Dear Wildcats, 

March has arrived, one of the most exciting months in college athletics. Across our programs, Wildcats are competing at a high level, and the support of our community continues to make a lasting impact. Because of your generosity, Arizona Athletics is succeeding, and our student-athletes have the resources, encouragement, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. 

Arizona Men’s Basketball has certainly added to that excitement with a historic season. The Wildcats clinched the Big 12 Regular Season Championship on Senior Day, securing the program’s 41st conference title and Arizona’s first in the Big 12—just two years after joining the conference. The team went on to defeat Colorado to earn their 29th win of the season—a new program record—before traveling to Kansas City and capturing the Big 12 Tournament Championship. 

Several Wildcats were recognized with major conference honors for the 2025–26 season: 

• Coach Tommy Lloyd – Big 12 Coach of the Year 
• Jaden Bradley – Big 12 Player of the Year, All-Big 12 First Team, All-Defensive Team 
• Motiejus Krivas – All-Big 12 First Team, All-Defensive Team 
• Brayden Burries – All-Big 12 First Team, All-Freshman Team 
• Koa Peat – All-Big 12 Third Team, All-Freshman Team 
• Tobe Awaka – Sixth Man of the Year, All-Big 12 Honorable Mention 

We are incredibly proud of Coach Lloyd and the entire team for the tenacity and resilience they have shown throughout this season. As they head into March Madness, Wildcat Nation will be cheering them on every step of the way. 

The excitement surrounding the team has been felt throughout the Arizona community—especially by the fans who support the Wildcats year after year. At the final home game of the season, our team met Terri and Rollis, neighbors who quickly became friends through their shared passion for Arizona Athletics. Rollis’ seats have been in her family for more than 30 years, and in recent seasons, Terri has joined her at the games, sharing in the excitement and tradition of Wildcat basketball. 

They spoke about the team’s chemistry, the impact of the seniors, and the joy of experiencing this memorable season together. 

Fans like Terri, Rollis and all of you are at the heart of what makes Arizona Athletics so special. Your passion, loyalty, and belief in our student-athletes embody the spirit of Wildcat Nation. 

We would like to take a moment to recognize the remarkable generosity of our Wildcat community. This year, Arizona Athletics has received eight seven-figure commitments—the most we have ever received in a single year—that are helping advance the future of Arizona Athletics: 

These extraordinary gifts strengthen our programs and help ensure Arizona Athletics continues to compete at the highest level. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and belief in our mission that these donors—and so many others in the Wildcat community—demonstrate every day. 

Last month, we had the privilege of celebrating members of the Saguaro Society during our inaugural Saguaro Society Weekend. The event provided an opportunity for members to connect with coaches and student-athletes while learning more about the long-term vision for Arizona Athletics. 

During the weekend, we also had the chance to hear from some of the individuals who make this community so special. Amber, a Saguaro Society member, and her brother, James, both Tucson natives, shared their deep connection to the Wildcat family. Amber is a two-time University of Arizona graduate, and her son now attends the university. James recalled watching Arizona Men’s Basketball with his grandmother—an experience that sparked a lifelong love for the program. For them, Arizona Athletics is part of their identity, and they are proud to support the continued growth and competitiveness of our programs. 

To our Saguaro Society members and supporters across Wildcat Nation—thank you. Your generosity creates opportunities for our student-athletes and fuels the continued growth of Arizona Athletics. 

For more information about the Saguaro Society, please click here.

Because of the dedication of our community, Wildcats continue to achieve remarkable success across our programs this spring: 

• Arizona Men’s Basketball captured both the Big 12 Regular Season Championship and the Big 12 Tournament Championship. 
• At the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships, Emma Gates and Mason Lawyer placed in the top eight and were named First Team All-Americans. 
• Swim & Dive finished as runners-up at the Big 12 Championships. 
• Softball earned a run-rule victory over No. 2 Texas Tech. 
• Men's Golf was named Arizona Thunderbirds Intercollegiate Champions for the eighth time in the past nine years.
• Men’s Tennis defeated No. 11 Arizona State and claimed the Diablo Invite Championship for the third consecutive year. 
• Women’s Tennis recorded a win against No. 25 UCF. 
• Beach Volleyball secured victories over No. 13 GCU and No. 19 Georgia State. 

On the basketball front, Women’s Basketball concluded its season at the Big 12 Tournament in the first year under head coach Becky Burke. We are proud of the foundation she has built and look forward to the progress Coach Burke, our staff and our student-athletes will make in year two.  

These accomplishments reflect the talent, commitment and hard work of our student athletes—and support from Wildcats like you who make their success possible. 

Thank you for your continued dedication to our programs and the opportunities you help create for our student-athletes. We are energized about what lies ahead and grateful to have you with us every step of the way. 

Bear Down, 

Desireé Reed-Francois

R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics

University of Arizona