Des Abeyta
	Position: Assistant Coach Experience: 6th Year

An honorable mention All-American during her career at UC Davis, Aggie great Des Abeyta joined her alma mater's coaching staff before the 2007-08 season and will start her fifth year on the program's coaching staff in 2012-13.

The return to UC Davis also marked a return to the home state for Abeyta, who prepped at Sacramento's Mira Loma High School. She spent the two previous seasons as head varsity coach at Forest Ridge High School in Bellevue, Wash before returning to her college alma mater. Abeyta also served as an assistant coach at North Seattle Community College from 2001-02.

Recognized as one of the best centers to ever play at UC Davis, Abeyta works closely with the Aggie post players. She has been key in the development of sophomore Paige Mintun, who earned All-Big West Conference first team in 2008-09, as well as Lauren Juric, who was named Big West Freshmen of the Year during the same season.

A master multi-tasker, Abeyta coordinates travel, film exchange, and equipment for the Aggies. She also assists with on-court instruction on both offense and defense, scouting, recruiting, camps, and all other facets of the program.

As an Aggie standout from 1996 to 1999, Abyeta helped UC Davis to a 94-22 overall record during her four seasons. She earned All-West Region honors by both Kodak/WBCA and Daktronics in each of her junior and senior seasons, leading the team in scoring and rebounds both years. Abyeta's appearance on the Kodak all-region first team bestowed upon her All-America honorable mention. Additionally, she was selected to the All-California Collegiate Athletic Association first team during the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 seasons.

Abeyta also was a member of the Aggie team that finished third at the NCAA Division II Championship, playing alongside current Associate Head Coach Jennifer Gross. She continues to rank among the school's career leaders in points and rebounds. The 6-foot-3 Abeyta later played two years of professional ball in Greece and Portugal before entering the coaching ranks in the state of Washington.

Abeyta graduated from UC Davis in 2000, earning her degree in organizational studies.