DAVIS, Calif. – UC Davis has announced that Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca has signed a five-year contract extension. Since assuming the position in 2021, DeLuca has established a bold vision for Aggie Athletics, emphasizing academic and athletic excellence, student-athlete well-being, and strategic growth.
 
"Under Rocko's leadership, our student-athletes have excelled on the field and thrived academically and in the community, embodying the essence of the term 'student-athlete,'" UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May said. "He has elevated our athletics program in so many ways and has been a tremendous partner to me and to our university leadership. Rocko's commitment to excellence in all of his endeavors has left a lasting impression on our campus and beyond, and I look forward to continuing our work together for years to come."
 
One of DeLuca's most notable achievements was leading UC Davis to the Mountain West Conference beginning in June 2026 — a move that enhances UC Davis' visibility and competitiveness while providing student-athletes with new opportunities at the highest levels of collegiate sports. DeLuca also introduced Ignite, the department's first comprehensive strategic plan, laying a foundation for future growth in student-athlete development, competitive excellence, diversity, equity and inclusion, personnel, and revenue generation. In the classroom, student-athlete academic success has risen under DeLuca's leadership, with the department recording a 93% Graduation Success Rate (GSR) in 2024, ranking among the top 10 nationally and establishing a program record. On the fields and courts of competition, UC Davis teams have captured 12 conference championships since his elevation to director of athletics in 2021, with 25 individual Aggies winning conference titles.
 
Financial growth and stewardship have also been hallmarks of DeLuca's leadership since his arrival in Davis in 2016. Ticket sales have increased by 108%, contributing to a 150% rise in football revenue, while Olympic sports have seen a 140% revenue boost. Annual fundraising has consistently exceeded goals, leading to the department's budget growth to $50 million in fiscal year 2024. These financial gains have supported significant investments in student-athlete services and facilities, including the $52 million Edwards Family Athletics Center, a $5 million addition of lights to Aggie Soccer and Dobbins Baseball Stadium, a $3.2 million Aquatics Team Center, and upgrades to softball, baseball and beach volleyball venues.
 
"I am honored to serve at such an incredible institution with tremendous leadership, student-athletes, coaches and supporters," DeLuca said. "Any success we have experienced over the last few years is a result of alignment, hard work and a shared commitment to excellence throughout our department and across the campus. The future of Aggie Athletics is a bright one and I look forward to working with our student-athletes, coaches, staff, donors, fans and community as we continue to build upon our success."
 
About UC Davis Athletics
UC Davis, ranked the No. 3 public university in setting up students for financial success by The Wall Street Journal, is home to 40,065 students and 28,000 employees. The university is ranked No. 1 in the United States in agriculture and forestry as well as No. 1 in veterinary medicine. Nestled in a true California college town, UC Davis is located between world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe.

More than 650 Aggie student-athletes compete in 25 Division I varsity sports across five conferences, including the Big West, Big Sky, Big 12, MPSF and ECAC. UC Davis student-athletes are enrolled in 71 different undergraduate majors and boast a 93% Graduation Success Rate.