National Champions

Today, the sun truly shines bright on our Old Kentucky Home.

After an exciting victory over Kansas University in Monday night’s National Championship game, I was amazed by the outpouring of support and pride for our team, the University of Kentucky and the Big Blue Nation. This program, and, on a larger scale, this institution, provide incredible camaraderie to our Commonwealth and impact countless lives.

In many ways, as Coach Calipari has said in the past, this program is the front door to the University – it helps build an exceptional brand that is bolstered by cutting-edge research, advanced medical care, and a comprehensive academic experience. When our students leave campus with a degree in hand – our athletic traditions are among the many things that keep them tied to their alma mater in special ways.

And we continue to find new ways to leverage our athletic success to build excellence across the institution.
 

I want to thank our outstanding student-athletes who, from day one, have displayed incredible passion and determination; playing not just as a team, but as a family. They are the Commonwealth's team and have proudly worn Kentucky across their chest; representing our state honorably on the court, in the classroom, and across our community.
 

I want to thank Mitch Barnhart, Coach Calipari and his coaching staff for the leadership they have instilled in these young men and the mentorship they provided.
 

Together, our student-athletes and coaches tirelessly strived toward Monday night’s incredible victory with integrity and class – achieving great heights in the right way.
 

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank the borderless Big Blue Nation. Your passion for UK and this team is incredible. Passion that was reinforced during my first game in Rupp, and has been redefined by the tens of thousands who travel great distances – turning away games into home games – and the hundreds of thousands across the country and world cheering for our team.
 

Congratulations, once again, on a remarkable season and National Championship.

“see blue.”