By Bryan B. Blair, Vice President and Director of Athletics
August 15, 2025

Team Toledo, 

Another exciting season of Rocket Athletics is here, and the energy on our campus is electric! From intense preseason practices to early-morning lifts, our student-athletes are putting in the work required to chase greatness.  

In today's evolving college athletics landscape—shaped by NIL, revenue sharing, and the Transfer Portal—Toledo has emerged as a leader among our peers. Guided by our strategic plan, Rise Together, we're continuing our quest to build a "Gold Standard" athletic department that is rooted in student-athlete success, community connection, and national relevance. With championship aspirations and growing momentum on all fronts, the stage is set for something truly special.  

2025 FOOTBALL SEASON: BUILT FOR GREATNESS

The countdown is on for Rocket Football, and excitement couldn't be higher. Coming off a season in which we beat two Power Five Conference teams – SEC foe Mississippi State and ACC contender Pitt -- Toledo was picked by MAC coaches to win the 2025 Mid-American Conference crown. Significantly, we did not lose a single player from last season's two-deep to the Transfer Portal while adding several key players. In addition, we are the only FBS school that has kept its head coach, coordinators and strength coach on staff for the past six years. That's culture. That's commitment. That's Toledo Football. 

Circle your calendars for two massive matchups: We kick off the season on Aug. 30 with a chance to grab national headlines at another SEC foe, Kentucky. Then on Sept. 6, we bring the fun home with The Biggest Party in Toledo—our home opener at the Glass Bowl vs. Western Kentucky. It's more than a game; it's a celebration of the #TeamToledo spirit in our athletic program, our University and our community! 

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!    

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FOOTBALL CAMP AT MOUNT UNION: TRADITION, PREPARATION & TEAM UNITY 

This year, our football team opened preseason camp at the University of Mount Union, a place steeped the championship tradition of 13 Division III national titles. With deep ties to our coaching staff—Purple Raider alumni include Head Coach Jason Candle and Defensive Coordinator Vince Kehres, among many others—Mount Union offered the perfect launchpad for the season.  

In an era of unprecedented change, the concepts of team culture, togetherness and shared sacrifice are more important than ever in the quest to build a winning program. Coaches and student-athletes alike benefit from eliminating distractions during training camp, as many NFL teams have learned over the years. Removed from distractions, our student-athletes were able to focus on unity, preparation, and the pursuit of greatness. 

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A SPECIAL VISIT FROM COACH JON GRUDEN    

We were thrilled to welcome Super Bowl-winning coach Jon Gruden to Toledo for our "Evening at Inverness" event on July 24. Coach Gruden brought incredible energy and passion to the evening, sharing stories, connecting with our supporters, and generously donating a once-in-a-lifetime golf experience—a foursome with him and Head Coach Jason Candle in Florida—that raised $25,000 to support the football program. Coach Gruden's visit made a huge impact on social media, with more than ONE MILLION VIEWS of his posts on Twitter/X.  

WATCH COACH GRUDEN SUPPORTING THE ROCKETS!

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WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL: A NEW ERA BEGINS 

The Brian Wright era begins! Our new head coach leads a talented volleyball squad into the 2025 season, starting with the Rocket Invitational presented by Delta Hotels by Marriott in Savage Arena on Aug. 29 vs. Albany. With nine returning letterwinners, four freshmen, and four transfers, this team is built to compete. Recognizing that volleyball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America, we're now offering season tickets for the first time ever, with over 600 already in the hands of our fans. The excitement for our team is real, as evidenced by the fantastic turnout for our first-ever Bingo Night on July 26. There is no question that #TeamToledo is pumped up and ready to support our volleyball program! Don't miss your chance to be part of the action! 

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

WATCH TOLEDO VOLLEYBALL TAKE OVER THE TICKET OFFICE

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WOMEN'S SOCCER: DEFENSE, DEPTH & DETERMINATION 

Head Coach Mark Batman enters Year Three with a team that's ready to make an impact in the Mid-American Conference. Last season, the Rockets featured a rock-solid defense, tying the school record with just 16 goals allowed. This year's squad figures to be even more dynamic, blending a solid core of veterans with 10 exciting newcomers. The journey begins at home on Aug. 24 vs. Oakland at Paul Hotmer Field. Let's pack the stands and support our rising stars! 

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WOMEN'S ROWING: A HISTORIC LAUNCH History is being made as we debut our newest varsity sport—Women's Rowing! Competing on the Maumee River and training out of the LeBoutillier, Jr. Memorial Boathouse in International Park, rowing connects Toledo Athletics more deeply with our downtown community. Head Coach Chris Bailey-Greene leads the inaugural season, which kicks off with the Glass City Regatta on Sept. 20. You won't want to miss the action on the Maumee!

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CROSS COUNTRY: RETURN OF THE CHAMPIONS! 

Our defending MAC champion cross country teams open the season on Aug. 29 at the Michigan Open. Head Coach Andrea Grove-McDonough, a four-time MAC Coach of the Year, leads the women's team in pursuit of a fifth straight title—an unprecedented feat. Meanwhile, the men's team looks to build on its historic first MAC crown in 2024. Good luck to our Rockets on another great season on the course! 

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TEAM TOLEDO PARTNER SUMMIT: INNOVATION IN ACTION

On June 24, we hosted the inaugural Team Toledo Partner Summit at Savage Arena—a groundbreaking event that brought together leaders from sports, business, and the community. With over 100 attendees, the summit featured visionary speakers like Nic Barlage (CEO, Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers), as well as former Rockets Andrew Hawkins (NFL alum, ESPN personality, and co-founder of StatusPRO) and Ryan Huzjak (VP, Pittsburgh Steelers). Topics ranged from private equity to youth sports, all centered on the power of athletics to make a difference in people's lives. Events like these help us grow as we build our vision for the future! 

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LEADING WITH INNOVATION: AI TRAINING INITIATIVE  In June, we launched a first-of-its-kind initiative in collegiate athletics: mandatory AI training for all coaches, staff, and administrators. This bold move positions Toledo as a national leader in innovation and operational excellence. With Microsoft Copilot now available to all UToledo employees, we're cultivating a campus-wide culture of forward-thinking leadership!  LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DEPARTMENT EMBRACING INNOVATION

 

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VARSITY T HALL OF FAME: HONORING OUR ROCKET LEGENDS  Congratulations to the newest members of the Varsity T Hall of Fame! These outstanding alumni will be inducted in a ceremony at Savage Arena on Friday, Oct. 17, and honored at halftime of our Oct. 18 football game vs. Kent State. Our inductees include: Trinity Dawson, Football (2001-05) Dan Kay, Wrestling (1980-83) Tony Lee, Football (1981-83) Rachel MacLeod, Women's Soccer (2010-13) Beth Rogers, Women's Swimming (2010-14) Ryan Wilkinson, Baseball (2011-14) Robert Wohl, Men's Swimming (1976-79)  Their legacy lives on in Rocket Nation!  READ MORE ABOUT OUR INDUCTEES

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MANUFACTURED IN THE GLASS CITY: EXCELLENCE FORGED HERE

Our Manufactured in the Glass City series continues to spotlight the incredible talent developed at UToledo. Most recently, we featured Waterford Bank Chairman/CEO Mike Miller and Pittsburgh Steelers VP for Sales & Marketing Ryan Huzjak. Mike, a former Rocket golfer, is the chair of the UToledo Board of Trustees, and also chairs the boards of the Toledo Mud Hens and Toledo Walleye. Ryan, an All-MAC quarterback who led the Rockets to an undefeated season in 1995, has become a leader in the world of professional sports. These amazing alumni exemplify the excellence we cultivate—and the impact they make long after they leave our University! 

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WELCOME & CONGRATULATIONS: NEW FACES, NEW ROLES 

We're thrilled to welcome Connor Whelan as our new Deputy AD/Chief Revenue Officer and Andrew Stevens as Associate AD for Marketing, Digital Advertising, and Student Engagement. We look forward to their experience and leadership as we continue to focus on student engagement and fan experience at our events.   

Congratulations also to Nicole Alderson Harris on her promotion to Deputy AD/Chief Operating Officer. Nicole has been an invaluable leader and teammate in our department, played a pivotal role in launching our strategic plan, adding women's rowing, and advancing NIL initiatives, among many other initiatives. Her leadership will continue to play a critical role in shaping our culture and advancing our mission in bold and meaningful ways. 

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Together, we have achieved unprecedented success over the past three years—on the field, in the classroom, and in the community—all made possible by a record level of investment by our Rocket supporters. But I truly believe our best is still ahead of us. Complacency simply isn't an option. With bold vision and unwavering commitment, we have the opportunity to build something truly historic at the University of Toledo. Let's keep pushing forward together -- as one #TeamToledo! 

This Community.

This University.

This Athletics Department. 

Together, we will accomplish the "impossible." 

Go Rockets!