The 2026 season for the UCF Women’s Soccer team opened with a home matchup against the Florida Gators in Orlando, kicking off what promises to be a demanding schedule. The atmosphere was electric as fans welcomed back the Knights after a breakthrough year that saw them return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022.
UCF entered the campaign with a revamped roster, featuring eight international athletes from Sweden, Brazil, Japan, Nigeria, Canada and France. New additions include goalkeeper Kaina Cesar, forwards Naomi Clark and Alysiah Lockette, and defenders Bella Douglas and Carli Crews, while returning stars such as forward Liz Worden, who contributed ten assists last season, remain central to the attack.
Coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak, now in her 14th year at the helm, balances her full‑time duties with the senior national team as she looks to extend the program’s streak of NCAA Tournament appearances that began in 2022. Her vision blends tactical discipline with the flexibility needed to navigate a packed Big 12 slate.
A Tough Road Ahead
The Knights will travel to face some of the conference’s elite, including road contests at Texas Tech, Colorado, and West Virginia, as well as non‑conference battles against LSU, Florida Gulf Coast and Duke. Each matchup presents a test of depth and resilience for a squad that finished 12‑4‑5 in 2025.
Returning captain Maria Tregansin will lead a midfield that also sees Payton Patrick back from injury, while the defensive line aims to fill the void left by Genesis Perez Watson, who moved to Atlético Madrid. With five All‑Big 12 honorees from a year ago, the team hopes to translate its strong 2025 record into another postseason berth.