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For many college seniors, their final year on campus is often a bittersweet experience. However, for Wauconda, Illinois native Joe Mooney and his three senior teammates, bittersweet is the last word any would use to describe the upcoming year — one the fifth-year economics major would like to end with the program's fourth championship in the last six seasons.
 
"This season, I want to do anything it takes to win," said Mooney. "It is as simple as that. At the end of the day, all that matters are wins and losses, not personal numbers.
 
"I want to do whatever it takes to help the team win, and help new teammates continue to grow. They are the future of this program and they are really talented, which is why I want to become the best role model for them as possible, both on and off the court, and lead them with my energy, enthusiasm, work ethic and desire to win. 
 
Winning is something Mooney has enjoyed throughout his career as an Aggie: In addition to multiple league titles, he was part of the 2016-17 roster that earned the program's inaugural Division I NCAA Tournament appearance.
 
The following season saw UC Davis win another Big West championship and earn another postseason berth — an experience Mooney and his senior teammates are working hard to replicate this year.
 
"I had some really good times my sophomore season. That team was talented, which is why we won a conference championship. We just came together that year because we knew we were underdogs. That is why we won numerous games in overtime, and another title in the last game of the season.
 
Mooney added, "Everyone was playing for the guy next to them; guys were selfless; it was a hard-working group. There was an agenda: we played to win. And when you are part of something like that, basketball is really fun because it is difficult to find a team or situation like that."
 
Strong senior leadership played a key role in every championship campaign, an element that Mooney is excited to embrace to help the program strengthen its position on college basketball's national landscape.
 
"I was fortunate to experience great senior leadership under Josh Fox, Neal Monson, Darius Graham and Brynton Lemar. Those type of guys set the tone and showed what UC Davis basketball is all about. They also led by example off the court because they were high-character individuals, great students and a pleasure to interact with.
 
"I want to show my teammates firsthand what it takes to succeed at this level. I want to lead a group of guys, especially with the number of newcomers joining the team this year. I know I need to enhance my role, find different ways to lead and help set the tone for this season. It is tough at times, but those four guys showed me what is needed to become a successful leader."
 
Helping Mooney reach his potential as a leader is his own experience: He distinctly remembers what took place when he was recruited and the challenges faced as a new student on campus.
 
More important, he took to heart the wisdom others shared with him, utilized the resources that surrounded him and developed the skills needed to succeed in the classroom, on the court, manage time accordingly and balance all of his commitments.
 
"My first couple years were challenging, but good. I needed to redshirt my freshman year in order to develop physically. Ultimately, this was a great decision. I am grateful that coach decided to redshirt me because that set me up for the type of success I want to enjoy this season. 
 
Mooney's redshirt season paid off immediately once he became part of the team's rotation.
 
"There was a time towards the end of my freshman year when things started to click, I felt more comfortable on the court and started to hold my own and make plays, offensively and defensively."
 
The court was not the only place where his confidence grew, thanks to the program's extensive support network.
 
"I also felt that confidence academically, thanks to my tutors. I had the blueprint, and knew what it took to succeed. It all came down to how hard I was willing to work.
 
"When I chose UC Davis, the coaches told me that I was not making a four-year decision, but a lifetime decision. Now that I am in my fifth year, and ready to graduate in the spring, I know they were right. The tools I possess and the resources on campus set me up to enjoy success once my time at UC Davis ends.
 
It is those resources on campus, combined with Mooney's involvement with Aggie EVO — Athletics' groundbreaking student-athlete outcomes program that prepares young men and women for successful lives after graduation — that provides Mooney the luxury of enjoying his final year on campus, instead of stressing about the next chapter of his life.
 
"The EVO program, created Director of Athletics Kevin Blue, and Michael Lorenzen, and all of the time spent with student-athlete outcomes advisor Laura Goldhammer is why I can truly say that I am confident, and ready to take the next step when it is time to leave UC Davis."
 
With the Aggies entering their second week of preseason practices, Mooney is focused on helping his new teammates learn how to balance all of their academic and athletic commitments, just like the seniors did with him during his inaugural year at UC Davis.
 
As is the case whenever UC Davis is battling for a victory on the court, it is the little things that ultimately lead to success. This concept is one that Mooney is keenly aware of, and is the focus of his leading up to the start of the season.
 
"I want to grow as a leader, be the best teammate, friend and mentor as possible for my teammates. By focusing on growing as a person, and thinking less of myself will ultimately lead to wins on the court."
 
Victories will not only help the team reach its ultimate goal of winning another championship and returning to the postseason, but strengthen its reputation among college basketball fans and pundits.
 
Looking back on his first days as an Aggies, through the first weeks of the senior season, Mooney could not have asked for a better undergraduate experience.
 
"I was not sure about what my expectations were throughout the recruiting process, but I knew what type of situation UC Davis offered. I trusted the coaching staff, I developed strong relationships, I saw a family-like relationship within the program, great chemistry, hard-working individuals and winners. Combined with the fact that UC Davis is an elite academic institution, my decision was an easy one to make.
 
"Coach Les genuinely cares about his players, he puts his players first. At the end of the day, I know he has my best interests in mind and is pushing be to become the best player I can be. When I look back at my college experience, I know I will feel eternally grateful."
 
After UC Davis opens the season at Loyola Chicago, 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.