Dear Wildcats:
As we begin a new academic year and welcome the start of fall competition, we want to thank you for your continued belief in the mission and vision of Arizona Athletics.
Because of your support, we are entering this season with real momentum, not just in the competitive success of our programs, but in the way we’re building sustainable excellence, deepening our connection to the community, and delivering on our promise to provide an elite experience for our student-athletes.
Below is a brief look at where we are today and where we’re headed next.
Fall 2025: Competitive Momentum Across Programs
Football
This fall represents a pivotal moment for Arizona Football. We’ve made strategic investments—on the field, in facilities, and in staffing—and the early signs of progress are clear:
Football enters the 2025 season with a renewed identity and an aggressive, modernized style of play under Head Coach Brent Brennan. Now in his second season, Coach Brennan has assembled a dynamic staff of new coordinators and returns a strong core led by quarterback Noah Fifita and a deep group of offensive skill players along with several newcomers. Defensively, the unit is led by experienced veterans in the secondary and a promising front seven. The program’s direction is clear: building toward long-term success with urgency, accountability, and a relentless focus on competing at the highest level.
Volleyball
Arizona Volleyball enters its second season in the Big 12 Conference looking to build on last year’s National Invitational Volleyball Championship (NIVC) title. Under the direction of Head Coach Charita Stubbs, the Wildcats have set a high competitive standard and are eager to test themselves in one of the nation’s premier conferences. This fall brings a balanced roster with proven performers and dynamic new talent. The regular season begins August 29 when Arizona hosts the Cactus Classic, giving fans an early opportunity to see a program on the rise compete on its home court.
Cross Country
Arizona Cross Country opens the 2025 season August 30 at the George Kyte Classic in Flagstaff under the direction of first-year Head Coach Andrew Dubs and first-year Distance and Cross Country Coach Jay Koloseus. With a veteran core returning, the Wildcats are aiming to turn experience into results and make their presence felt in every race this fall.
The schedule blends elite competition with meaningful tradition, highlighted by the Dave Murray Invitational on September 27 at Tucson Country Club—an annual home meet that celebrates the legacy of a legendary coach, bringing alumni and supporters together.
Soccer
Arizona Soccer enters its 32nd season—and second year in the Big 12—with confidence and momentum. After a strong showing in an early exhibition game and wins in opening weekend, the Wildcats are already proving they will be a force.
This year’s team blends veteran leadership with exciting new talent. All-conference defender Aranda Hurge, goalkeeper Olivia Ramey, and leading scorer Narissa Fults return to anchor a group that plays with grit, unity, and purpose. Captains Maia Brown, Ella Hatteberg, and Ramey bring both skill and an unwavering standard of excellence, setting the tone for a roster strengthened by six freshmen and two key transfers—including 2024-25 Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year Whitney Reinhardt (freshman) and defender Aurora Gaines (transfer from LSU).
With experienced leaders, fresh energy, and the competitive edge that comes from playing in one of the nation’s premier conferences, Arizona Soccer is ready to make its mark this fall.
Triathlon
Arizona Triathlon begins the 2025 season as the defending national champions, carrying the prestige of a program that has established itself among the best in the nation. The entire scoring lineup from last year’s championship returns, and their summer results show they are ready to defend the crown on the sport’s biggest stages.
From Kelly Wetteland’s Top-10 finish at the World Cup to Mia Wentzy, Ruth Pardy’s victories at the U.S. Junior Nationals and Continental Championships in Austria, and Molly Lukustiak’s qualification for the Junior Pan Am Games, the Wildcats have been making their mark across the globe. Ellison Wolfe’s top-5 performance at the Americas Cup in Canada capped a summer that reflects both the depth and versatility of this roster.
This September, Arizona Triathlon will showcase its talent here at home, hosting a campus triathlon—an opportunity for our community to see a championship team up close. More to come!
Game Day Investments Reflect a Higher Standard
Thanks to your support, Arizona Stadium will offer an enhanced fan experience this fall that reflects the level of excellence we are working towards across the department. These changes are about delivering value, strengthening community, and ensuring our environment matches our ambition with a goal of best-in-class fan experience for all.
Enhancements this season include:
- Bear Down Deals: Lower-priced fan favorite concessions that will make attending games more affordable for families.
- Food Truck Alley: A new gathering spot under the West stands featuring local vendors and flavors from across Tucson. This is the start and we look forward to continuing to add to the area.
- On-Field Premium Suites: Upgraded on-field hospitality spaces that deliver an unmatched viewing and hosting experience.
- Postgame Drone Shows: High-impact aerial displays at select games, paired with upgraded video board elements to energize the stadium atmosphere.
- Expanded KidCats Club: More programming, events, and activities to inspire the next generation of Wildcats.
- Paid Fan Experiences: Unique opportunities for behind-the-scenes access, including sideline passes and facility tours.
- Bear Down Bash: An all-new tailgate concert series in partnership with DUSK Music Festival, bringing live music and a festival atmosphere to game day.
- 50/50 Raffle: A new way for fans to win big while supporting community programs. Learn more at BearDown5050.com.
Every initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance engagement and reinforce our brand across our great state and beyond.
New Student-Athlete Development Initiative: CatsConnect
CatsConnect is a new student-athlete development series launching this fall, held the day before each home football game. The program brings accomplished business leaders and professionals to campus to share their expertise, mentorship, and career insights directly with our Wildcats. These conversations help prepare our student-athletes for success beyond their playing careers—building skills, networks, and confidence for life after sport. If you know someone who would be a great speaker or mentor, please reach out to Sophia Read at sread@arizona.edu to help us grow this important initiative.
Together, we can give our student-athletes every advantage for the future.
The Impact of Your Support
None of this happens without you.
Your commitment allows us to recruit and retain elite student-athletes, invest in top-tier coaching and support staff, and deliver a championship-caliber experience—on the field and in the classroom. More than that, you are part of building something bigger: a department grounded in student success, competitive excellence, and deep connection to the University and our community.
Thanks to your generosity, we are 47% ahead of where we were at this time last year in fundraising support—a powerful testament to the momentum we’re building together. Now, more than ever, we must keep our foot on the accelerator to sustain this growth and push even further. Every ticket purchased, every gift made, and every show of support helps fuel the next step in our journey.
