Dear Wildcats, 

Before we dive into what has been an incredible week for Arizona Athletics, we want to take a moment to honor and thank all those who have served our country. As we observe Veterans Day, we pause to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of our veterans and their families. We are deeply grateful for their service and the example they set for all of us. 

And what a week it has been for the Cats! 

Momentum continues to build in Tucson, and it’s because of your tremendous support. Your belief in our mission – to develop champions in the classroom, in competition, and in the community – drives everything we do.  

This past week reminded all of us just what’s possible when we Bear Down together. 

• Arizona Football defeated Kansas to become bowl eligible, with several games remaining.  
• Men’s Basketball beat No. 3 Florida, the defending national champions, and Utah Tech.  
• Women’s Basketball has started off 2-0 under new head coach Becky Burke. 
• Volleyball recently took down No. 16 Baylor and No. 21 BYU in thrilling upsets. 
• Both Swimming & Diving programs delivered marquee wins—Women’s over No. 23 UCLA and Men’s over No. 15 USC.  
• And on the national stage, our Triathlon team captured its second consecutive National Championship! 

Speaking of Triathlon, check out the video below profiling Kelly Wetteland who won the individual national championship by finishing first place! She also won every race she competed in this season for the Wildcats, an incredible accomplishment for an amazing student-athlete.

These moments don’t happen by chance but rather because of your support. Every gift, every ticket, every cheer fuels the experiences that define our student-athletes’ lives. 

At Saturday’s football tailgate, we met a family who’s been attending Wildcat games together since the 1950s. Their pride, their laughter, and their stories reminded me that Arizona Athletics is more than competition—it’s community. It’s tradition. It’s family. 

Brothers Jay and Richard Gonzales first attended home games in the 1950s. Born and raised in Tucson, Jay and Richard are longtime season ticket holders from a true University of Arizona family. Being a Wildcat is a part of who they are—it’s a way of life. The University of Arizona has been a central part of their family’s story, whether through sports or academics. We caught up with them on Homecoming game day as they carried on their tailgating tradition and celebrated their enduring Wildcat pride. 

We love hearing stories like theirs from our fans—stories that capture what Arizona means to generations of families. Our team looks forward to learning more about the people and traditions that make this place so special.  

As we approach Thanksgiving, I want to express my sincere gratitude for you—our loyal supporters, alumni, letterwinners, and fans—who make Arizona Athletics so special. Your passion and generosity are the heartbeat of this program and our student-athletes recognize your generosity. 

On December 2, we’ll come together once again for Arizona Giving Day, a day when we show the power of the Wildcat community. Your generosity on that day—and every day—keeps our programs strong, our facilities competitive, and our student-athletes supported in every facet of their journey. 

Finally, I want to take another opportunity to recognize the extraordinary life and legacy of Dr. Cedric Dempsey. As we welcomed back his family to Tucson this past weekend, we were reminded that Arizona’s strength has always come from its people—from those who invest in the future and believe in what’s next. 

So, let’s keep the momentum rolling. Let’s pack the stadium one more time this season on November 22 against Baylor and come out to McKale for volleyball, basketball and gymnastics as we continue to invest in the future of Arizona Athletics. Together, we’re building something truly special. 

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. 

Bear Down,

Desireé Reed-Francois

R. Ken Coit Director of Athletics

University of Arizona