Aggie High Fives: Pinnick’s Dominance & Willett Family Legacy
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“There’s a vibrant energy sweeping thru UC Davis Athletics right now – built by outstanding effort, bold performances, and powerful contributions all across our community. These High Fives capture the momentum building across Aggie Nation – and there’s even more to celebrate as we press deeper into the season. Go Ags!” – Rocko DeLuca, Director of Athletics
STUDENT ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT – CADEN PINNICK RACKS UP WEEKLY AWARDS
Following a performance against No. 14 Northern Arizona that earned No. 6 UC Davis football a victory on homecoming, redshirt freshman quarterback Caden Pinnick added to his weekly awards, being named the FCS Nation Radio National Offensive Player of the week.
Pinnick was also named the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week following the win against Northern Arizona,his third-straight such honour which tied a conference record.
The Aggie signal caller became the first big Sky honoree to earn three-straight offensive player of the week honors as Dalton Sneed (Montana) earned the honor three times in a row back in 2019. The difference between the two is that Pinnick has done it against three conference opponents, while Sneed only played two conference opponents wiht his streak starting in the non-conference portion of Montana’s 2019 schedule.
Pinnick shined in another Aggie victory throwing for a career-high, 348 passing yards while throwing five touchdowns, the most by an Aggie since 2018. Pinnick was also lights out going 25-for-29 to finish with a completion percentage of 86.2 percent. Over the past three games Pinnick has gone 62-for-82,thrown for 949 yards,tossed 10 touchdowns and thrown no interceptions to lead the Aggies to a 3-0 start in Big Sky play for the second-straight season.
Nationally, Pinnick’s five touchdown passes were the most thrown by a quarterback over the weekend and it’s the second-most thrown in a game this year. While his completion percentage rated as the best in the country over the weekend and it’s the sixth-best completion percentage in a game this year.
It’s the fifth time this season that Pinnick has earned weekly honors and the second time he has earned national honors. He was named the Stats Perform National Freshman Player of the Week back in week one and he earned Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week honors after the Aggies knocked off Weber State, following the road win at cal Poly and after the most recent victory on homecoming over Northern Arizona.
DONOR IMPACT – Willett Family
The Willett family’s bond with UC Davis Athletics runs deep, rooted in both tradition and personal legacy. Genia Willett, daughter of long-time legendary UC Davis head coach Woody Wilson, and her husband Jim were recently recognized as the Champion Aggies Club Donors of the Game during UC Davis football’s Big Sky opener against Weber State alongside their daughter and son-in-law Tom and Kim Windall.
“We support athletics because of the high caliber of the program and the student-athletes,” genia explains. “We also like to support athletics to honor my father, Woody Wilson, who put his heart and soul into the track and field program.”
Their philanthropy has helped fuel scholarships, facility upgrades, and opportunities that empower student-athletes to excel both on the field and in the classroom. For the Willetts, each donation is a way to invest in the future of Aggie Athletics and honor a cherished family legacy.
UC Davis Athletics and Thriving Pink Partner for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
UC Davis athletics demonstrated a strong commitment to community support this October, partnering with local nonprofit Thriving Pink to raise awareness and funds for those impacted by breast cancer in Yolo County. The collaboration, dubbed “PINKtober,” involved multiple Aggie teams and events throughout the month, celebrating the strength of breast cancer thrivers and supporting their journey.
“Walk & Thrive” Kickoff and Aggie Support
Thriving Pink launched its “PINKtober” campaign with its annual Walk & Thrive event on October 4th at Northstar Park Pond in Davis. the event brought together breast cancer thrivers, their families, and friends in a show of solidarity. Members of the UC Davis gymnastics team and the university’s mascot, Gunrock, were present to offer their support.
gymnastics Head Coach Tanya Ho Gomez emphasized the importance of community connection,stating,”Walking with Thriving Pink reminded us that our power goes beyond gymnastics. Connecting with others is a powerful catalyst for strength and healing and we are committed to lifting others within the Davis community.”
Expanding the Partnership Across Aggie Athletics
The partnership extended beyond the Walk & Thrive event, with Thriving Pink gaining visibility at UC davis athletic competitions. They made special appearances at a UC Davis football game and the volleyball team’s “Dig Pink” game – a nationally recognized breast cancer awareness event.
A Personal Connection for UC Davis Volleyball
The partnership resonated deeply with the UC davis volleyball team. Head Coach, Jamie Conners, shared that the initiative was particularly meaningful as several student-athletes have family members affected by breast cancer. “It’s powerful to see our athletics department using sport as a platform to make a real difference in people’s lives,” Conners said. “To stand together in support of awareness, research, and hope makes this partnership especially meaningful.”
Supporting Thriving Pink’s Mission
UC Davis Athletics’ collaboration with Thriving Pink underscores the university’s dedication to supporting the local community and raising awareness for critical health issues. Thriving Pink provides resources and empowerment to breast cancer thrivers throughout Yolo County, focusing on holistic well-being and support networks.
To learn more about Thriving Pink and how to get involved, visit their website at https://thrivingpink.org/.
Key Takeaways:
* UC Davis Athletics partnered with Thriving Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month (“PINKtober”).
* The collaboration included the “Walk & Thrive” event, appearances at football and volleyball games, and demonstrated a commitment to community support.
* the partnership held personal significance for the UC Davis volleyball team, with several players having family members affected by breast cancer.
* Thriving Pink provides vital support and resources to breast cancer thrivers in yolo County.