Rocko's High Fives | January 2025
Student-Athlete Spotlight | The Impact of Scholarship Support
Each year UC Davis Athletics goes before the Council on Student Affairs & Fees (COSAF) to present their budget as related to student fee investments. The return on the investment in student-athlete scholarship funding is brought to life by hearing directly from those who were able to make their dream of competing for the Aggies a reality thanks to tuition assistance.
This year Breeze Czapinksi from volleyball and Riley Acosta from baseball shared why they choose UC Davis. Highlighting the ability they and the other 511 student-athletes receiving scholarship support can earn a degree from a top 5 public institution while also competing for championships.
Stand Up Staff | JD Mico Named to 30 Under 30
UC Davis alum and Assistant Director of Athletics Communications,
JD Mico, has been named to the College Sports Communicators 30 Under 30 Class for 2024, an honor recognizing young professionals excelling in college sports communications. He earned this recognition for his professional success, impact, and service to his field. A former UC Davis baseball player under Coach Tommy Nicholson, Mico joined the Athletic Department after graduating in 2022 and quickly advanced to his current role.
"While it's a testament to the work I've put in, and am so lucky to be recognized, it truly wouldn't have been possible without the great people around me who make everything happen, especially the teams I work with", said
JD Mico.
Donor Impact | Christy and Sam Sayson's Commitment to Gymnastics
Christy (MacPhee) Sayson graduated from UC Davis in 1986 with a BA in Mathematics and French. She was an All-American Division II gymnast at UC Davis, placing seventh at Nationals in the uneven parallel bars as a freshman in 1982. After a sophomore-year injury, she returned to gymnastics her senior year and was named "Most Inspirational" by her teammates. Recently retired, Christy now dedicates much of her time volunteering at the Yolo County Food Bank and serving as an elder at Davis Discovery Christian Church.
Sam Sayson is also a UC Davis graduate and played on the UC Davis Lacrosse Club from 1983-1985. Sam was a medical officer in the US Army for 15 years before joining the Providence Anesthesiology Associates in Charlotte NC. In 2021 he deployed to the Middle East with the US Marine Corps and currently serves as the Assistant Specialty Leader for Anesthesiology in the United States Naval Reserves.
Christy and Sam recognize the profound impact that women's sports can have on personal and professional growth. The dedication required to compete at the highest level, the confidence that comes from overcoming challenges, and the lifelong bonds forged between teammates, supporters, and competitors are all qualities they value deeply. These principles are reflected in their three daughters, two of whom are UC Davis graduates. Their youngest, Erin Sayson-Kane was on the UC Davis gymnastics team from 2011-2012, and was recognized as a Scholastic All-American in 2012.
After living in various parts of the U.S.—including Washington, D.C., San Francisco, southwest Texas, and North Carolina—Christy and Sam decided to move back to Davis in 2021. They believe in the UC Davis community that brought them together and look forward to supporting the gymnastics program and the university for many years to come.
The Sayson's most recent support to the gymnastics program helped with much needed improvements to their facility. The team was able to update some of their practice equipment and their team room space in Hickey Gym. In honor of this gift, the team room will be named for Christy so all current and future student-athletes can be inspired by their generosity.
In the Community | UC Davis Athletes Bring Warmth to Local Children
The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) at UC Davis embraced the holiday spirit by organizing a blanket-making event to support the UCD Children's Hospital, bringing joy to children unable to spend the holidays with loved ones. Launched in 2023, the festive event featured handmade holiday-themed blankets, music, hot chocolate, and candy canes, quickly becoming a favorite among student-athletes. The event returned in 2024, reinforcing SAAC's commitment to fostering a compassionate local community and strengthening bonds among athletes.
"In this season of gratitude and giving, I am truly happy that the children of our community can feel the warmth and love of the UC Davis student-athletes through these blankets," shared Kayla Wolfe, SAAC President.
Aggies in Competition | Eight in a Row!
The UC Davis Women's Basketball team achieved an impressive eight-game win streak this season. Their streak included a 5-0 run in Big West Conference and was highlighted by a notable 57-50 victory over Arizona State in December.
This marks their first win over a Power 4 opponent since 2021 and was fueled by standout performances from Tova Sabel, Nya Epps, and Megan Norris, all scoring in double digits. Their strong defense and teamwork were instrumental in grinding out the hard-fought victory.
