Building a Championship Culture with University of Arizona Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois

In this episode, Dean Pollard sits down with The University of Arizona Athletic Director, Desireé Reed-Francois for a lively conversation about building a championship culture and shaping future leaders both on and off the field. They delve into the dynamic intersection of sports and academics, sharing insights on the power of leadership and the ways athletics and academics align in creating cohesive, high-performing teams. Desireé, a U of A alumna and former student-athlete herself, recounts her journey from UCLA rower to seasoned athletic director, including her impactful years at the U of A Law School in the '90s.  With vivid sports analogies, Desireé shares stories from her diverse career in collegiate sports, spotlighting memorable moments including a speech to incoming freshman students alongside Arizona’s start quarterback Noah Fifita. They also discuss the future of collegiate athletics, including Arizona’s Big Twelve conference move and the innovative Franke Honors dual degree program in Creative Intelligence and Innovation. As the only woman AD in the Big Twelve, Desireé offers inspiring insights into leadership, resilience, and preparing student-athletes for life beyond sports.