University of California, Davis, Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca has been named a 2025–26 NACDA Athletics Director of the Year, the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics, or NACDA, announced Monday.

DeLuca was selected as one of 28 recipients across seven divisions of college athletics and represents the Division I FCS level. The award recognizes athletics directors for their commitment to student-athletes, campuses and communities while demonstrating outstanding leadership within intercollegiate athletics.

“Rocko DeLuca and his family are important members of the Aggie community and strong representatives of UC Davis,” Chancellor Gary S. May said. “He’s had a transformative impact elevating academic achievement among our student-athletes, delivering championship performances and strategically positioning Aggie Athletics through meaningful resource enhancement. Rocko has led with integrity, vision and purpose. This recognition reflects the strong trajectory of our athletics program and we are proud of the leadership Rocko continues to provide UC Davis.”

The NACDA Athletics Director of the Year program, now in its 28th year, honors administrators who exemplify excellence in leadership, program development and service to higher education.

Since becoming UC Davis Director of Athletics in 2021, DeLuca has guided Aggie Athletics through a period of significant competitive, academic and strategic growth. Under his leadership, UC Davis student-athletes have achieved a program-record 93% Graduation Success Rate, ranking among the top 10 nationally, while Aggie teams have captured 13 conference championships and 29 individual conference titles.

DeLuca has also led major initiatives that position UC Davis Athletics for long-term success, including the department’s IGNITE strategic plan; Aggie Ascent, a long-term vision for the future of our facilities; and the university’s upcoming transition to the Mountain West Conference beginning July 1, 2026.

“I am honored and humbled to be recognized by NACDA along with my peers, and I am grateful to those on the selection committee for the recognition,” said DeLuca. “Ultimately, this award reflects the incredible student-athletes, coaches and staff who make Aggie Athletics what it is. They work hard each and every day to represent UC Davis with pride, and their commitment to excellence in competition, in the classroom and in our community is what drives the success of our programs. I am fortunate to work alongside such a dedicated group who care deeply about the student-athlete experience and about doing things the right way.

“Chancellor Gary May and our campus leadership team have been incredible partners to me and to Aggie Athletics and they recognize the importance of a strong athletics program within the university community. Finally, I want to recognize our fans, alumni and donors who believe in what we’re building and who continue to help us build tremendous momentum for our programs. Together, we are positioning UC Davis Athletics for an exciting future and the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Recipients of the NACDA Athletics Director of the Year award will be recognized during the 61st Annual NACDA & Affiliates Convention, held June 7-10 in Las Vegas. Award winners will be honored during the Association-Wide Featured Session on Tuesday, June 9, at Mandalay Bay Resort. 

About UC Davis Athletics

UC Davis, ranked No. 2 among public universities by the Wall Street Journal in the value of a college degree, is home to 40,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 employees. Ranked top in the United States in agriculture and forestry as well as No. 1 in veterinary medicine, UC Davis is located in a true California college town nestled between world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe. Over 650 Aggie student-athletes compete in 25 Division I varsity sports, with 16 sports transitioning to the Mountain West Conference beginning in 2026–27.