It’s been one of the most successful years in history for the UVU athletic department in 2021.

It that sense, the Wolverines are heading into the holidays brimming with joy and gratitude.

But this is the season for big dreams and wishes, so it’s time to list some things that the UVU sports programs would love to get to prepare for 2022:

More reasons to storm the court

It was arguably the biggest moment in Wolverine sports history when UVU men’s basketball hosted No. 12-ranked BYU and, after 45 minutes of heart-pounding action, emerged with the upset.

After the final whistle blew, the ecstatic Wolverines students came charging onto the court to enjoy the wild celebration.

While there are safety risks to having fans on the court, it has become a tradition in college sports after big wins. UVU hasn’t had many of those — but doing that after a win over their more famous neighbors to the east was something truly special.

It may not happen frequently, more of those moments would definitely be something the Wolverines would love to have.

Another NCAA victory in the records book

The postponement of most of the fall 2021 sports created some unique opportunities but no one took advantage of that the same way as the UVU women’s soccer team.

The Wolverines earned a bid to the NCAA tournament but instead of being slated in a regional against powerhouses like BYU and Utah, UVU ended up playing No. 25-ranked Memphis.

The Wolverines got the job done with a 1-0 win and advanced to the second round, something many UVU programs would love to be able to savor.

Continued health and elite performances from basketball stars

UVU has a pair of excellent interior anchors for its men’s and women’s basketball teams in sophomore Fardaws Aimaq and junior Josie Williams.

For both teams to reach their potential in 2021-22, all Wolverine supporters are definitely wishing to see that duo, first and foremost, stay healthy and also to keep putting up big numbers.

If they do that, UVU could once again be having some exciting moments in March.

Health across the board for the Wolverine wrestlers

UVU has some incredible wrestlers like Taylor LaMont and Demetrius Romero, both of whom have had success at the collegiate, national and international levels.

But, as all wrestlers know, the sport is incredibly taxing on physical health and many of the Wolverines have had injury issues.

If UVU could have a season where the vast majority of the team could stay healthy, it could have a shot at doing great things in the sport.

Smart investments in the future from sponsors

UVU has continually improved its facilities and opportunities, thanks in large part to businesses willing to invest in the Wolverine.

Recent changes have included building the basketball practice facility, creating an indoor practice bubble, putting in a turf field on the baseball diamond and upgrading the UCCU Center.

The dream would be for athletic director Jared Sumsion and his staff to continue to cultivate those relationships and thus be able to provide more facility improvement for future UVU athletes.

Love and passion for the green-and-white from great coaches

Some of the Wolverine coaches have been at UVU for a long time, like track coach Scott Houle, volleyball coach Sam Atoa and wrestling coach Greg Williams. They have devoted themselves to building their programs in Orem.

That’s the same mentality that Wolverine supporters would love to see from some of the high-profile coaches that are currently in charge of other UVU programs.

They would be thrilled to see head men’s basketball coach Mark Madsen, head women’s basketball coach Dan Nielson, head men’s soccer coach Kyle Beckerman, head women’s soccer coach Chris Lemay and head baseball coach Eddie Smith end up with the same devotion and chose to stay with the Wolverines instead of taking other jobs if they are offered.

That consistency and the ability to build on the successes they have already have would make for a bright future at UVU.

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