Dear UConn Nation,
Success is defined in many ways, but one thing is undeniable. The feats that UConn Athletics has achieved over the past three years have been extraordinary and historic. As we prepare to play in another NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four, our 24th overall, we pridefully reflect upon these heights of greatness, which have also included back-to-back men's basketball national championships and two football bowl games, including the Fenway Bowl victory this past season. Since 2022-23, UConn has captured 27 conference championships, enjoyed 23 NCAA Tournament appearances and had 18 All-Americans across all sports. Nine teams were ranked in the national polls, 22 student-athletes were drafted by professional teams and 11 current or former Huskies competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Academically, our student-athletes continue to shine, underscored by truly notable accomplishments during the past year. More than 75% of our student-athletes achieved 3.0-or-better semester grade point average in 2023-24, with 82 earning a perfect 4.0. The cumulative grade point after the spring semester was an impressive 3.266.
Interestingly, in this same three-year period, college athletics has undergone a complete metamorphosis. The introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes, as well as the advent of the transfer portal, have reshaped how we do business. With revenue sharing set to commence on July 1 of this year, another transformative piece will soon be added to an evolving and complex puzzle.
The winds of change in our ecosystem prompt reflection, analysis and strategy. One thing is clear in the new world order of college athletics – the athletic departments which are the most highly funded will have a distinct advantage as the financial pressures to support operational functions, revenue sharing and other programmatic activities escalate. As such, there is an unprecedented change in the need for enhanced resources to maintain competitive excellence.
While we remain truly grateful to our wonderful supporters for your past and present generosity, I am asking all those who "bleed blue," including alumni, fans, friends and local businesses, who derive joy from our successes, to make UConn Athletics a priority. The only way that we will be able to share more magic moments is if we lock arms and demonstrate our determination, together, to overcome the challenges.
Showing your Husky pride can be accomplished through several means, including donations, sponsorships, NIL contributions and ticket purchases.
To place this into a quantitative context:
Over the past three years, the average number of Husky Athletic Fund members has been 7,328 and annual giving has averaged approximately $10.2 million.
In the same time period, our total number of corporate sponsors has grown to 107, and the aggregate number of NIL deals with our student-athletes reached 2,400.
Our goal is to double the overall level of support in both donors and dollars over the next three years. Here's one reason why. Schools that participate in revenue sharing will be able to allocate a maximum of $20.5 million annually for payment to their student-athletes. This figure represents new, additional resources we must identify, beyond what we currently do to fuel the day-to-day operation of the department and support our nearly 580 student-athletes. Simply put, we must maximize current funding sources and identify new revenue streams if we want to remain competitive in the current environment.
Our staff is willing to talk or visit with anyone who shares our vision for the future and discuss how we can collaborate to sustain the greatness that is synonymous with UConn Athletics. If you're not already a Husky Athletic Fund member, please consider a gift to The Fight On Fund, which will support our comprehensive excellence and help us ensure a bright future. If you are already a donor and your personal resources allow, we respectfully ask you to elevate your commitment.
The time has never been more critical. The time is now.
Thank you for your understanding, your dedication and your passion for the Huskies.
Sincerely,
Director of Athletics
Latest Top News
- Strong, Fudd Lead UConn to National Championship GameSarah Strong and Azzi Fudd didn't even need much help from superstar Paige Bueckers to propel UConn into the national title game, leading the Huskies to a remarkably easy 85-51 victory over UCLA on Friday night in the Final Four of the women's NCAA Tournament.
- HookC Wins Series Opener at CreightonOMAHA - The UConn baseball team (13-15, 2-2 BIG EAST) held on for an 8-7 series opening win at Creighton (17-8, 0-1 BIG EAST) on a cold Friday evening at Charles Schwab Field.
- Huskies open the series with a split against ButlerSTORRS, Conn. – The UConn softball team split their doubleheader against Butler on Friday at Burrill Family Field. The Huskies opened the series in thrilling fashion with a comeback win in game one, scoring five runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, making UConn a 10-9 victor. Butler took game two in the night cap, 9-4.
- Husky Women First, Men Second in UConn Dog Fight InvitationalSTORRS- UConn men's and women's track and field returned home on Friday to host the Dog Fight Invitational, the first of two outdoor meets at the George J Sherman Family Sports Complex this season. The women secured 1st, scoring 188.5 points, 30 more than 2nd place Northeastern. The men took 2nd with 147 points, 14 points off from UAlbany's 161.
- Huskies Remain Undefeated in BIG EASTSTORRS, Conn. - The UConn women's tennis team continues their success in the BIG EAST as they defeat DePaul Friday afternoon. This is the first win over DePual in program history for the Huskies.
- Lacrosse Welcomes Denver to Storrs in BIG EAST Title Game RematchSTORRS, Conn.- UConn women's lacrosse welcomes defending BIG EAST Champion Denver University on Sunday afternoon in Storrs. The matchup will be the first home game for the Huskies since March 12th.
