Around The Kingdom: School’s Back (2024)

CROSS-COUNTRY

The cross-country team looks to improve on their first year in the Big 12 that saw them finish 11th among 14 programs in the Big 12 and have a decent performance in the NCAA South Regional. The Knights return their best placed runner from last season's season finale with Isabella Richardson (Jr) finishing in 80th place at the regional. Penelope Sosa (Jr) and Abby Clements (So) also return to UCF after impressive performances. UCF will also return Andrea Ballestero (Jr), Karin Dobiasch (So), Kendall Hughes (Jr), Paige Jaszczak (Jr), and Riley Jaszczak (Jr). All of UCF's incoming runners are from high schools in the state of Florida with Reese Anderson, Gianna Del Pizzo, Raquel Edwards, Avery Latto, Madison Patchan, Ava Quattrocchi, Lucy Voss, and Emma White joining the program. The Knights' first meet will be at home in the UCF Cross Country Invitational, UCF will host Bethune-Cookman, Florida, Florida State, Jacksonville, South Florida, and Stetson.

FOOTBALL

The Knights' football program is set for their fourth year under Gus Malzahn and will be looking to improve on a "disappointing" first season in the power four. UCF brought in a large group of talent in terms of players and two new coordinators. The team will be led by transfer KJ Jefferson and an elite running back group, and will look to run over defenses in the Big 12 this season. The Knights' first game of the 2024 season is under two weeks away as they'll host FCS opponents New Hampshire.

WOMEN’S GOLF

UCF has one of the most exciting duos in collegiate golf returning to the greens this fall with a pair of All-American golfers coming back to UCF. Massachusetts native Molly Smith's freshman year concluded with All-Big 12 and All-American honors, as she earned four top five finishes and won the Mercedes Benz Intercollegiate. Thailand native Pimpisa "Sandwich" Sisutham also earned All-Big 12 and All-American honors, with a win in the Gator Invitational, her second consecutive win of that event. The final returnee from last season is a rising sophom*ore as Ireland native Katie Poots comes back for year two in black and gold, Poots managed to finish inside the top ten twice as a freshman. The Knights added a pair of transfers with Carson-Newman Senior Caroline Nemes returning home to Orlando and Sophom*ore North Florida transfer One Kashima joining the Knights, originally she's from Japan. Emily Marron's program also added a talented freshman pairing with United Arab Emirates native Jamie Camero and French native Mila Jurine joining the team. The Knights' first event comes on September 10th with the ANNIKA Intercollegiate in Minnesota.

MEN’S SOCCER

The UCF men's soccer program is coming off the back of a top season in program history, with the Knights reaching the first number one ranking ever. The Sun Belt newcomers finished the regular season at the top of the conference, but a loss in the conference tournament and to Vermont at home in the NCAA tournament put a sour ending to the 2023 season. Head coach Scott Calabrese talked to the media earlier this month about the response of his players and staff, and how excited he is to build on last season. Helping will be the return of Brazilian duo, forward Lucca Dourado and defender Anderson Rosa who were both selected to the All-SBC preseason team. Rosa was also named Preseason Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year, he rejoins the Knights despite being drafted by the Colorado Rapids in the MLS SuperDraft. The Knights played two successful friendlies away at FAU and at home against Stetson, with the season opener against Mercer set for August 22nd at home.

WOMEN’S SOCCER

The lone UCF team to kick off their 2024 regular season, and what a start it was with a massive road win. Coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak's team managed a 5-1 victory over FAU with multiple debut goals, a brace for a team captain, and a first UCF goal for a Knights defender. Things got off the mark quickly with senior forward Chloe Netzel finding freshman Edidiong "Edi" Etim for a third minute goal on her competitive debut. Netzel got her goal tally going before half time, and doubled her tally with a goal off a deflection from the Owls' keeper. Jessica McCullen scored her first Knights goal following a scramble off the back of a corner, McCullen was named to the All-Big 12 Freshman team last year. The Owls drew a goal back, but transfers Emily Thompson and Honoka Hamano linked up with Thompson finding Hamano with a brilliant ball and Hamano slotting it past the goalkeeper. The Knights started freshman keeper Sami Lipcon in net and she had a strong showing in her debut, saving four shots and allowing just one goal. UCF will be without goalkeeper Genesis Perez Watson anddefender Guta Franke as they represent their countries at the U20 level. Sahaydak's crew will get a little bit of rest before their home opener August 22nd against Utah Valley.

VOLLEYBALL