A Milestone in Coaching
Gabe Lazo steps onto the sidelines of University of Central Florida’s women’s basketball program as its first Latino head coach in a Power Five conference, a milestone that resonates far beyond the hardwood.
His appointment comes as the Knights prepare for a demanding debut season that features seven Sunshine State contests, headlined by rivalry matchups against Florida State and Florida in November.
A Packed Non‑Conference Calendar
The schedule includes a home game against Florida A&M on November 3 and participation in the Florida Gulf Classic in Naples over the Thanksgiving weekend, where the team will test itself against a variety of opponents before the transition to Big 12 play in late December.
Additional non‑conference fixtures see the Knights travel to face North Florida, Stetson, Jacksonville and Florida Atlantic, giving the new coaching staff a broad sampling of competition to fine‑tune strategies.
Roster Changes and Coaching Continuity
Lynn Bria’s resignation from Stetson paved the way for Melissa DeVore to take the helm at that program, a move that underscores the fluid nature of coaching across the region and highlights the collaborative environment surrounding UCF’s rise.
With the regular season underway, the focus shifts to how Lazo’s leadership will shape the team’s chemistry and performance as they aim to make an early impact in a highly competitive landscape.