Dear Wildcats, 

There are moments in a year when you can feel something incredible—when the collective work of so many begins to show up in ways that are visible, tangible, and lasting. 

Now is one of those moments for Arizona Athletics. 

Together, we are experiencing one of the most successful years in the history of our department—in competition, in the classroom, and in the strength of our community. While we will tell that story more fully soon, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we all just witnessed. 

Our Men’s Basketball program, under Coach Tommy Lloyd’s leadership, delivered a season for the ages. A Big 12 regular season championship. A Big 12 Tournament title. A Final Four run. Thirty-six wins. Just as important, this group established a standard—one built on consistency, preparation, and accountability—and represented Arizona on one of the sport’s biggest stages. Coach Lloyd has built one of the nation’s premier programs, a success reflected in his recognition as Big 12 Coach of the Year, Sporting News Coach of the Year and Naismith Coach of the Year. President Garimella and I are proud that he will continue leading Arizona Basketball well into the future, with his five-year contract extension providing continuity and momentum for the program. 

Across our sports, that same standard has taken hold broadly, with seven programs ranked in the Top 25 nationally—a reflection of the depth and consistency across Arizona Athletics. 

Arizona Softball continues to be a part of that momentum. The Wildcats are 31–13 and ranked No. 19 nationally as they enter the final stretch of the season, with the Big 12 Championship in Oklahoma City ahead and NCAA postseason play on the horizon. Senior Sydney Stewart’s Golden Ticket selection to compete professionally in the AUSL is another example of the level our student-athletes are reaching both within and beyond the collegiate game. 

Our Swimming & Diving teams are on a positive trajectory.  On the men’s side, Arizona closed the NCAA Championships with a program-record finish and multiple All-America honors, a reflection of both depth and sustained development. The women’s team added its own NCAA success, continuing to demonstrate the strength and consistency of the program on a national stage. 

Leadership has been central to the success of our Swimming & Diving teams. This year, Ben Loorz was named Big 12 Women’s Swimming Coach of the Year, and Dwight Dumais earned Big 12 Diving Coach of the Year honors—recognition that reflects not only results, but the culture they have built within their programs. 

Across all our varsity sports, we are witnessing sustained excellence driven by people who invest deeply in their student-athletes. 

Our department had the opportunity to gather twice this week—first at the CATSYs and then at Desert Gems—to celebrate our student-athletes and the community that supports them. Together, the two events told a powerful story about who we are and where we are going. 

At the CATSYs, we recognized the achievements of our student-athletes across competition, in the classroom, and in the community. It is one of the most meaningful nights of the year because it reflects what we value most: the full experience of being a Wildcat. 

Among those honored was Men’s Tennis student-athlete Jay Friend, who received the Athletic Director Leadership Award. Jay’s journey is special, not only because of his success in competition, but because of the leadership, resilience, and perspective he brings to our department every day. His story is a powerful reminder of what makes Arizona special: student-athletes who grow, lead, and elevate those around them. 

Our creative team captured Jay’s story here. We hope you enjoy learning more about him. 

Just two days later, we gathered again at Desert Gems to spend time with so many of you who make this work possible. It was a special evening—one centered on gratitude, connection, and the shared pride we all feel in Arizona Athletics. Being able to bring our student-athletes, coaches, and supporters together in that setting is a powerful reflection of the community we are building. 

Moments like these are meaningful because they are grounded in what has been an extraordinary year, and none of this happens WITHOUT YOU! 

Your support fuels everything we do, from providing the resources necessary to compete for championships, to creating opportunities that prepare our student-athletes for life beyond Arizona. It shows up in performance, in academic achievement, and in the experiences that define a student-athlete's time here. 

As we look ahead, our focus remains on continuing to invest in our student-athletes so that we will continue to compete for championships and build an athletics program that reflects the pride, passion, and potential of the University of Arizona. 

More to come soon as we share the full story of this remarkable year. 

Until then, thank you for being part of it. 

Bear Down, 

Desireé Reed-Francois

R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics

University of Arizona