Gabe Lazo has made history as the University of Central Florida’s first Hispanic head coach of the women’s basketball program, a milestone that resonates far beyond the hardwood.
Roots in a Immigrant Family
Born to Cuban immigrants in Miami’s Little Havana, Lazo grew up in a single‑parent household and faced homelessness over a decade ago. His mother, Adela Aguiar, fled Cuba during Fidel Castro’s regime and battled schizoaffective disorder, including a near‑fatal subdural hematoma. The nickname “Campeón,” bestowed by his grandmother, became a personal mantra that later guided his advocacy for women’s empowerment.
From Player to Coach
Basketball offered an escape; as a child he dribbled daily near Kinloch Park while his mother worked to keep a roof over their heads. A $300 loan from a player’s father helped him secure temporary housing, a lifeline that underscored the community’s support. He later played professionally in Puerto Rico and returned to Miami to teach at Braddock High, where he began his coaching journey as a junior varsity assistant. At Ferguson High, he led the Eagles to their first district and regional titles and a Class 9A state title game appearance in 2017, despite financial hardships. His father, Pedro Heliodoro Lazo, survived imprisonment during the Bay of Pigs invasion and turned a $50,000 loan into successful business ventures, a legacy of perseverance that shaped Gabe’s work ethic.
A New Chapter at UCF
In 2024, Lazo joined the Tennessee Volunteers Women's Basketball staff, helping sign five of ESPN’s top 60 recruits and top transfer portal players, including Janiah Barker. At UCF, he signed seven transfer players, retained key veterans such as Jewel Sharp, Lauren Park‑Lane, Mahogany Chandler‑Roberts, Jasmynne Gibson, Felicia Schölander, Maria Cintas, Salomé Bayoyo, Lynn Bria, Bett Shelby, and Cheyanne Daniels, and also welcomed newcomers including Shakey Rodriguez, Tiara Malcom, and Josh Theis. The group is complemented by community supporters like Mollie Patmore, whose enthusiasm reflects the broader fan base.
Legacy and Leadership
The new era also reflects the influence of mentors like Frank Martin and Kim Mulkey, and the broader network of coaches and administrators at institutions such as Florida International University (FIU), Barry University, Stony Brook University, George Washington University, Mississippi State University, and Louisiana State University (LSU). Lazo’s vision extends beyond the court, seeking to foster connections with fans in Orlando, Baton Rouge, and beyond, including the vibrant atmosphere of Volcano Bay, while honoring the legacy of Ferguson High School, Miami Senior High, and Braddock High School.