless energy and competitive spirit, Coach Burke is already building a culture of toughness and belief. Recently, she raced alongside our national champion Triathlon team— showing the same drive she brings to the court. It was a moment that captured her connection with our student-athletes and her determination to set the tone for Arizona Women’s Basketball. We hope you’ll join us for open practice to see firsthand the foundation she is building for this new era. 

Thank You 

This is a season of momentum, pride, and opportunity—and it’s fueled by you. Thank you for buying tickets, donating to the Wildcat Club, and showing up for our teams. Together, we are building champions on the field, in the classroom, and in life. 

Bear Down,

Desireé Reed-Francois

R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics

University of Arizona