ORLANDO, FL – The UCF Women’s Basketball program has officially entered a new era with the appointment of Gabe Lazo as its new head coach. The announcement, made by the UCF Athletics department, marks a significant strategic shift for the Knights as they look to climb the ranks of the highly competitive Big 12 Conference.
A Proven Winner and Recruiter
Lazo joins the Knights with an impressive resume, most recently serving as an assistant coach for the Tennessee Lady Vols. During his tenure in Knoxville, Lazo was instrumental in defensive game planning and was widely regarded as one of the top recruiters in the nation. His ability to connect with elite talent was a key factor in UCF’s decision to bring him to Orlando.
“Gabe is a rising star in the coaching world,” said UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir. “His energy, tactical mind, and deep recruiting ties, particularly in the state of Florida, make him the perfect fit to lead our program into this next chapter. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Kingdom.”
The Vision for the Knights
Lazo’s coaching philosophy is built on high-intensity defense and a fast-paced transition offense. In his introductory press conference, Lazo emphasized his commitment to building a “culture of toughness” and leveraging the unique advantages of the UCF campus to attract top-tier student-athletes.
“This is a dream opportunity,” Lazo stated. “Orlando is a hotbed for basketball talent, and UCF is a sleeping giant. We’re going to play a brand of basketball that is exciting for our fans and difficult for our opponents. Our goal is simple: to compete for championships and represent the Knights with pride on the national stage.”
Community and Alumni Support
The hire has already sparked a wave of excitement among the UCF alumni and local community. With the Knights entering their fourth season in the Big 12, the expectation for post-season success has never been higher. Analysts believe Lazo’s familiarity with the Florida landscape will allow him to immediately impact the roster through both the transfer portal and high school recruiting.
As the Knights prepare for the 2026-27 season, the “Lazo Era” promises a revitalized energy at the Addition Financial Arena, with fans eager to see the program return to the NCAA Tournament conversation.
