UCF Names Gabe Lazo Head Women’s Basketball Coach

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ORLANDO – UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir has announced the hiring of Gabe Lazo as the next head coach of its women’s basketball program, becoming the 14th head coach in program history.

A Miami native, Lazo brings a dynamic background and a proven track record of success at multiple levels of women’s basketball. Widely regarded as one of the rising coaches in the game, he has built his reputation as an elite recruiter, defensive strategist, and developer of student-athletes.

“Gabe represents what we were looking for in the next leader of our women’s basketball program,” Mohajir said. “He’s a proven competitor at every level of the game, with deep Florida roots, an elite ability to connect with people, and a track record of developing student-athletes on and off the court. He has consistently helped elevated every program he’s been part of as a head coach and assistant.

“His vision for UCF, his love for the state, combined with his energy and ability to connect, make him the right leader at the right time in today’s college landscape. We’re confident he will build a program capable of competing for Big 12 championships while developing young women to succeed long after their playing careers.”

Most recently, Lazo spent the past two seasons at Tennessee, helping guide the Lady Vols to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 run during his first season in Knoxville. During his time at UT, he played a key role in assembling elite talent, including a top-ranked 2025 signing class and the nation’s top transfer portal class, according to ESPN.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the head coach at UCF,” Lazo said. “This is a special place with tremendous potential, and I’m grateful to President Alexander Cartwright, Terry Mohajir, Chris McFarlane, and the leadership at UCF for believing in me. As a Florida native, this opportunity means a great deal to me. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, competing at a high level in the Big 12, and making Knight Nation proud.”

Lazo enters his 10th season coaching college women’s basketball, having helped lead teams to five postseason appearances (four NCAA Tournament berths and one WBIT), along with a conference championship and a conference tournament title.

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