CINCINNATI – The University of Cincinnati's July 1 debut in the Big 12 Conference is fast approaching and support for student-athletes continues its strong momentum, with more than $84 million raised as part of the Day One Ready Campaign.  

Since a public launch in November 2021, Day One Ready has been marching steadily toward its $100 million fundraising goal to ensure UC's more than 450 student-athletes are well positioned to compete and win as the Bearcats enter this new era as a Power 5 school.  

"We set an ambitious goal to compete for championships on the first day we enter the Big 12, and we can't thank our Bearcat community enough for the tremendous outpouring of support as we inch closer to truly being Day One Ready," said UC Director of Athletics John Cunningham. "The progress to date is evidence that our fanbase is embracing this challenge with us to ensure our student-athletes are prepared for next-level success. Our student-athletes feel the energy and support and we want to keep that momentum going." 

WATCH: Day One Ready Campaign Update for more details from Cunningham and key members of the UC Athletics' team on the progress made to date thanks to gifts from more than 8,000 UC alumni, Greater Cincinnati leaders and dedicated Bearcats fans.  

Day One Ready Progress Update  
As UC's first day in the Big 12 draws closer, significant progress has been made toward the campaign's top priorities to fuel support for student-athlete wellness, signature facilities and operational resources for championship readiness. Among other highlights:  

• A groundbreaking is expected this spring on the flagship project of the Day One Ready Campaign - a brand-new indoor practice facility that will feature a 120-yard field, nutrition station, weight room and sports medicine offices, among other amenities. It will be the permanent, all-weather home for UC football to train year-round, and a versatile practice facility for all of UC's outdoor sports.  

• An endowment and additional support have been established to provide funding for student-athletes to access dedicated mental health and wellness services. Thanks to these commitments, UC has hired Lenecia Nickell, director of Sport Psychology and Wellness, who is building out her professional team. 

• Funding for the performance nutrition department, including the hiring of a Director of Performance Nutrition Dillon Frees and the addition of two more registered dieticians.  

• Creation of the Student-Athlete Career Development and Leadership Academy, which will prepare every Bearcat for their professional life after UC. Thanks to recent donor investments in this space, new software is being developed to help student-athletes track their own personal and professional development. 

• Upgrades to the men's and women's basketball team facilities in Fifth Third Arena are under way that will include new locker rooms for both programs. 

• Increased support for student-athlete scholarships and private air travel for coaches to recruit nationally is being achieved through in-kind contributions. 

Join the team! Supporters are encouraged to give to the Day One Campaign and keep the momentum going to July 1! 

About Day One Ready  
The Day One Ready Campaign is a $100 million fundraising initiative focused on stepping up support for UC Athletics so it can be ready to win championships from Day One of its entry into the Big 12 on July 1, 2023. The campaign will boost the Bearcats' abilities to enhance the student-athlete experience, recruit at higher levels and increase UC's worldwide visibility as a premier academic institution. Learn more about the Day One Ready Campaign by visiting https://gobearcats.com/DayOne or by calling the UCATS Office at 513-556-4884. 

About the University of Cincinnati Foundation  
Established in 1975, the University of Cincinnati Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation and the private sector fundraising entity for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health. The Foundation supports UC's aspirations through philanthropic collaboration with the colleges, the Academic Health Center, UC Health and other units to maximize private support. The Foundation's advancement efforts promote the development of productive, enduring relationships with alumni, friends, colleagues, students, foundations, corporations and the Greater Cincinnati community. For more information, please visit foundation.uc.edu.  

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