During this holiday season, we want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for American University Athletics. This time of year invites gratitude and celebration, and we are fortunate to have so much to be thankful for.

On the competitive side, our student-athletes continue to represent AU with excellence, determination, and sportsmanship. Across our programs, we have celebrated championship moments, record-setting performances, NCAA Tournament appearances, and countless examples of resilience and teamwork. Whether competing at home or on the road, our teams have demonstrated what it means to wear our AU colors with pride.

Equally impressive are the accomplishments of our student-athletes in the classroom. This year, our department achieved outstanding academic results, including strong team GPAs, conference and national academic honors, and numerous student-athletes recognized for their commitment to excellence beyond competition. Balancing the demands of athletics and academics is no small task, and our student-athletes continue to rise to the challenge with discipline and purpose.

None of this success happens in isolation. We are deeply grateful for the dedication of our coaches and staff, the leadership of our faculty and administration, and the unwavering support of our alumni, donors, parents, and fans. Your belief in our mission empowers our student-athletes to grow as competitors, scholars, and leaders.

As we look ahead to the new year, we remain committed to developing young people of character, competing at the highest level, and representing American University with integrity in everything we do. We are especially thrilled that we get to do that in the Alan and Amy Meltzer Center for Athletic Performance, which we recently moved in to.

From all of us in Athletics, we wish you and your family a joyful holiday season and a healthy, prosperous New Year. Thank you for being an essential part of our journey—we look forward to all that lies ahead.

Go Eagles,

JM