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UC Davis is a 12-hour drive from Pocatello, Idaho, where Stefan Gonzalez grew up. But if you stop and talk to the senior guard, he is quick to remind you about his other home — one he discovered after transferring from Saint Mary's following his sophomore season.
 
"I am a big family guy," said Gonzalez. "Being away from my family was challenging, at first. But when you have people like Coach Les, Coach Nosek, Coach Vogt, Coach Metzger-Jones, my teammates and support staff, who took me in and treated me as if I was their son, it quickly turned UC Davis into another home and family for me. 
 
"The people that helped me from day one when I arrived to campus, like Laura Goldhammer (the team's student-athlete outcomes advisor), made me instantly realize that joining this program was the right decision. The coaching staff and my teammates made me feel at home right away, which is what drew me to UC Davis. The culture and the people are what makes this program special.
 
"If I could use one word to describe my experience at UC Davis, I would use family. No matter where you grew up, once you step foot onto campus, you are going to feel welcomed and part of this program, school and culture. I could not think of anything better than leaving home and stepping into another environment filled with amazing people who want to set you up for success in life."
 
It is this family atmosphere that made it easy for Gonzalez to redshirt his first year on campus (due to NCAA rules) and do whatever it took to help strengthen his game and prepare his teammates for the weekly grind that takes place each season.
 
"My role on the team during my redshirt year was to work hard at practice and not only help myself become a better player, but push everyone and help them improve as well. It was uplifting to hear my teammates tell me that my hard work was helping them become better players on the court, and prepared them for whatever opponent(s) we faced each week. 
 
"That year, we rewarded ourselves by winning a championship. That is the best feeling, when your hard work pays off like that."
 
It was during that year when an indelible memory was created — one that further proved how joining UC Davis basketball was the best decision for Gonzalez.
 
"When everyone returned home after winning a Big West title, that was a special moment for me. Even though I was not on the court, I felt like I played a big part in winning that championship, and my teammates made me feel that way. That was an awesome moment, I will cherish that memory forever."
 
That memory lead to another one that took place seven months later, when Gonzalez first stepped onto the court as an Aggie.
 
"It was a blessing competing for the first time last year after redshirting the season before. Sitting was tough at times, but I thought I used that year well to help myself, and the team improve. Stepping onto the court and playing against other teams last season was the reward for all of that hard work."
 
Looking back at his journey to UC Davis, he added that, "Since I was a kid, through high school when the game became more competitive, I wanted to step onto the court, compete at this level, wear a jersey of a school I wanted to represent and help take it to the next level. Playing here is a blessing."
 
Now that the fifth-year communication major is part of the program's senior class, it is his turn to become a mentor to the program's newcomers, especially the first-year Aggies who are learning how to balance their academic coursework and athletic responsibilities.
 
"That transition is tough, trying to balance academics, practices, workouts, games and travel. But I had seniors who really helped me these last few seasons, like TJ Shorts II, Siler Schneider, and others at my previous school (Saint Mary's)," Gonzalez said.
 
For him, time management is the key to success. By teaching his new teammates how to use time effectively, and take advantage of free time to stay a step ahead with their coursework, Gonzalez is confident this will help everyone enjoy a successful transition from their previous school to the fifth-ranked public university in the nation.
 
Another element unique to this program are the extensive number of resources designed to help UC Davis student-athletes succeed from the moment they arrive to campus.
 
"One thing that really stands out to me here is Aggie EVO, which helps me prepare for life after I graduate from UC Davis. I transferred from Saint Mary's, that school does not have anything like the Aggie EVO program. The advisors and people at the top — Chancellor May and Director of Athletics Kevin Blue  — have done an outstanding job in surrounding student-athletes with the right people to help them succeed off the court and prepare for life outside of sports."
 
This is an exciting time of the year for Gonzalez because the 2019-20 season provides he, and the other three members of the team's senior class, with an exciting opportunity.
 
"We are all fifth years. Gaining additional experience by staying on campus for another year is awesome because not everyone has this type of opportunity. We all see that redshirt year as a blessing because our playing careers could have already ended, but we had an extra year to strengthen our skill set and help our teammates."
 
Gonzalez also added that, "this is one of the most enjoyable times of the year because we are ready for our first games of the season. We have been working our tails off the past few months and look forward to facing another opponent instead of competing against ourselves.
 
"I have been counting down toward this year's season opener since last season ended. We have something to prove this year. We have a lot of new guys; they play with a lot of energy and are excited for the season to begin."
 
For everyone involved with UC Davis basketball, that countdown will finally end on November 5 when the team opens the 2019-20 campaign at Loyola Chicago.
 
As excited as Gonzalez is for the season to start, he is equally focused on helping teammates reach their potential and strengthening the program's position on college basketball's national landscape.
 
"The coaching staff and former Aggies have done a great job creating a successful culture and a program on the rise. This is what stood out to me the most once things did not work out at my previous school: this program's culture and the people within it."
 
After the Aggies open the season against the Ramblers, the first of a 12-game home slate will take place two days later on November 7. Secure the best seats for every home game, and help create a true home court advantage for the Aggies by purchasing season tickets today!
 
 
AGGIE EVO
Established during the 2017-18 academic year, the Aggie EVO System is UC Davis Athletics' investment in the primary mission of preparing student-athletes for a successful "launch" after graduation.
 
Thanks to a collaboration of alumni, university resources, corporate partners, coaches and Student-Athlete Outcomes staff, all Aggies are guided over four years to acquire the skills, knowledge, opportunities and tools to better know and navigate the "World of Work" after graduating from UC Davis.
 
Follow the Aggie EVO system on Twitter and Instagram at @AggieEVO.
 
TOGETHER, WE CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING
Directly impact the lives of potential, and current UC Davis basketball student-athletes, by joining the Aggie Round Table.
 
With support from this select group of insiders, the men's basketball program can expand its recruiting efforts to find prospects who will thrive at the fifth-ranked public school in the nation, compete at a championship level and represent the University in a first-class manner as one of its ambassadors. 
 
Contact Liz Martin (Assistant Athletics Director, Leadership Giving & Alumni Engagement) at (530) 574-8623 or emartin@ucdavis.edu to find out how you can join this exclusive club!
 
ABOUT UC DAVIS
Providing a small-town community feel while providing a world-class academic experience, UC Davis is home to more than 37,000 students and centrally located between San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and the Napa Valley.
 
The No. 5-ranked public university in the nation, according to the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education, offers nearly 100 graduate programs and more than 100 academic majors across four colleges and six professional schools, ranking among the world and nation's best in numerous disciplines, including veterinary science, agriculture, and plant and animal programs.