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At Arizona Athletics, we believe that the true mission of our athletics department is the holistic development of our student-athletes. We also believe the success of our student-athletes, as well as our overall departmental success, is synergistic with the environment we create. Our mission is to build academic, athletic and life champions. To that end, please allow us to introduce you to: The Wildcat Way.
The Wildcat Way has five (5) pillars and represents an everyday way of thinking, doing, living, and choosing, while also honoring our storied history and tradition. Fundamental personal leadership is the cornerstone of The Wildcat Way. These foundational skills can then translate to future visionary, influential and transcendent leadership in our local, national, and global communities. We do not, and will not, settle. We believe in doing the right things, at the right times, in the right ways, and that starts with individual decision-making. We also believe in serving something greater than ourselves and pledge loyalty to our mission and those whom we serve at all times. These ideas, and more, are represented in the 5 pillars of The Wildcat Way.
Engaged • Versatile • Respectful • Innovative • Committed
Wildcat Way programing follows the motto I AM. I CAN. I WILL. As participants move through each of these statements, they understand their multiple identities and characteristics unique to them, how those traits and identities can apply to all areas of life and commit to accomplishing their goals in the midst challenges and setbacks.
WE ARE ARIZONA WILDCATS
As we stand in the great space of opportunity, we will
contribute more, accomplish more, and be more.
We are leaders, and we live the Wildcat Way.
Bear Down for Life!
The award winning C.A.T.S. Program (Academics, Life Skills, Strength and Conditioning and Medical Services) provides a general framework and broad content areas. The Wildcat Way takes the C.A.T.S. program one step further by delivering an individual approach to each student-athlete and serving as a reference point. It defines specifically, and in detail, what it means to be an Arizona Wildcat – to represent the ‘A’.
The pillars are values and standards used to guide actions and to which each student-athlete is held accountable. Expanded opportunities will offer student-athletes the chance to contribute, to accomplish and to be things they never thought possible. The motto of The Wildcat Way is I AM. I CAN. I WILL. Student-athletes will be prepared not only for the athletic and academic rigors they will face but also for the transition into the real world and beyond. As our graduates embark on the next chapter, they will enter it with the confidence to lead lives of purpose and significance.
Throughout their careers, student-athletes can work to complete The Wildcat Way Certificate of Excellence/Distinction. The program focuses on professionalism and includes projects and activities in each of the five pillar areas as well as community service and career development. Each year, we honor the student-athletes who go above and beyond to complete all requirements of the program, and the awards will also be recognized on their individual transcripts as part of UA’s 100% Engagement initiative. See our list of recipients here.
For those that have worn the ‘A’ and know the pride that comes from being an Arizona Wildcat, you understand exactly what Bear Down for Life means. You paved the way. We would not be where we are without you. You, our global Wildcat family, are still representing Arizona and The Wildcat Way, and allowing us to be the collective and undeniable force for positive change that we are.
If you want to go to a place that is committed to your long term and total success, a place with award winning support services, a place where student-athletes graduate talking about the ‘family’ that is Arizona Athletics, a place where you are surrounded by greatness…then look no further. The opportunities offered at Arizona and through The Wildcat Way are unmatched. Come see for yourself!
This philosophy and approach carries over to our entire department. The Wildcat Way is a unifying code that reinforces our departmental mission and represents the standard to which we all hold ourselves accountable. No matter our role, we can all contribute to, embrace and embody The Wildcat Way.
For more information about the Wildcat Way, contact Sofia Read at (520) 621-1084 (sread@arizona.edu).
