Dear Wildcats, 

May is always one of the most meaningful months on a university campus. It is a month that provides many reminders of why we do this work, to help young people grow into leaders, earn degrees, pursue their dreams, and leave Arizona prepared for what comes next. 

Last week, Arizona Athletics celebrated 126 student-athlete graduates in the Class of 2026, representing 42 states and countries and more than 60 majors. Among this remarkable group were conference champions, All-Americans, valedictorians, and future professionals, but most importantly, they all leave Tucson as graduates of the University of Arizona. 

This year’s graduation was especially meaningful for me, personally. I had the opportunity to experience commencement not only as the R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics, but also as a mom. Watching our student-athletes walk across the stage while reflecting on my own child brought a different perspective and a deeper appreciation for the responsibility we have as leaders, mentors, and educators. 

It was also incredibly special to share the moment with my father, who was back on campus for the first time since attending my graduation from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law many years ago. Having him here again, watching Arizona student-athletes celebrate their own achievements, was a powerful reminder of how deeply this university shapes lives and generations of families.  

These moments are why Arizona Athletics remains committed to providing a world-class student-athlete experience, one that develops champions in competition, in the classroom, and in life. 

That commitment continues to show in our academic achievements. This year, Arizona student-athletes earned a record 92% Graduation Success Rate and posted an all-time department high 3.412 GPA during the Fall 2025 semester. These accomplishments reflect the discipline and resilience of our student-athletes, along with the tireless work of our coaches, academic support staff, tutors, mentors, and administrators who invest in them every day. 

We are especially proud to recognize this year’s Arizona Athletics valedictorians: 

Sami Baytosh, Soccer  

Tayler Biehl, Softball  

Ella Hatteberg, Soccer  

Gianna Lenczner, Gymnastics

As we celebrate academic success, we are also incredibly proud of the historic year our programs have had competitively across the national stage. 

Arizona Men’s Basketball delivered one of the greatest seasons in program history, finishing 36-3, winning both the Big 12 regular season and tournament championships, and advancing to the Final Four for the first time in 25 years. Coach Tommy Lloyd was named Naismith National Coach of the Year after becoming the winningest head coach in NCAA history through their first five seasons.  

Arizona Football took another major step forward this fall, finishing with nine wins, reclaiming the Territorial Cup, and earning a trip to the Holiday Bowl. We are proud of the continued growth of the program under Coach Brent Brennan’s leadership and look forward to welcoming Noah Fifita back for another season representing Arizona.  

Our Men’s Tennis program made history by advancing to the NCAA Elite Eight for the first time ever after capturing the Big 12 regular season championship. Women’s Tennis continued its impressive rise with a third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and its highest win total since 1997.  

Arizona Triathlon once again proved itself among the nation’s elite, capturing a second consecutive national championship, while student-athlete Kelly Wetteland earned the individual national title. 

And most recently, Men's Golf won the NCAA Regional at The Gallery Golf Club in Marana in record-setting fashion to advance to the 30-team field at the NCAA Championship in Carlsbad, Calif. The Wildcats set a program record by posting a score of 24-under par as a team in the second round on the way to 49-under par overall for the tournament, one stroke shy of another program record. Seniors Filip Jakubcik and Zach Pollo also tied for first place individually at 15-under par for the tournament. The NCAA Championship takes place at La Costa Omni Resort June 29 - June 3. 

Across our department, Wildcats earned championships, postseason appearances, All-America honors, and national recognition at an extraordinary level. From Swimming & Diving’s All-Americans and conference coaching honors, to Volleyball’s return to NCAA Tournament success, from Softball’s postseason run, to Track & Field, Golf, Baseball, Gymnastics, Beach Volleyball, Soccer, and Cross Country continuing to raise the standard — the future of Arizona Athletics has never been brighter.  

The momentum across Arizona Athletics has extended far beyond competition and into the strength of our Wildcat community. This year, Arizona Athletics achieved a record-breaking $45.8 million in fundraising support, the highest total in department history. That milestone reflects the belief our donors, alumni, letterwinners, fans, and supporters continue to place in the future of Arizona Athletics and in the transformational experience we strive to provide our student-athletes every day. We are deeply grateful for the generosity and partnership that continue to help position Arizona for long-term success at the highest level. Your support continues to directly impact scholarships, resources, facilities, nutrition, academic support, mental health services, career development opportunities, and championship experiences for Wildcats across all 22 sports. 

As college athletics continues to evolve, Arizona remains committed to embracing change while staying grounded in our mission: graduating leaders, winning championships, and galvanizing our community. The momentum we are experiencing is real, and it is only possible because of each of you. 

Thank you for believing in Arizona Athletics and for investing in the future of our student-athletes. We are incredibly grateful for your partnership and proud to continue building something special together here in Tucson. 

Bear Down and Go Cats! 

Desireé Reed-Francois

R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics

University of Arizona