DAVIS, Calif. – Junior Dani Barrett (track & field) and senior Aleix Aznar Beltran (men's water polo) have each been recognized as Big West Scholar-Athletes of the Year representing UC Davis as part of the conference's academic awards from the 2023-24 season.
 
The Big West has honored Scholar-Athletes of the Year annually, since 1985. Two student-athletes from each Big West school – one male and one female – are celebrated by their member-institutions and the conference for their accomplishments on the field, in the classroom and in their communities each year.
 
Barrett finished the year with Second Team All-American honors, setting a school record in the 10,000m finishing 11th at the 2024 NCAA Track & Field National Championships in Eugene, Oregon. She finished in second place at the Big West Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the 5,000m and she added a Big West title in the 10,000m before running to All-American honors.
 
During the cross country season, Barrett finished third at the Big West Cross Country Championships, earning her All-Conference honors. And she would finish 22nd at the NCAA West Regional, earning All-Region honors.
 
Beltran took home Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches Third Team All-American honors along with Big West First Team All-Conference honors. Beltran finished 2023 with 41 goals, 19 assists and added 60 points with a .410 shooting percentage.
 
The Aggie utility man helped UC Davis to a 16-10 record in 2023. UC Davis finished the season inside the top 25 following the season, ending the year at No. 7 in the rankings.