ORLANDO, FL – In a move signaling a major shift for the program, UCF Athletics has officially named Gabe Lazo as the 14th head coach of the Knights’ women’s basketball team. The announcement, made by Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir, comes after a whirlwind week in which Lazo briefly accepted an assistant role at LSU before pivoting to take the helm in Orlando.
Lazo arrives at UCF with a reputation as one of the most dynamic recruiters and defensive strategists in the nation. Most recently an assistant at Tennessee, Lazo was instrumental in securing the country’s No. 1 ranked 2025 recruiting class, featuring multiple five-star prospects. His “Florida-first” philosophy and deep ties to the state’s basketball landscape made him the primary target for a UCF program looking to revitalize its standing in the Big 12.
“Gabe represents exactly what we were looking for,” Mohajir said in a statement. “He is a proven competitor with a track record of elevating every program he touches. His energy and vision are the right fit for Knight Nation as we look to compete for conference championships.”
Lazo replaces Sytia Messer, following a challenging 11-19 season. Tasked with rebuilding a roster capable of battling Big 12 giants, Lazo expressed his excitement during Saturday’s announcement. “As a Florida native, this opportunity means a great deal to me,” Lazo said. “This is a special place with tremendous potential, and I can’t wait to build a culture of excellence here.”
With his introductory press conference scheduled for later this week, fans are already anticipating a more aggressive, high-pressure style of play. For UCF, the hire isn’t just about a new face on the sidelines—it’s a clear statement of intent to become a perennial contender in the national landscape.
