AD Newsletter - February 23, 2026
02/20/2026 | General
Dear Wildcats,
Late February is one of the most unique times in the college athletics calendar — multiple sports competing at once, winter sport championships approaching, and our venues filled with Wildcats supporting each other across campus.
Because of you, Arizona Athletics has real momentum right now. The energy in our venues and the way this community shows up makes a difference in how our student-athletes feel every time they compete.
Over the past few weeks, Wildcats have given fans plenty to celebrate:
- Men’s Basketball recorded the best start in program and Big 12 history
- Women’s Basketball took down Kansas State
- Softball beat No. 3 Oklahoma in a dramatic finish
- Men’s Tennis knocked off ranked Florida State and Pepperdine
- Swim & Dive won 12 events against ASU and posted an NCAA A-cut qualifying relay time
On February 3rd, we proudly celebrated our Triathlon program winning its second National Championship in just three seasons of existence — an incredible accomplishment and a reflection of the culture our student-athletes and coaches are building across Arizona Athletics.
But there is way more than just scores and championships—there are plenty of shared moments.
Valentine’s Day at McKale Center at ALKEME Arena was one of those moments. ESPN’s College GameDay was on campus, McKale was full of red and blue all day, and the Ring of Honor induction of Caleb Love created an atmosphere that reminded us why college athletics is special.
Last week’s Galaxy Slam celebration carried that same spirit, highlighting the University of Arizona’s leadership in space and the connection between academic discovery and athletic competition. It was a reminder that representing Arizona means being a part of something bigger.
We also celebrated softball’s Tayler Biehl’s grand slam against Oklahoma. Taylor is a senior with a 4.0 GPA who volunteers across the Tucson community and plans to attend nursing school after graduation. Moments like her grand slam capture what Arizona Athletics truly represents: achievement, character, and opportunity.
Across all sports, our student-athletes posted a 3.412 department GPA in Fall 2025, with 77.8% earning a 3.0 GPA or above and more than a quarter earning perfect 4.0’s. They’re not just competing — they’re preparing for lives of impact.
To support that future, we continue building resources that keep Arizona competitive while strengthening the fan experience. Our partnership naming McKale Center at ALKEME Arena — part of more than $87 million in new partnerships this year — allows us to invest in student-athletes, enhance game days, and create opportunities for students and the Tucson community. ALKEME Insurance was started by Arizona alumni and their commitment is a special one.
That same commitment to stability guided recent football coaching extensions following a nine-win season. In today’s era of college athletics, continuity matters — for recruiting, development, and long-term success.
In the coming weeks, our team will send out season ticket renewal information for football, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball and soccer. Renewing season tickets is more than just about securing a seat—it helps support all of our sports programs, it ensures our venues remain one of the toughest environments in the country for visiting teams, and it gives our student-athletes a true home-field advantage every time they compete.
Thank you for showing up, in big moments and in tough ones, and supporting Arizona Athletics.
Bear Down,
Desireé Reed-Francois
R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics
University of Arizona
