UC Davis women's water polo player Lillie Vehling has received the Big West Service and Leadership Award, a recognition for her outstanding contributions in leadership, service, and academics. Vehling has excelled as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and established "Aggie Points," a platform to enhance school spirit and attendance. Additionally, she co-founded the SWAG initiative to teach adults swimming, enhancing community access to aquatic education. With a strong academic background, she maintained a 3.93 GPA while majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Science and Engineering and excelled athletically by ranking in the top tier of her team.

By the Numbers
  • Lillie Vehling maintains a 3.93 GPA while completing internships at Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
  • She ranked third on the team in assists and fourth in both goals and points this season.
Yes, But

While Vehling's accomplishments are commendable, some may argue that balancing athletics, academics, and extensive leadership roles can present challenges that not all student-athletes can navigate successfully.

State of Play
  • UC Davis women's water polo is preparing for the next competitive season with a strong roster, including impactful leadership from Vehling.
  • The university is transitioning sports programs to the Mountain West Conference starting in 2026鈥�27, aiming for greater athletic visibility and support.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Vehling's leadership and community initiatives are likely to inspire more student-athletes to engage in service, potentially elevating UC Davis's athletic culture further.

Bottom Line

Lillie Vehling's achievement highlights the crucial link between academic success, athletic performance, and leadership in community engagement, setting a benchmark for future student-athletes at UC Davis.