Dear Cougs,
 
The 2019-20 year academic year is finally here! Excitement may be at an all-time high in WSU Athletics. We return an extraordinary group of student-athletes supported by the best coaching staffs in the country. As we gear up for this year, you may notice our teams, coaches and staff wearing "Cougs vs. Everybody." This mindset grew organically out of our successes last year. It personifies one of the great characteristics of being a Coug. We will continue to show the world what we're made of, what our student-athletes are doing, and how your support is making it all possible. Our teams have invested hours in the classroom, on the field and in the weight room in preparation for a new year at WSU. They understand and own the responsibility of being a Coug.
 
We want to say a quick "Thank You" to all of our Cougar Athletic Fund (CAF) supporters. For the second consecutive year, we set a record. This year you donated $8.6 million to the CAF, an increase of more than $900,000 from the previous year. Your giving has a direct impact on our student-athletes. The WSU experience you provide will impact them for the rest of their lives!
 
We also want to say "Thank You" to all of our season tickets holders. We set a school record for most paid season tickets and our renewal rate of 91 percent was an all-time high at WSU. Your support of our football program impacts the other 16 sports as well. Plus the home field advantage we have at Martin Stadium is like none other in college football. We appreciate your continued support. 
 
Yesterday was a big day for the Department of Athletics. We unveiled our 5-year strategic plan for athletics titled: UNLEASH. Today, we operate the most fiscally efficient athletics department in the country. Going forward, we have a responsibility to our student-athletes, coaches and alumni to grow our department on every level. The momentum we have generated in recent years has to be sustainable. This strategic plan provides a shared vision and roadmap for continued excellence within the department moving forward. If you didn't see the release, you can view the plan HERE.
 
This is a great time for Cougar Athletics as we begin the fall 2019 sport seasons. Three teams enter the fall nationally ranked:
 

• Soccer at No. 12
• Volleyball No. 22
• Football at No. 23

 
We look forward to seeing you throughout the year supporting our Cougs!
 
Soccer began its season last Friday with a 4-0 road win at Seattle. Head Coach Todd Shulenberger has an experienced, talented squad that is looking for its third-straight NCAA Tournament appearance. We open the home season Friday at 7 p.m. at Lower Soccer Field vs. Montana. This is one of the best teams in the country so don't miss out on an opportunity to see them live and in person!
 
This weekend also marks the start of the 2019 volleyball season as the Cougars are looking for their fourth-straight appearance at the NCAA Tournament. Head Coach Jen Greeny has built one of the best programs on the country. The Cougars open up Friday with the first of three matches at the James Madison Invitational. WSU has its first home tournament Sept. 13-14 at the Cougar Challenge in Bohler Gym.
 
Martin Stadium is ready to host the 2019 season opener when New Mexico State visits this Saturday at 7 p.m. Head Coach Mike Leach, the 2018 AFCA National Coach of the Year, continues to build a program of national prominence. Last season WSU captured a thrilling Alamo Bowl victory over Iowa State, its fourth-straight bowl appearance which is a first in program history. Saturday, we start the quest for five in a row.
 
The men's and women's cross country teams begin their seasons Friday at the WSU Alumni Meet at the Colfax Golf Course. Washington State Athletics will host the 2019 NCAA Cross Country West Regionals this fall and some of the best teams in the country will converge on the Palouse, with a preview meet Sept. 13 at 5 p.m. and then again for the West Regionals Nov. 15.
 
2019-20 is a huge year for us. We aspire to add another great chapter to the storied history of WSU Athletics. As we stated our vision in our strategic plan:
 
Together, we will achieve what was once defined as impossible!
 
Go Cougs!
 

 
Pat