"There's a throughline across everything right now. You see it in what Amelia has brought to gymnastics over the course of her career, in how George and Beth Barnes give back to programs that shaped them, in the reflection Kip asked of our student-athletes, and in the way our teams continue to compete and represent UC Davis. Different spaces, but the same idea: people showing up in a way that leaves something behind."
— Rocko DeLuca, Director of Athletics
STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT – Amelia Moneymaker, Gymnastics
Amelia Moneymaker has spent the past four years making an impact both on the mat and across the UC Davis community, emerging as a leader, advocate and one of the most accomplished gymnasts in program history.
While continuing to compete at a high level, Moneymaker also dedicated her time beyond competition, serving as Vice President of the Coalition for African Diaspora Student-Athletes (CADSA). In that role, she helped foster community and connection among student-athletes, embodying what it means to represent UC Davis both in and out of competition.
"Being an athlete has shaped my experiences at UC Davis well beyond the gymnastics floor," said Moneymaker. "The people who I have met and the community that I have made with other athletes here will last a lifetime."
On the floor, Moneymaker's career speaks for itself. The Aggie all-arounder qualified for NCAA Regionals in back-to-back seasons, captured six Mountain Pacific Sports Federation titles and set four school records. This past season, she claimed her second consecutive MPSF beam and all-around titles while extending her program record with 26 career scores of 39.000 or higher.
She closed out her Aggie career at the Corvallis Regional with a 39.150 all-around performance, putting a final stamp on one of the most decorated careers in program history.
"From meeting new people to making meaningful memories, it has definitely been a defining experience," Moneymaker added. "I count myself fortunate to have been at UC Davis these past four years."
STAFF SPOTLIGHT – Rachel Cuellar-Hinojosa, Assistant Athletics Director for External Communications
Rachel Cuellar Hinojosa joined UC Davis Athletics in September 2025 as Assistant Athletic Director for External Communications, stepping into a role at the intersection of brand strategy, media relations and digital storytelling at one of the most pivotal moments in department history.
For Cuellar Hinojosa, the return to Davis was personal from the start.
"UC Davis is my alma mater, so there's a natural sense of familiarity and pride," she said. "After working in politics and government affairs, I made the transition to athletics and having that opportunity be here felt right. Being able to contribute to a place that has already meant so much to me is special."
Her path to the position is anything but conventional. Before arriving at UC Davis Athletics, Cuellar Hinojosa spent years in public affairs and strategic communications, working on political campaigns, corporate initiatives and grassroots advocacy efforts across California. UC Davis Senior Associate Athletics Director for External Relations, Danielle Shank identified that background as a strength from the jump.
"Rachel stood out because she brings a perspective on the media industry that extends well beyond sport," Shank said. "She's led campaigns from start to finish, not just conceptually but through execution, often having to be resourceful with limited time and personnel. That kind of scrappy, solutions-oriented mindset aligns with who we are at UC Davis and how we approach our work."
Arriving in the middle of football season, there was little time to settle in for the former Aggie.
"It was a bit of a whirlwind, but a great way to jump in," Cuellar Hinojosa said. "My focus has been building on the strong foundation already in place, supporting the team, refining processes, and identifying opportunities to continue elevating our communications and digital presence."
Now, with the Aggies preparing for their inaugural year in the Mountain West, the opportunity ahead has only grown.
"What excites me most is the opportunity to introduce our school and our teams to a new audience," she said. "The department has already set a high standard in how we compete, operate, and support our student-athletes, and the Mountain West transition gives us a new platform to showcase that."
For Cuellar Hinojosa, measuring success in the role comes down to two things that are equally important to her.
"A win for me looks like seeing our stories covered nationally and UC Davis Athletics being mentioned in the same breath as the world-class programs and academic reputation this university is already known for," she said. "But equally, a win is my team being happy, showing up every day and feeling like what we are doing matters."
Shank sees Cuellar Hinojosa's role as central to how UC Davis presents itself on that expanded stage.
"There's a real opportunity to amplify our stories, expand our reach and increase the consistency of how we show up," Shank said. "She'll play and is already playing a critical role in leading that charge and ensuring our voice matches the momentum of where we're headed."
That work is already underway. Since joining the department, Cuellar Hinojosa has been an active voice in shaping what comes next for UC Davis Athletics as a whole, contributing to the conference's task force conversations and helping build the communications and digital infrastructure that will carry the department forward. The groundwork being laid now, from refining how the Aggies tell their stories across 25 sports to expanding their reach into new media markets, reflects the kind of deliberate, execution-focused approach she carried over from her years in public affairs and positions UC Davis Athletics to meet the moment as the department continues to ascend its upward trajectory.
DONOR IMPACT – George and Beth Barnes Invest in Men's Golf
George and Beth Barnes have made a remarkable estate commitment that will provide lasting support for students in the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and the UC Davis men's golf program.
A member of the UC Davis class of 1961, George competed in men's golf during his time on campus before building a distinguished career as a financial advisor. Beth, an alumna of Stephens College, enjoyed a successful career in municipal bond analytics.
The couple met in the 1980s on the tennis court, where Beth recalls George encouraging her to take up golf—sparking a lifelong shared passion. Today, they continue to play together as members of both La Quinta Country Club and Bel-Air Country Club.
Beyond golf, George and Beth have embraced a spirit of adventure, traveling extensively as avid skiers and exploring destinations around the world.
Their estate commitment reflects both their personal connection to UC Davis and their desire to create meaningful opportunities for future generations. Once realized, the gift is expected to establish one of the largest endowments supporting men's golf in program history.
UC Davis Athletics is deeply grateful for the Barnes' generosity and vision. Their commitment will strengthen support for student-athletes and enhance the Aggie experience for years to come.
IN THE COMMUNITY – UC Davis Hosts Artist and Professor Kip Fulbeck
On April 3, UC Davis student-athletes and staff gathered in the auditorium of the Edwards Family Athletics Center for a thought-provoking presentation from UC Santa Barbara professor and artist Kip Fulbeck, whose work explores identity, culture and self-expression.
Best known for his Hapa Project, Fulbeck has spent decades photographing and documenting individuals of mixed Asian and Pacific Islander descent. But rather than simply presenting his work, Fulbeck guided attendees through an interactive and reflective conversation—blending personal storytelling, visual art and moments of introspection that encouraged student-athletes to examine their own identities.
Drawing from his own background, which includes English, Thai and Chinese ancestry, Fulbeck spoke candidly about the complexity of identity and the pressure many feel to fit into predefined categories. Through the stories of those featured in his work—and his own lived experiences—he challenged the idea that identity must be clearly defined, instead encouraging attendees to embrace the full spectrum of who they are.
The presentation moved fluidly between Fulbeck's artwork and open dialogue, creating space for attendees to reflect on their own experiences and consider how identity shapes their perspectives both in and out of athletics.
"It's been a long time coming, especially learning about our team's connection to the AAPI (Asian American & Pacific Islander) group on campus," said UC Davis swim and dive head coach Matt Macedo.
"My relationship with Kip started more from an athletic standpoint, but learning more about his accomplishments in the art world and how world renowned he is in that area makes his presence here so much more special. I'm so thankful that he took the time to come up here and present to us today."
Fulbeck's connection to athletics added another layer to the event. A former All-American swimmer at UC San Diego, he has long balanced both artistic and athletic pursuits—something that resonated deeply with the student-athletes in attendance.
Maddy Ching, a junior on the swim and dive team, reflected on how the presentation connected to her own experiences.
"A lot of the stuff he talked about were things that I related to," Ching said. "There are times when I've felt like maybe I wasn't American enough or Asian enough in my life, so his story really resonated with me."
By the end of the session, Fulbeck's message was clear: identity is not something to be simplified or confined, but something to be explored, understood and ultimately embraced. For many in attendance, the experience offered a meaningful reminder to approach both themselves and others with greater openness and authenticity.
AGGIES IN COMPETITION – 2026 ECAC Championship
The UC Davis equestrian team closed out its program with a fitting final chapter, capturing the 2026 Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Championship in Harrington, Delaware. The title, the program's third conference crown, reflects the standard of excellence that has defined UC Davis Equestrian.
An undefeated conference season and championship performance are consistent with what the program has represented over the past eight years: disciplined student-athletes, strong leadership, and pride in representing UC Davis. From national competitiveness to conference success, UC Davis Equestrian built a legacy that extends well beyond results in the arena.
We are grateful to the student-athletes, coaches, staff, and alumni who shaped this program and represented UC Davis with integrity and distinction. Their impact will continue to be felt across our department and the Aggie community.
This championship serves as both a celebration of this year's team and a fitting tribute to the legacy of UC Davis Equestrian.
