DAVIS, Calif. - Arianna "Ari" Osier is a trailblazer, but she is not alone. The UC Davis Assistant Athletic Director for Equipment Operations, Osier has overseen equipment for the Aggie football team since 2022, and what makes it unique is that she is one of few women in the nation that holds that role.

"I could probably list all of the women who share my role by name," said Osier.

At just 27 years old, Osier has made a name for herself as the head of equipment for Aggie sports operating around the UC Davis Health Stadium and Schaal Aquatics Center. Her biggest responsibility is ensuring the "safety, health, and well-being of student-athletes when it comes to protective equipment," with football being a key focus.

Osier's career growth is a testament to her dedication and high-quality work. Her journey began when she worked as a stat girl for her high school football team, helping with tasks like taping ankles, passing out jerseys, and filming practices. "I knew I didn't like athletic training or film from that experience," Osier recalls.

As an undergraduate at Cal Poly, Osier got a job working on the football team's ball crew. Noticing that the equipment director had a lot on his plate, she volunteered to help him for free. It was here that she realized equipment management could be a potential career.

"I liked all the moving parts," Osier says. "I enjoy that; I thrive on being busy."

Post-graduation, she secured a graduate assistant ship in equipment management at Illinois State. As a first-generation college student, Osier was the first person in her family to earn both a bachelor's and master's degree. After two years at Illinois State, Osier received an opportunity to return to the West Coast and begin working for UC Davis, where she has since put down roots. "There are so few jobs in football in equipment, especially as a woman, so if someone was going to give me that chance, I was going to take it.

"I want to make it so they don't have to worry about literally anything except coaching and playing football. I don't even want a player to have to think about how to tie their shoes; that's how detailed we are about things."

Now, Osier is responsible for managing multi-million-dollar apparel deals, designing uniforms, setting up the team locker room, and much more. While successful, Osier notes this journey hasn't come without hardships.

She shared that when the team travels, other schools typically assume that her truck driver or intern is in charge, not realizing she is actually the boss. But Osier does not let these moments define her. "I try not to put that in the forefront of my brain; I just try to be me, unapologetically me," she says.

As one of the few women heading equipment for football at a Division I school, Osier has formed connections with the other ladies leading the charge.

The women even have a group chat to share advice and experiences. Reflecting on the impact of being a woman in this field, Osier admits, "I've gone through waves in my confidence in the profession because I felt like I was competing with every man in the room."

While Osier acknowledges that being a woman in the industry may pose challenges, she prefers to be recognized for her ability to do her job rather than the obstacles she faces. "I want people to look and say that's Ari, the UC Davis Equipment Manager, and she's good at what she does," she says, referencing how she hopes others think of her.

"Working for head coach Tim Plough has been the best experience possible," she says. During her time here, she has been instrumental in coordinating the student internship program, which allows students to work for the football team and gain experience in sports.

Plough emphasized Osier's impact stating "she is as important to the success of our program as anybody. Her work ethic is unmatched and her drive to constantly make others around her better makes her a great leader."

Osier is setting a path for other women to follow, it hasn't been easy but the blueprint is being written. "It's ok to be the loudest person in the room, as long as you're doing it in a respectful and kind manner." She encourages, "If you're around the right people, they'll invest in you."

Soon, with the example set by Osier and others, the group chat will start to grow.

This story is an example of UC Davis Athletics' commitment to the Ignite Strategic Plan Pillar of Assess and Value Personnel by creating a culture of inclusivity and collaborative performance focused on excellence. Read more about our strategic plan here; IGNITE