RECognition: Annabelle Davis, Outback Adventures
Recreation's monthly series to highlight and celebrate our staff
By Shawn Cyr
Assistant Marketing Director
A fourth-year psychology major in Sixth College, Annabelle Davis is one of those people who make a space great for other staff and customers. Since joining REC in Fall 2025, Annabelle has been connecting with others who share “a genuine appreciation for the outdoors” by helping customers get everything they need for their trips. A member of the UC San Diego Women’s Club Water Polo team, Annabelle also enjoys swimming and adventuring with friends.
"This is Annabelle’s third year working in the Outback Rental Shop; she exemplifies professionalism, reliability, and amazing customer service," says Simon Teale, Outdoor Education Director.
Here's our Q&A with Annabelle:
Q: What is your favorite part about working in REC?
A: One of my favorite parts about working in REC is the opportunity to connect with people who share my curiosity and interests. Working at Outback in particular has allowed me to meet individuals who share a genuine appreciation for the outdoors. Through these connections, I've had the chance to explore new activities, such as surfing and snorkeling, alongside my coworkers, while also sharing my knowledge with customers so they can confidently pursue these experiences on their own.
Q: What do you do for your job at REC?
A: I assist customers in selecting gear tailored to their specific activities and trips. I perform daily safety checks, maintenance, and repairs on outdoor equipment and organize and manage gear inventory efficiently to support smooth daily operations.
Q: What made you want to work for REC?
A: I have always valued staying active and connecting with others through shared activities. During my first year at UCSD, I sought out a community that shared this same appreciation, and I found it within the REC department.
Q: If you could have one super power, what would it be and WHY?
A: If I could have one superpower, it would be teleportation because it would allow me to discover and explore new places and destinations at any time.
Q: What was your most memorable experience with REC?
A: One of my most memorable experiences with REC took place during a team meeting with the crew at the rental shop. We decided to play a human knot game, but with a twist: a third of us couldn't speak, a third couldn't hear, and the remaining third couldn't see. This silly game erupted in fumbling and laughter, which was just very representative of our time at shop — each person has their own life but, when we are working, we become a team.
Q: What is one self-care/sports/fitness activity you love?
A: One fitness activity I love and consider a form of self-care is swimming. Especially during the summer, it offers an excellent way to cool down while raising my heart rate. No matter how difficult the day has been, getting into the water instantly shifts my mood for the better. This applies to any water activity or setting — swimming, snorkeling, or floating in lakes, rivers, oceans, and pools.
Q: When I'm not working, you can find me ...
A: On some random adventure with my friends.
