DAVIS, Calif. – UC Davis athletics is proud to announce its new student development program, Aggie Leverage designed to set UC Davis student-athletes on a path for career success through skill building events, experiential learning opportunities, and guidance from subject matter experts. Aggie Leverage ensures that each student-athlete is prepared to advance from UC Davis with direction and confidence.
 
"At UC Davis, we understand that we have a special selection of student-athletes who embrace academic rigor and high-level athletic competition," said Senior Associate Athletics Director – Strategy, Social Impact, and Student-Athlete Development Courtney Randall. "Our first focus is to ensure that our student-athletes are prepared to be leaders in the workforce and change makers in society – the Aggie Leverage program helps us get there. We are fortunate to be near major companies, have access to a large alumni base, and to have the support of exceptional campus resources. Aggie Leverage ensures that every Aggie student-athlete has a defined progression plan for their future."
 
WHY AGGIE LEVERAGE MATTERS: UC Davis offers student-athletes a unique balance between demanding academics and highly competitive athletics. Our coaches and department staff are committed to the success and whole development of student-athletes beyond the field of play. Our distinguished alumni base, supportive campus resources, and prime location in Northern California position us to provide an elite student-athlete experience with substantial return on investment, especially in career preparedness and exposure. Aggie Leverage is our strategy to develop the human capital of our student-athletes, putting them in position to have leverage in the job market.

"Aggie Leverage ensures the Aggie experience extends far beyond the playing field," said Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca. "We've built on the success of our EVO program to create a best-in-class platform that develops leaders, not just athletes. By equipping our student-athletes with skills, experiences, and mentorship, we're preparing them to thrive in their careers and continue making an impact as part of the Aggie network."
 
Aggie Leverage focuses on five key career development areas for student-athletes – Experiential Learning, Network Cultivation, Foundational Career Readiness, Roadmapping for the Future, and Leadership, Teamwork and Character. All Aggie Leverage programming is connected to these core categories.
 
Experiential Learning
The Experiential Learning category is focused on "in the field" learning, where student-athletes engage in activities that provide up-close insights into the professional world.
 
Network Cultivation
The Network Cultivation category connects student-athletes to professionals, campus partners, community members, and each other to help them understand the power of a strong network.
 
Foundational Career Readiness
The Foundational Career Readiness area is made up of the most basic preparations necessary to participate competitively in the workforce, identifying industries and careers of interest, developing application materials, finding jobs, and properly applying for jobs.
 
Roadmapping for the Future
Roadmapping for the Future teaches student-athletes how to properly reflect and plan for their career journey, including understanding their professional aims, values, and financial strategy.
 
Leadership, Teamwork and Character
The Leadership, Teamwork and Character component focuses on collaboration, understanding, and decision making that develops student-athletes to be key contributors and team-builders in their professional endeavors.
 
For more information about Aggie Leverage and how to get involved please head to the linked website or contact Courtney Randall at ckrandall@ucdavis.edu.