DAVIS, Calif. — UC Davis Athletics has named Gavin O'Neal its new director of track and field and cross country. O'Neal brings more than 20 years of collegiate coaching and leadership experience to Davis, including more than a decade at Boise State and previous stops at Miami, Columbia, Williams and Oberlin.

Throughout his career, O'Neal has helped develop Olympians, NCAA champions, All-Americans, NCAA qualifiers and conference champions across sprints, hurdles, relays, jumps, middle-distance and distance events.

"Gavin is a proven leader with an impressive record of developing student-athletes and building championship-caliber programs," Director of Athletics Rocko DeLuca said. "His vision, energy and commitment to student-athlete success make him an outstanding fit for UC Davis. We are excited to welcome Gavin and look forward to the future of Aggie track & field and cross country under his leadership."

"I've always viewed UC Davis as one of the truly special places in collegiate athletics," O'Neal said. "It combines world-class academics, a proud tradition in track & field and cross country, and a community that genuinely cares about developing student-athletes. Opportunities like this don't come along very often, and I'm honored to serve as the next head coach of the Aggie track & field and cross country programs.

"My goal is to create an environment where student-athletes are challenged to reach their full potential, alumni feel connected to the program and championships become the result of doing things the right way every day. I'm grateful for the opportunity to build a program the entire Aggie community can be proud of."

O'Neal joined Boise State as an assistant coach in 2013 and oversaw the Broncos' sprints, hurdles and middle-distance groups before being elevated to interim head coach in March 2024.

Among his most notable accomplishments, O'Neal coached Kristie Schoffield to the 2022 NCAA championship in the 800 meters. Weeks later, Schoffield ran 1:59.80 and became the only collegiate athlete to advance to the 800-meter final at the 2022 USATF Outdoor Championships.

O'Neal also coached MaLeigha Menegatti to the indoor and outdoor Mountain West championships in the 800 meters in 2023. Menegatti set a conference championship record of 2:02.41, advanced to both NCAA championship meets and earned second-team All-America honors indoors and outdoors.

"Having worked closely with Gavin, I've seen firsthand the impact he has on those around him," Clemson track and field coach Pete Charles said. "He is a passionate, strategic leader who genuinely cares about the growth of his student-athletes and colleagues. UC Davis is getting a champion on and off the field."

"Gavin is one of the best coaches I have worked with throughout my coaching career. He is never satisfied with the status quo and is constantly seeking better ways to develop, support, and empower his student-athletes to perform at the highest possible level. He brings a unique combination of coaching expertise, recruiting experience, and the ability to build strong, values-driven culture. I'm excited to see everything he accomplishes at UC Davis," University of Washington track and field coach Jesse Chapman said.

"Gavin has a long history of developing student-athletes into elite level talent, but more importantly elite level people. His enthusiasm, combined with his competitiveness and vision for the program will take it to great heights. I am thrilled for Gavin and for the student-athletes at UC Davis," Oregon State associate head coach Pete Herber said.

"Gavin is an outstanding recruiter and program builder who has achieved national success at every stop," University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill track and field coach Jody Stewart said. "I'm confident he will do the same at UC Davis."