The University of Arizona has added three more years to Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois.
The five-year contract runs through March 2, 2032. She was hired in early 2024.
“Desireé Reed-Francois has established a standard at Arizona Athletics that is remarkable in every measure, from historic competitive achievements to outstanding academic performance and record fundraising,” said President Suresh Garimella. in a written statement through UA. “We are delighted she will continue in her leadership role. She and the coaching and athletics staff have made this department a source of pride for our entire university community, and we are fortunate to have her fostering this culture of excellence and integrity for our student-athletes.”
Reed-Francois, a 1997 alumna of Arizona, has been in charge of what has been a success for run for many of Arizona’s sports as well as academic success.Overall, 18 Arizona programs earned postseason berths. Since Reed-Francois’ arrival, Arizona has captured 11 regular season or tournament conference championships across all sports.
Over the summer, Arizona was named the Big 12 Commissioner’s Cup winner.
“I am honored to continue serving the University of Arizona and Arizona Athletics,” Reed-Francois said. “Collectively, we understand the power of Arizona Athletics and what it means to our campus, our community and our alumni around the world. We will continue to pursue championships, graduate future leaders and make Wildcat Nation proud. I am grateful for the incredible support of President Garimella and the Board of Regents, and our coaches and staff who work tirelessly to help our student-athletes excel in competition and in the classroom.”
According to Arizona, Arizona student-athletes twice set a semester grade point average record during the 2025-26 school year, registering a 3.412 GPA in the fall before eclipsing that mark with a 3.413 GPA in the spring. Arizona posted an NCAA Graduation Success Rate of 92 percent, and a school record of 12 programs earned a perfect NCAA Academic Progress Rate score of 1,000. Arizona student-athletes contributed more than 3,300 hours of community service in 2025-26, and postgraduate employment has increased from 74 percent in spring 2023 to 95 percent in fall 2025.
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