Dear Cougs,
Through this newsletter, I'll share exciting updates from Cougar Athletics to help keep Cougs informed, engaged, and connected to everything happening across Washington State Athletics.
Before we dive in, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for your continued support of our student-athletes and our mission. Your commitment is instrumental to our success, both on and off the field.
Yesterday marked the first day of classes here in Pullman, but our student-athletes have been hard at work throughout the summer. Football officially began camp on August 6 and is charging full speed toward its season opener against Washington on September 6. On the pitch, Coach Citowicki earned his first victory as a Coug with an impressive 4-1 win over South Florida, and Cougar Volleyball is set to open its season this weekend at the Cougar Invitational right here in Pullman.
A Year in Review
As we look ahead to the opportunities of a new academic year, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on the remarkable accomplishments of the 2025-26 year.
Academic Excellence
- 3.36 cumulative GPA across all student-athletes
- 75% of student-athletes earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
- All 17 programs posted team GPAs above 3.0
- Nearly 80% fall-to-spring student-athlete retention rate
Competitive Success
- 2025 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Champions
- NCAA Champion in the Women’s 1,500 meters
- 2026 Mountain West Baseball Champions
- 2025 WCC Men's Cross Country Champions
- 2025 WCC Women's Cross Country Champions
- Postseason and NCAA Championship representation in:
- Football
- Men's and Women's Cross Country
- Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field
- Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field
- Men's Golf
- Baseball
Strategic Growth and Investment
- Historic partnership with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, representing the largest annual sponsorship in WSU Athletics history
- $10.2 million raised for fan experience enhancements
- $3.6 million invested in football locker room renovations
- More than $21 million raised through the Cougar Athletic Fund
These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and generous supporters. Together, we continue to move Cougar Athletics forward and position our programs for sustained success.
On the Road
Since the start of 2026, I've been intentional about getting out across the region to meet Cougs where they are. Over the past eight months, I've spent nearly 60 days on the road, connecting with more than 2,000 Cougs across 26 events and sharing our vision for the future of WSU Athletics as we enter the next era of the Pac-12.
The passion and energy of Cougar Nation continue to inspire me. Every conversation reinforces the strength of our community, and I look forward to building even greater momentum as we deepen relationships and continue strengthening the Cougar family.
Thank You
One of the questions I'm asked often is, "How can I best support WSU Athletics?"
Here are three meaningful ways to make a difference:
- Purchase tickets and cheer on the Cougs in action
- Support student-athlete scholarships and institutional revenue sharing through the Cougar Athletic Fund
- Become a corporate partner
Most importantly, spread the word. Tell a friend, tell a neighbor, or tell a total stranger about the many ways they can get involved and help support our student-athletes.
The future of Cougar Athletics is bright, and the time to build it is now. #NextIsNow
Go Cougs,
Jon Haarlow
Vice President & Director of Athletics
Washington State University
Email: athletics.director@wsu.edu
X: Jon_Haarlow