Gabe Lazo Named UCF Women’s Basketball Head Coach

UCF just made a bold move in women’s college basketball by hiring Gabe Lazo, a former Tennessee assistant, as their new head coach. This is Lazo’s first collegiate head coaching job, and he’s bringing a lot of experience plus a solid record of success to the Knights.

The school made this decision after a pretty rough stretch for their women’s basketball program. They’re hoping Lazo’s leadership can finally turn things around.

The Journey of Gabe Lazo

Gabe Lazo’s path to UCF really shows his dedication and skill in basketball. He’s a Miami native, so landing this job in his home state means a lot to him.

He started coaching on the AAU circuit, leading the Miami Suns to the Nike Nationals. Then he moved to high school coaching and picked up Miami-Dade County Coach of the Year honors three times while at Ferguson High School.

Collegiate Coaching Experience

Lazo got his start in college coaching at FIU, where he also played as a student-athlete. After that, he worked under Caroline McCombs at Stony Brook and George Washington, before joining Sam Purcell’s staff at Mississippi State in 2022.

At Mississippi State, Lazo helped land the third-ranked transfer portal class in the country. He also played a big part in the Bulldogs’ upset win over No. 6 Creighton in the NCAA Tournament.

Success at Tennessee

In 2024, Lazo joined Tennessee’s coaching staff under Kim Caldwell. During his two seasons with the Lady Vols, he led recruiting efforts and helped the team bring in multiple McDonald’s All-Americans and top transfer talent.

His recruiting skills helped Tennessee sign its highest-ranked high school class since 2017. That included Oliviyah Edwards, who’s the No. 2 recruit in the 2026 class.

Challenges and Resignation

Despite the recruiting wins, Tennessee’s season ended on a tough note with eight straight losses and a first-round NCAA Tournament exit to NC State. Lazo resigned from his post in Knoxville on March 27, 2026.

LSU announced he’d be joining Kim Mulkey’s staff, but things changed quickly after that.

The UCF Opportunity

UCF’s women’s basketball program had been struggling under Sytia Messer, who couldn’t quite match the success of Katie Abrahamson-Henderson. Messer’s time ended after a disappointing season and a first-round loss in the Big 12 Tournament.

UCF saw a chance to bring in someone with a proven record and strong Florida connections. Gabe Lazo looked like the right choice.

Immediate Goals and Vision

Lazo has a clear vision for UCF: build strong relationships with student-athletes, compete hard in the Big 12, and make Knight Nation proud. He connects with people, brings energy, and has a real passion for the game.

With the transfer portal about to open, Lazo will probably start rebuilding right away by attracting top talent to UCF.

Impact on UCF and the Community

Gabe Lazo stepping in as UCF’s head coach could really shake things up for the program and the community. As a Cuban-American, Lazo connects with UCF’s diverse student body—31% Hispanic, by the way.

He’s also on the board for the Latino Association of Basketball Coaches, which shows his commitment to uplifting the Hispanic community in basketball.

Building a Winning Culture

Lazo wants to build a winning culture at UCF. He’s got a track record of developing student-athletes both on and off the court, and his recruiting skills are top-notch.

Honestly, his ability to relate to players and his love for the game make him a leader who can really inspire this team. If anyone can help UCF reach new heights, it’s probably him.

Conclusion

Gabe Lazo’s path to becoming UCF’s head coach feels like a story shaped by dedication and a strong connection to his roots. He’s earned it through skill and a lot of hard work.