Dear Knight Nation,
As our fall sports return to the practice fields and we gear up for another great season, I want to share a few thoughts. One of the things I love most about UCF is that we have never been afraid to challenge conventional thinking. This university and athletics department continues to build by embracing opportunity, thinking proactively and refusing to let tradition define our ceiling. That mindset has fueled our growth, shaped our culture and positioned UCF Athletics to help define what’s next.
The next chapter of college athletics will be written by programs willing to lead, rooted in their own principles and values, not just by what everybody else does. Watching our student-athletes grow, succeed and earn meaningful careers when their eligibility ends will always be at the heart of why I lead this program. UCF Athletics is fueled by opportunity and united by the culture that embodies the spirit of this great university. We are an athletics program that will define what is possible. Our principles are more than statements. They will shape every decision we make and every opportunity we pursue.
Continuing to be competitively resourced is critical. At the same time, resources are only part of the equation for achieving sustained success. To achieve our highest success, we must continue to recruit talented young people who embrace our mission, vision and culture. Bringing students here who want to be coached and those we want to coach! The programs that adapt with this philosophy will have a competitive advantage versus those that try to simply outspend. Success in college athletics is not simply about who can spend the most. It will be about evaluating the right student-athletes and developing them to reach their full potential. Just as importantly, we must continue to attract and retain coaches and staff who believe in our same rooted principles and culture.
College athletics continues to evolve every day, including recent movement on the Protect College Sports Act. While the rules and structure around us may change, what will remain most important is staying rooted in our own principles and values. We’ll continue to be ready to adapt and lead through whatever comes next. I want to assure you that UCF Athletics has the right principles, values and vision to continue building an athletics program the right way.
As we prepare to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Bounce House and welcome Knight Nation back this fall, I’m excited about where we’re headed and the opportunities ahead of us. Thank you for believing in our vision and supporting our student-athletes. Together, we will continue charging forward and building on the momentum we’ve created.
Go Knights, Charge On!
Terry Mohajir
Vice President and Director of Athletics