Arizona Athletics Announces First Endowed Position In Department History

TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona Athletics Department is proud to announce the first fully-endowed position in department history as Dr. Sofia Read is now the Tyler Family Endowed Assistant Athletics Director, C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development. Read joined the athletic department in July of 2018 and began overseeing the Edward T. Bell C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development program following the retirement of trailblazing icon Becky Bell in 2020.

"I am so appreciative of the Tylers for their support of our student-athletes and their partnership with the University of Arizona," said University of Arizona President Dr. Robert C. Robbins. "I am very proud of the focus on our student-athletes total success and the tradition of excellence it enables, and Dr. Read is an incredible mentor and the ideal person to hold this first endowed position within Arizona Athletics."

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As part of Arizona's overall Commitment to an Athletes Total Success (C.A.T.S.), the Edward T. Bell C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development program is a pioneer initiative that began over three decades ago. Since its inception, Arizona has used innovative and effective programming to enrich all areas of the student-athlete experience. The C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development program advances the total student-athlete by implementing programs, events, and individualized support, that empowers student-athletes to develop as leaders, community members, and future professionals.

"I would like to thank the Tyler Family for their incredible generosity in supporting all 508 of our student-athletes, including their commitment to our holistic development of all Wildcats," said Arizona Vice President and Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois. "Our student-athlete experience is rooted in excellence in competition, the classroom and community as we champion all Wildcats to achieve their dreams. Dr. Read's leadership continues the outstanding legacy of our C.A.T.S. program, inspires personal growth and creates a vision for professional success after sports. We are grateful for the Tyler Family's commitment to impacting the lives of student-athletes and helping create future Wildcat leaders."

The program's holistic approach to success ensures current student-athletes live the Wildcat Way by becoming academic, athletic and life champions. Under Read's tutelage, Arizona Athletics has continued its student-athlete development legacy through personal, leadership and career development as well as community service and engagement. The future of Arizona Athletics will remain focused on its student-athletes and providing the best experience for them to grow and develop as champions in their sport, the classroom and as leaders in our community.

A former two-time captain of the women's soccer team at Towson University, Read graduated from the Towson Honors College before completing her master's degree in Sport Management at Connecticut. The Maryland native recently completed her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Arizona.