I am introducing a new monthly segment called "High Fives" in which I will highlight UC Davis Athletics' top-five most impactful moments. These "High Fives" will spotlight the successes of outstanding student-athletes, speak to the positive influence of our staff on our department and the student-athletes they serve, as well as show the impact of those that invest in the Aggies. In addition, the Aggies' impact in the community and high-profile athletic triumphs will be on display in these monthly highlights.

– Director of Athletics, Rocko DeLuca
 
Student-Athlete Spotlight: Shannon Lackey – Field Hockey
Shannon Lackey, field hockey graduate student in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, has spent the last two summers interning at SpaceX. In the summer of 2022, Shannon worked on the heat shield for the starship rocket which will be used in Mars Missions. This past summer she spent her time working on the life support systems for the Dragon Crew Capsule that brings people and supplies to the international space station. She has obtained a full-time job offer with SpaceX in Hawthorne, California upon graduation in March with the Dragon Spacecraft System Team. Shannon was featured in our "More than An Athlete" video series speaking to how her sport has helped her excel off the field.




 
Two New Student-Athlete Support Positions Added
We are pleased to introduce two distinguished additions to our department: Rachel Mack '16 and Danielle Hamilton Carter. They have taken on newly created positions within our organization. Danielle will serve as the Student-Athlete Mentor and Achievement Counselor, a role designed to offer personalized guidance as we enhance our academic support for our student-athletes. Danielle has an impressive professional background, having worked with prominent entities such as FIBA, the WNBA, the Swedish National Basketball Program, and she enjoyed a successful nine-year career as a professional basketball player with various European teams.
 
Meanwhile, Rachel, a UC Davis lacrosse alumna, assumes the role of Director of Performance Nutrition, adding a vital educational dimension to our suite of student-athlete services. Drawing upon her extensive experience working with the Sacramento Kings and the US Olympic Committee, Rachel brings a wealth of expertise to our program. Her positive impact on our fall sport programs has become palpable within her initial two months since her return to UC Davis.
 
Four Teams Embark on International Trips
Due to the generosity of our donors, four athletic programs at UC Davis had the opportunity to travel outside of the United States while preparing for their seasons of competition. These trips were proven to be especially valuable for the student-athletes as they were able to enhance their cultural and experiential learning while competing at a high level.
 
UC Davis women's soccer embarked on the program's first ever foreign tour with a trip to Costa Rica. After putting together one of the most impressive seasons in program history, this trip was yet another building block and showcases the momentum of success Head Coach Tracy Hamm has injected into a program that has their sights set on a Big West Championship.
 
The journey abroad was highlighted by a match against the Costa Rican National Team before taking on two Costa Rica Primera Division sides in Dimas Escazu and Club Sport Herediano.
 

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For the UC Davis Men's Water Polo Team, the opportunity to grow and bond together as a team this summer in Greece and Spain, and the trip proved to be a huge building block for the Aggies in the inaugural season of Big West Men's Water Polo. The team scrimmaged some of the top local clubs in Barcelona as well as Real Canoe NC of Madrid.
 
While there was a big emphasis on training and improving as a team, the itinerary allowed the Aggies plenty of time to take in all the sites and scenes each location had to offer. Throughout their stay, the Aggies bonded as a team, partaking in plenty of team-oriented activities, and experiencing a mental and cultural expansion, all while training in preparation for the 2023 season.
 

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UC Davis women's lacrosse enjoyed a thrilling trip to New Zealand, where the Aggies saw the sights of Oceania while preparing for their upcoming season with two matches down under. The first was a matchup with the New Zealand Under-20's and a game against Auckland Lacrosse Club followed to complete the on-field action.
 

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The team was able to unwind with sea kayaking, ascend the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, and socialize with local teams from the area. The unique and extraordinary trip allowed the team to bond while experiencing some of the eclectic culture of New Zealand.
 
UC Davis women's basketball departed for its preseason foreign tour to Italy, featuring three tune-up games to prepare for the 2023-24 season. While the team was able to gain some much-needed minutes on the court, the Aggies were able to tour the capital city, take part in a pasta-making workshop, and enjoy many of the fantastic sights of the country.
 
 

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Aggie Football Strikes Deal with KCRA
Aggie football has made its fall debut on linear television. This past Saturday and for the remainder of the 2023 season, all Aggie home games will be televised on KQCA My58 in the Sacramento market and surrounding areas. KQCA MY58, a Hearst Television station, is the MyNetworkTV affiliate in Sacramento. The station is part of a duopoly with NBC affiliate, KCRA 3.
The coverage of Aggie football will also include a 30-minute pregame show for the home opener and the Causeway Classic at UC Davis Health Stadium. The station will also air exclusive content on Aggie athletics throughout the season.

In addition to the announcement of the partnership with KQCA My58, the 70^th edition of the Causeway Classic will now move up to a Noon kickoff time. The pregame show will begin at 11:30 a.m. to cover the festivities.
 
Fall Sports Grab High-Profile Wins to Start 2023
UC Davis volleyball was firing on all cylinders in the opening weekend, defeating two Power 5 teams in its first two games of the season. The Aggies earned a four-set victory over hosts Arizona, which marked the team's first win over a PAC-12 opponent since 2021. UC Davis went on to continue their outstanding form with another win in four sets, this time against North Carolina of the ACC.

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UC Davis saw significant contributions from five freshman in the opening weekend. Ally Chandler and Reese Diersbock cracked the starting lineup in both matches and came through with some excellent performances. Chandler tallied seven block assists to go along with her six kills in the victory over Arizona and followed it up with another impressive display against North Carolina, racking up seven kills while getting involved in six blocks. Diersbock turned heads in her debut weekend with a pair of 10-kill games while hitting .278.
 
It was a special night in Columbus for UC Davis men's soccer as the Aggies delivered an incredible performance to take down Ohio State on their own turf, earning the 2-1 victory behind goals from Tristan Wouters and Cason Goodman.  
 

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Following the win, the Aggies swept all three Big West weekly awards and Charles Janssen was named to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week after incredible goalkeeping display during the opening weekend.
 

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