Ute Academy: Building Champions for Life

The 2019-20 academic year has brought the launch of a new initiative designed to develop well-rounded and successful student-athletes, The Ute Academy.

"We are proud to announce the culmination of our personal, career, community service and leadership initiatives into one structured program, The Ute Academy," Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director Nona Richardson said. "Through a holistic approach, this program is committed to developing and supporting our student-athletes to become academic scholars, elite competitors, campus leaders and proud members of society."

The Ute Academy aims to enhance the development of student-athletes through community service, leadership, professional advancement and personal well-being. The goal is to assist in the growth of each student-athlete, as they navigate the transition from a student and an athlete, to a contributing member of society.

"I want to thank our staff, coaches and students for making this a priority," said Director of Athletics Mark Harlan. "They have worked hard and been very thoughtful in developing a comprehensive program that we are extremely proud to introduce."

"Our Utah Football culture ties in with the Ute Academy's core values on personal welfare, community impact and career development," head football coach Kyle Whittingham said. "The Ute Academy provides the tools and resources for students to excel in those areas, and we are very excited for this program."

Student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in two different tracks – red and white – under the umbrella of the Ute Academy. Both tracks focus on the four key pillars: community service, leadership, professional and personal development.

PROFESSIONAL INITIATIVES
The annual Network Night is an event that connects student-athletes with local and national employers across all industries. This event is a great opportunity for current student-athletes to connect and network with employers and alumni across the community.

The institution has collaborated with InXUtes, an online platform that provides career and mentor opportunities for current and former student-athletes.

"We are so excited to partner with InXUtes to enhance our new student-athlete development program," said Ashley Lear, Director of Personal Development & Student Services, at the University of Utah. "Their platform will enable our students to connect and network with employers, both locally and nationally, and facilitate engagement between our current and former student-athletes."

The Ute Café provides student-athletes the opportunity to "order" team or individual workshops across all topics, from resume prep to budgeting, within the area of professional development.

LEADERSHIP INITIATIVES
Student-athletes will have the opportunity to participate in an Athletics Leadership Themed Community, which is a first-year housing community that focuses on Athletic Leadership through diverse programming, as well as Crimson Council, which is a leadership group focusing on campus and community engagement and community service.

Student-athletes also can take EDPS 2600 – Strategies for College Success – in the summer prior to their first year at Utah. This course is designed to expose student-athletes to the various levels of support and resources on campus, including library assistance, study skills, media training, nutrition and mental health.

PERSONAL INITIATIVES
Student-athletes can participate in the Wellness Ambassadors Group, which focuses on overall wellness and mental health, and the UTES Group (Utes Talking Equality and Social Justice), which focuses on social justice issues and change.

COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
Utah has partnered with Backman Elementary for the 2019-20 academic year to provide opportunities for student-athletes to engage, teach and be role models for local elementary school students. Utah student-athletes will also participate in Backman's Family Night.

The annual Trunk-or-Treat is an opportunity for our student-athletes to engage with the community, as they dress up and hand out candy to local children prior to a women's soccer game. All in the community are welcome to join, so please come and bring your families for a night of fun on October 24.

The second annual Holiday Dinner for student-athletes doubles as a canned food drive. Admission to the event depends on the student-athlete bringing at least one canned food item.

Utah will also be participating in the Pac-12's Zero Waste Game October 19. You can spot student-athletes on bicycles picking up recyclable items from tailgaters before kickoff.

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Completed Event: General versus Arizona on January 18, 2002

Completed Event: General versus Utah St on November 30, 2001 , Win , 3, to, 1

Completed Event: General versus San Diego St on November 17, 2001 , Win , 166, to, 120

Completed Event: General versus UNLV on November 10, 2001 , Loss , 114, to, 117

Completed Event: General versus UNLV on November 10, 2001 , Loss , 89, to, 189.5

Completed Event: General at Oregon St on October 26, 2001 , Loss , 89, to, 116

Completed Event: General versus Utah St on October 23, 2001 , Win , 3, to, 1

Completed Event: General versus UNLV on November 10, 2000

Completed Event: General versus UNLV on November 10, 2000 , Loss , 82, to, 120

Ute Academy: Building Champions for Life

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