A Letter to Cougar Nation - from VP/AD Eddie Nuñez
11/8/2024 11:56:00 AM | General
Dear Cougar Nation:
As a Houston Athletics community, we have tremendous momentum as we head into November! Our Football team is fresh off consecutive wins against Utah and #17/15 Kansas State, our rollout of the "Houston Blue" gear and uniforms was well received (with still more to build on with merchandise), and because of your generosity and excitement, we have secured monumental gifts and partnerships – including Chevron's support of our Life Skills program. As we continue to elevate our student-athlete experience, we are ready to cheer on our Men's and Women's Basketball teams as they begin their regular seasons. It's a great time to be a Cougar!
I have been on the ground in Houston working as your Vice President and Director of Athletics for two months, and what a time it has been. While the personal side of the transition was quite stressful as many of you might appreciate (moving the family and finding schools for our children), it has also been rewarding. Each day I learn something new about our storied history, hear a story from an alum or long-time fan about their favorite UH memory and meet many of our incredible student-athletes at practice, in the weight room, in the academic center and during their meals, hearing their stories and learning their goals. This is a truly amazing institution and athletics program, and I am honored to be a part of it. Thank you for the warm welcome that you have given my family. We are excited to be members of the Houston community!
So, how did I spend my first 60 days?
Together, there's no limit to what we can accomplish. While we face financial challenges ahead — such as new revenue-sharing with student-athletes — we are approaching these as opportunities to leave a lasting impact, striving for championships and shaping young men and women of character.
I look forward to seeing you in the weeks ahead at our events.
Go Coogs!
As a Houston Athletics community, we have tremendous momentum as we head into November! Our Football team is fresh off consecutive wins against Utah and #17/15 Kansas State, our rollout of the "Houston Blue" gear and uniforms was well received (with still more to build on with merchandise), and because of your generosity and excitement, we have secured monumental gifts and partnerships – including Chevron's support of our Life Skills program. As we continue to elevate our student-athlete experience, we are ready to cheer on our Men's and Women's Basketball teams as they begin their regular seasons. It's a great time to be a Cougar!
I have been on the ground in Houston working as your Vice President and Director of Athletics for two months, and what a time it has been. While the personal side of the transition was quite stressful as many of you might appreciate (moving the family and finding schools for our children), it has also been rewarding. Each day I learn something new about our storied history, hear a story from an alum or long-time fan about their favorite UH memory and meet many of our incredible student-athletes at practice, in the weight room, in the academic center and during their meals, hearing their stories and learning their goals. This is a truly amazing institution and athletics program, and I am honored to be a part of it. Thank you for the warm welcome that you have given my family. We are excited to be members of the Houston community!
So, how did I spend my first 60 days?
- Meeting every staff member in our department, including lengthy one-on-ones with head coaches and staff members
- Attending dozens of home and away athletic events (Football, Soccer, Volleyball, Men's Basketball, Men's Golf, Women's Basketball, Swimming and Diving and Softball and Baseball fall games)
- Speaking at more than 45 engagements in Houston and across the state and country, engaging with many exceptional Coogs
- Meeting with numerous public officials, including government and city leaders
- Representing Houston Athletics at Big 12 Conference and national meetings and conferences
- Engaging with hundreds of passionate donors, alumni and corporate partners
- Spending quality time with our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) on key initiatives, including a food drive for the Cougar Cupboard, volunteer events and civic engagement activities, such as Parade to the Polls which encourages students to vote
- Meeting with our campus partners across all divisions and colleges to further strengthen the bond between Athletics and our institution
- Attending local community events and experiencing just some of the wonderful food that the Houston area has to offer!
Together, there's no limit to what we can accomplish. While we face financial challenges ahead — such as new revenue-sharing with student-athletes — we are approaching these as opportunities to leave a lasting impact, striving for championships and shaping young men and women of character.
I look forward to seeing you in the weeks ahead at our events.
Go Coogs!
Introducing Houston Blue
Friday, November 01
AD Eddie Nuñez Interview
Thursday, August 22
VP for Intercollegiate Athletics Eddie Nuñez Introductory Press Conference
Wednesday, August 21
Hall of Honor
Thursday, September 14