Rocko DeLuca serves as the Director of Athletics at the University of California, Davis, where he leads a NCAA Division I athletics program consisting of 25 varsity sport programs and 671 student-athletes. Since assuming the role in 2021, DeLuca has established a bold vision for Aggie Athletics, emphasizing academic and athletic excellence, student-athlete well-being, and strategic growth.
Under DeLuca’s leadership, UC Davis Athletics has achieved significant success. The department recorded a 93% Graduation Success Rate in 2024, ranking among the top 10 nationally and setting a program record. Over the past four years, more than 15 teams have posted their highest GPAs, including notable academic milestones in men’s basketball and football. On the field, UC Davis teams have captured 12 conference championships and 25 individual conference champions have been crowned since 2020, including:
- 2021: Women’s Basketball, Lacrosse, Cross Country, Men’s Water Polo, Men’s Golf
- Individual champions in outdoor track & field (5)
- 2022: Men’s Water Polo, Gymnastics, Equestrian, Men’s Tennis
- Individual champions in women’s cross country (1) indoor track (1), gymnastics (1), outdoor track & field (4)
- 2023: Equestrian
- Individual champions in women’s cross country (1) indoor track (1), gymnastics (1), women’s swim (1), outdoor track & field (2)
- 2024: Men’s Soccer
- Individual champions in indoor track (3), gymnastics (2), outdoor track & field (2)
The football program has also achieved postseason success, reaching the playoffs in 2021 and 2024, with the latter season marking a program-best No. 5 national ranking. More than 30 student-athletes have earned All-American honors, underscoring the program’s growing national prominence.
A cornerstone of DeLuca’s tenure is UC Davis’s upcoming transition to the Mountain West Conference, effective July 1, 2026. This move enhances the university’s competitive opportunities and aligns it with prestigious peer institutions. Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez said, “Adding UC Davis further strengthens the trajectory of the Mountain West as it continues to build its brand that has proven to elevate institutions and student-athletes.”
DeLuca’s innovative leadership is exemplified through
IGNITE, the first strategic, comprehensive roadmap for UC Davis Athletics as a Division I program. Developed with input from more than 100 stakeholders, the plan emphasizes transparency, engagement, and accountability. DeLuca has also championed student-athlete leadership through initiatives such as the AD’s Captain’s Council, which empowers student-athletes to drive change and foster collaboration across programs.
Financial growth and stewardship have also been hallmarks of DeLuca’s leadership since his arrival to 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
- The $5 million addition of lights to Aggie Soccer and Dobbins Baseball Stadium
- The $3.2 million Aquatics Team Center
- Upgrades to softball, baseball, and beach volleyball venues
UC Davis Health Stadium has set attendance records five times in the past four years, while men’s soccer and volleyball have reached historic attendance milestones. In 2024 UC Davis Football ranked #2 in FCS attendance relative to stadium capacity.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, DeLuca prioritized the well-being of his staff, ensuring no positions were eliminated. His values-driven leadership has been evident in difficult decisions that uphold the department’s principles and the university’s mission.
Before joining UC Davis as Deputy Athletic Director in 2016, DeLuca held leadership roles at UMass Amherst and the University of Colorado. At UMass, he led record-breaking fundraising campaigns, securing multimillion-dollar gifts and overseeing $75 million in facility projects. At Colorado, he increased annual giving by 60%, and launched innovative major gift programs, secured funding for critical facility upgrades, scholarship as well as unrestricted current use dollars.
A native of Colorado, DeLuca earned a master’s degree in sports administration from the University of Northern Colorado and a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Colorado.
DeLuca is a member of the UC Davis Chancellor’s Leadership Cabinet, contributing to campus-wide initiatives and strategic decision-making. He has also held leadership roles within the Big West Conference as a past chair of the Athletic Directors Council and a member of the Executive Committee.
