Rice University Athletics
R Association Announces Brand Evolution
9/2/2026 1:46:00 PM | R Association
New identity & website strengthens connection between Rice Letterwinners and current Student-Athletes
Rice Athletics has announced the evolution of the R Association, expanding its reach to more intentionally connect current Rice Student-Athletes with the generations of Letterwinners who came before them.
Established in 1913, the R Association has served as the official association of Rice Letterwinners for more than a century—honoring tradition, celebrating excellence and strengthening the lifelong connection between former Student-Athletes and Rice Athletics.
As part of Rice Athletics' continued commitment to providing a best-in-class Student-Athlete experience, that mission is expanding.
Introducing the R Association Office of Student-Athlete Development & Letterwinner Engagement
As part of this evolution, Rice Athletics will sunset the SOAR name and bring its Student-Athlete Development efforts under the R Association brand.
One name, One strengthened brand, One R Association
The R Association will continue to serve as the driving force for Letterwinner Engagement while expanding its role in Student-Athlete Development. Bringing these areas together creates an intentional bridge between current and former Student-Athletes and supports the full lifecycle of a Rice Student-Athlete, from their first day on campus through a lifetime of involvement with Rice Athletics.
For generations, the R Association and its Board of Directors have connected Letterwinners with Rice Athletics through networking, reunions, traditions and service. This evolution builds upon that legacy by creating more opportunities for Letterwinners to invest their experience, knowledge and networks in the development of today's Student-Athletes.
At the heart of that connection is a simple philosophy:
Letterwinners Helping Letterwinners
Through career and professional development, mentorship, leadership and life-skills programming, the R Association will help equip Student-Athletes with the skills, experiences and relationships necessary to thrive at Rice and beyond—while creating meaningful opportunities for Letterwinners to remain connected and give back.
The R Association Office of Student-Athlete Development & Letterwinner Engagement is staffed by three full-time Rice Athletics staff members and guided by the R Association Board of Directors and Student-Athlete Advocacy Committee (SAAC), ensuring the perspectives of both current Student-Athletes and Letterwinners help shape its work.
The R Association's mission is to engage, connect, support and honor Rice University Student-Athletes and Letterwinners throughout their lifelong relationship with Rice Athletics.
Get Involved
Rice Letterwinners are encouraged to stay connected and help strengthen the experience of the next generation of Owls. Whether through mentoring a Student-Athlete, hiring or providing career connections, attending R Association events and reunions, supporting your former program, or volunteering your time and expertise, there are many ways to make an impact.
Visit the new R Association website to reconnect, get involved, and continue building the legacy of Rice Athletics.
About the R Association
Established in 1913, the R Association is the official association and lifelong community of Rice University Letterwinners. Representing generations of Owls across every sport, the R Association connects today's Student-Athletes with the Letterwinners who came before them through development, mentorship, networking, reunions, recognition, traditions and engagement opportunities.
Letterwinners Helping Letterwinners
Established in 1913, the R Association has served as the official association of Rice Letterwinners for more than a century—honoring tradition, celebrating excellence and strengthening the lifelong connection between former Student-Athletes and Rice Athletics.
As part of Rice Athletics' continued commitment to providing a best-in-class Student-Athlete experience, that mission is expanding.
Introducing the R Association Office of Student-Athlete Development & Letterwinner Engagement
As part of this evolution, Rice Athletics will sunset the SOAR name and bring its Student-Athlete Development efforts under the R Association brand.
One name, One strengthened brand, One R Association
The R Association will continue to serve as the driving force for Letterwinner Engagement while expanding its role in Student-Athlete Development. Bringing these areas together creates an intentional bridge between current and former Student-Athletes and supports the full lifecycle of a Rice Student-Athlete, from their first day on campus through a lifetime of involvement with Rice Athletics.
For generations, the R Association and its Board of Directors have connected Letterwinners with Rice Athletics through networking, reunions, traditions and service. This evolution builds upon that legacy by creating more opportunities for Letterwinners to invest their experience, knowledge and networks in the development of today's Student-Athletes.
At the heart of that connection is a simple philosophy:
Letterwinners Helping Letterwinners
Through career and professional development, mentorship, leadership and life-skills programming, the R Association will help equip Student-Athletes with the skills, experiences and relationships necessary to thrive at Rice and beyond—while creating meaningful opportunities for Letterwinners to remain connected and give back.
The R Association Office of Student-Athlete Development & Letterwinner Engagement is staffed by three full-time Rice Athletics staff members and guided by the R Association Board of Directors and Student-Athlete Advocacy Committee (SAAC), ensuring the perspectives of both current Student-Athletes and Letterwinners help shape its work.
The R Association's mission is to engage, connect, support and honor Rice University Student-Athletes and Letterwinners throughout their lifelong relationship with Rice Athletics.
Get Involved
Rice Letterwinners are encouraged to stay connected and help strengthen the experience of the next generation of Owls. Whether through mentoring a Student-Athlete, hiring or providing career connections, attending R Association events and reunions, supporting your former program, or volunteering your time and expertise, there are many ways to make an impact.
Visit the new R Association website to reconnect, get involved, and continue building the legacy of Rice Athletics.
About the R Association
Established in 1913, the R Association is the official association and lifelong community of Rice University Letterwinners. Representing generations of Owls across every sport, the R Association connects today's Student-Athletes with the Letterwinners who came before them through development, mentorship, networking, reunions, recognition, traditions and engagement opportunities.
Letterwinners Helping Letterwinners
Wednesday, March 09
Saturday, December 04
Thursday, December 02