A Vision for the Future - University of Cincinnati Athletics

A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Dear Bearcats supporter, There has never been a more pivotal moment for Cincinnati Athletics. The Big 12 Conference has placed the University of Cincinnati on a national stage, one that showcases the energy of our city and elevates our institutional reputation.

This new era aligns seamlessly with UC’s strategic direction, Next Lives Here, a framework built on academic excellence, innovation and impact. Within that vision, a thriving, forward-thinking, values-driven athletics program plays a critical role by recruiting and graduating future leaders, strengthening UC’s national profile and uniting our community through the shared pride of Bearcats success.

As we enter our fourth year in the Big 12 Conference, we are not content simply to be here. We are focused on elevating Cincinnati to its fullest potential. This vision is centered on the next three years, a deliberate effort to transform Cincinnati Athletics, position our teams to win in the Big 12, and showcase our university on the national stage as a program that belongs among the nation’s elite.

The momentum is real and underscores the investment required to compete at the highest levels of collegiate athletics. To reach that next level, we need all Bearcats to step forward together.

Whether through philanthropic support, showing up in our venues or championing our studentathletes, your engagement helps turn this vision into reality. Every effort matters, and all of us will play a role in what comes next.

Together, we can ensure that Cincinnati continues to rise, compete and lead well into the next era of collegiate athletics.

Thank you for your belief in our student-athletes and in the future of Cincinnati Athletics.

With gratitude,

JOHN CUNNINGHAM Director of Athletics University of Cincinnati

THE COLLEGE ATHLETICS LANDSCAPE College athletics is undergoing a fundamental transformation. With athlete revenue sharing now a reality, institutions are navigating a new financial and competitive model that reshapes budgets, roster management and long‑term planning. At the same time, the Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) environment continues to evolve rapidly, driven by commercial partnerships, donor‑supported collectives and increasingly integrated institutional strategies.

This new landscape raises expectations at every level, but it also creates unprecedented opportunity for programs that are prepared to lead. Elevated by the Big 12 platform, Cincinnati is positioned to set the standard for modern student‑athlete success by integrating competitive excellence with academic achievement, NIL readiness and holistic well-being.

$21.5M

$35-40M

7,500+

Annual revenue sharing

Annual fundraising goal

Current UCATS members

“If we want to compete, and if we want to be relevant, philanthropic support is the only way to do it. We’re seeing a time where it’s not just the same five or six teams that can win it all. Anyone, in any given year, can go win a championship. And that doesn’t happen without philanthropic support.”

TONY PIKE ’09 UC Football James P. Kelly Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025

THE POWER TO ELEVATE: FOUR FLAGSHIP PRIORITIES Your investment fuels opportunity. Your belief drives excellence. Your support shapes the next generation of Bearcats, and the next era of the University of Cincinnati through four distinct priority areas: COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE AND CHAMPIONSHIP READINESS Built to compete. Prepared to win.

• Football and men’s basketball excellence: Support for UC’s most visible platforms through comprehensive, championship-level investment. Enables UC to compete at scale in the Big 12 through direct investment in roster strength and crucial resources.

• Athletics Impact Fund: Recruit and retain top-tier student-athletes, provide elite resources and position UC to compete for championships in the Big 12.

• Sport-specific excellence funds: Empower each of our 18 intercollegiate teams to achieve next level success.

• Women’s Excellence Fund: Flexible support for nutrition, recovery, equipment, travel and facility needs across women’s sports.

ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY Opening doors. Changing lives.

• Student-athlete scholarships: Ensuring access to a UC education for more than 450 student-athletes across all programs while honoring someone deserving or creating an enduring legacy. Nameable scholarships available.

• Coaching endowments: Invest in the long-term success of our programs by endowing coaching positions that secure stability, attract top talent and sustain championship-level leadership for generations to come.

BY THE NUMBERS 450+

8

BIG 12

student-athletes 18 programs

national championships 110+ conference titles

Conference member since 2023

97%

3.54

7,000+

graduation rate #1 in Big 12

department GPA department record

Bearcats alumni

INNOVATION AND MODERNIZATION Premier facilities for peak performance • Facilities enhancements: Strategic investments to elevate athletics facilities, fan experiences and training environments to meet and exceed Big 12 standards while supporting studentathlete development and long-term program success.

• High-performance environments: Upgraded locker room, training, nutrition and recovery spaces that support year‑round excellence for all Bearcats.

LIFE TRANSFORMATION AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Preparing Bearcats for a lifetime of impact • The Academy (life after college sports): Leadership, career exploration, mentorship and programming that connects student-athletes to careers and graduate study.

• Student-athlete support services: Personalized advising, tutoring, learning support and transition guidance.

• Well-being and NIL literacy: Mental health, life skills and NIL education aligned to evolving regulations.

WITH APPRECIATION The next step requires collective commitment. Competing and thriving at this level will take all of us—alumni, fans, former student-athletes, donors and friends— moving forward together behind a shared vision. This is about getting every Bearcat on board and positioning Cincinnati to compete for bowl games, NCAA Tournaments and Big 12 Championships.

Your support plays a decisive role in shaping the future of Cincinnati Athletics. Your investment expands access, strengthens resources for student‑athletes and ensures they are prepared for meaningful lives and careers long after their playing days end.

Thank you for believing in our student‑athletes and in what Cincinnati Athletics makes possible.

To learn more, contact the UCATS team at 1-877-55UCATS or UCATS@uc.edu.

“My scholarship didn’t just bring me to Cincinnati—it gave me the opportunity to compete at the highest level and redefined what I thought was possible for my future.

Being able to graduate in three years while pursuing my Olympic goals is something I’ll never take for granted. Donor support makes that journey possible, allowing student-athletes like me to grow, lead and represent UC at our very best.”

JULIETTE LARACUENTE-HUEBNER ’26 UC Track and Field All-American

UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI ATHLETICS DEVELOPMENT Richard E. Lindner Center 2751 O’Varsity Way Suite 470 Cincinnati, OH 45221-0021 513-556-4884