athletics Archives | University of Central Florida News Central Florida Research, Arts, Technology, Student Life and College News, Stories and More Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:23:58 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 /wp-content/blogs.dir/20/files/2019/05/cropped-logo-150x150.png athletics Archives | University of Central Florida News 32 32 Your Go-to Guide for UCF Homecoming 2025 /news/your-go-to-guide-for-ucf-homecoming-2025/ Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:44:34 +0000 /news/?p=149228 From Comedy Knight to Spirit Splash to plenty of alumni events, here 鶹Ʒ Ss what you can expect during Homecoming Week, Oct. 13-19.

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The much-anticipated is back this fall, bringing a full lineup of unforgettable events for students, alumni, faculty and staff. From Oct. 13-19, a variety of activities 鶹Ʒ S including special events for UCF alumni 鶹Ʒ S will take place across both the main and UCF Downtown campuses.

Keep reading to discover all the ways to join the fun, connect with fellow Knights and celebrate UCF spirit all week long.

Student and Community Events

Note: Comedy Knight and Concert Knight are ticketed events with free admission for current students with a valid UCF ID. Tickets for the public may be purchased through Ticketmaster.

Oct. 13 鶹Ʒ S Knights Got Talent | Memory Mall | 7-9 p.m.
Bring a blanket or chair to Memory Mall and support your fellow Knights as they showcase their special talents. This event is free for both the community and UCF students.

Oct. 14 鶹Ʒ S Movie Knight: Superman | UCF Student Union, Pegasus Ballroom | 7-10 p.m.
Catch an epic 鶹Ʒ Sshowing of Superman, plus a short film competition and concessions.

Oct. 15 鶹Ʒ S Comedy Knight: 鶹Ʒ SKarlous Miller 鶹Ʒ S| Addition Financial Arena | Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.

Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Karlous Miller, known for the 85 South Show and Wild N 鶹Ʒ S Out. Admission is free for all UCF students. Non-UCF students can purchase $25 tickets on Ticketmaster.

Oct. 14 鶹Ʒ S Foam Splash | Communication and Media Building Plaza, UCF Downtown | 12-2 p.m.
Dive into the biggest foam party of the semester. Splash into a giant foam pit and bubbly pool, enjoy tacos and ice cream, play water games and more. The first 200 attendees will get free rubber ducks and exclusive Foam Splash T-shirts.

Oct. 16 鶹Ʒ S Concert Knight: JT and SoFaygo | Addition Financial Arena | Doors open at 7 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.

Experience a high-energy Concert Knight featuring Miami rapper and special guest SoFaygo, a rapper from Michigan. Admission is free for all UCF students. Non-UCF students can purchase $25 tickets on Ticketmaster.

Oct. 17 鶹Ʒ S Spirit Splash | UCF Reflecting Pond | 12-2 p.m.
The nation 鶹Ʒ Ss biggest homecoming tradition is back. Students will be able to run into the Reflecting Pond and attempt to catch the famous homecoming duck. There will be special guest speakers, as well as performances from the cheer team, Knightmoves, and Marching Knights. The event is free and open to both UCF students and the community.

Oct. 17 鶹Ʒ S UCF Volleyball vs. University of Arizona | The Venue at UCF | Match begins at 6 p.m.
The UCF women 鶹Ʒ Ss volleyball team welcomes Big 12 opponent Arizona. For more information, visit 鶹Ʒ S.

Oct. 17 鶹Ʒ S Ignite the Knight | Memory Mall | Event starts at 6 p.m., fireworks start at 8:30 p.m., weather permitting

Bring your own towel, blanket, or chair to sit on and enjoy live music, carnival games, food, beverages, and special appearances. Then cap off the evening with a one-of-a-kind fireworks display.

Oct. 18 鶹Ʒ S UCF Football vs. West Virginia | Acrisure Bounce House | Kickoff: 1 p.m.
Cheer on the Knights as they take on the West Virginia Mountaineers during the homecoming game. Purchase game tickets on Ticketmaster or through the UCF Athletics Ticket Office at 407-823-1000. For more information, check out the .

Alumni Events

Oct. 16 鶹Ʒ S Shining Knights Alumni Awards Reception | Pegasus Ballroom, UCF Student Union | 6-9 p.m.
The Shining Knights Alumni Awards honor UCF 鶹Ʒ Ss outstanding alumni and community leaders who have significantly contributed to the university and the community. The UCF Alumni family is honored to recognize nine honorees at this year’s reception. 鶹Ʒ Sand include a pre-reception with heavy hors d 鶹Ʒ Soeuvres, cocktails and dinner.

Oct. 17 鶹Ʒ S Ignite the Knight | Memory Mall | 6-8:30 p.m.
Join Knight Nation for a family-friendly UCF festival celebrating the eve of the big football game. Enjoy live music, food, beverages, carnival games and special appearances, then cap off the evening with a one-of-a-kind fireworks spectacular. .

Bonus: by bringing sealed, individually packaged Halloween candy, small toys or crafts. These items will be collected at Ignite the Knight.

Oct. 18 鶹Ʒ S UCF Alumni Tailgate | UCF FAIRWINDS Alumni Center | Three hours before kickoff
Head to the UCF 鶹Ʒ SFAIRWINDS Alumni Center three hours before the Knights charge the field to take on the West Virginia Mountaineers. Admission to this family-friendly zone is complimentary for all UCF alumni and guests.

Oct. 18 鶹Ʒ S UCF Black Alumni Community Family Reunion and Tailgate 鶹Ʒ S| UCF FAIRWINDS Alumni Center | Three hours before kickoff
Head to the ultimate tailgating experience, hosted by the UCF Black Alumni Community, three hours before the Knights take on the West Virginia Mountaineers. Enjoy a DJ, giant yard games, guest appearances and more. while they last. This event is open to all alumni and guests.

Oct. 18 鶹Ʒ S UCF Regional Community Watch Parties | Locations vary | Time variesNot able to come to campus? Regional Knights communities will host local watch parties before the UCF vs. West Virginia game 鶹Ʒ S and everyone is invited. 鶹Ʒ S.

Oct. 19 鶹Ʒ S Trick or Treat on Greek Street 鶹Ʒ S| Greek Park Drive | 2-5 p.m.
The UCF Greek Community is hosting its annual Trick or Treat on Greek Street. This family-friendly event brings Halloween fun to the Central Florida community 鶹Ʒ S and everyone 鶹Ʒ Ss invited.

in your group. All registered Greek alumni will be entered for a chance to win.

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No. 15 Rowing Crowned 2025 Big 12 Champions /news/no-15-rowing-crowned-2025-big-12-champions/ Mon, 19 May 2025 16:05:55 +0000 /news/?p=146860 The historic championship win marks the program 鶹Ʒ Ss first Big 12 title, the first conference title since winning the American Athletic Conference for five straight years from 2015 to 2019.

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The UCF rowing team has claimed the 2025 Big 12 Championship after a clean sweep of all races on Sunday morning at Nathan Benderson Park.

鶹Ʒ SI know that the team has put in so much work this year and to see it come to fruition in a conference championship is so amazing. I 鶹Ʒ Sm really excited for what 鶹Ʒ Ss next for this team, 鶹Ʒ S says Mara Allen, rowing head coach.

The historic championship win marks the program 鶹Ʒ Ss first Big 12 title, the first conference title since winning the American Athletic Conference for five straight years from 2015 to 2019.

The day started with an exhibition race of the Third 4+ boats between UCF and Old Dominion. The Black and Gold set the tone for the rest of the race, topping the Monarch 鶹Ʒ Ss with a time of 07:50.026 to their 08:28.138, a 38-second lead. The first winning boat of the day consisted of junior coxswainEliza Shafferalongside freshmanSidney Norman, freshmanJennifer Durnall, sophomoreRiley Vincentand freshmanKendall Bovino.

To begin the point-qualifying boat races, the Third 8+ continued the momentum claiming first place with a 15.8-second advantage over the nearest boat. The crew was coxed by seniorElsa Casselliuswith sophomoreLandyn Williams, sophomoreIzzy Bate, freshmanMorgan Northey, juniorSophia Keller, sophomoreAlexa Konowal, sophomoreKarin Kudmani, sophomoreMakayla Baxleyand juniorAlina Tasman.

The Knights continued to dominate the competition as the Second 4+ crossed the line with plenty of open water to spare, claiming first place. The crew composed of freshman coxswainVianna Smithalong with sophomoreLeighann Franklin, sophomoreLexi Sanchez, seniorMeagan Lukavecand sophomoreVilma Kangasmäkislotted in with a time of 07:33.980.

UCF kept the pace in the First 4+ race, crossing the finish first with a time of 07:22.231. In the boat sat junior coxswainSophia Tursi, juniorCate Maloney, freshmanSofia Palacios, freshmanKesha Bruinetteand sophomoreAmber Tulloch.

The first of two races remaining, the Second 8+ kept the pressure on all the crews in the race, finishing with a 16-second advantage over the next closest boat. The boat, finishing at a time of 06:35.960, consisted of senior coxswainJulia Goingalongside freshmanSofia Scott, juniorNatasjia Voulanas, senior Claire Kaminiski, sophomoreMaja Misljenovic, juniorVeronica Rush, seniorBella Montalvo, sophomoreInes Martinand juniorAmalie Thorsen.

With a clean sweep and Big 12 title just 2000 meters away, the First 8+ would not show any weakness finishing the race claiming the last first-place victory for the Knights. The crew of nine recorded their best time all season at 06:22.086. The clinching crew was coxed by juniorAudrey Vilendrer, freshmanSofia Naboni Nevado, fifth yearMadlen Markova, sophomoreBrigitte Kappler, sophomoreReese Springer, freshmanLucy Buckingham, fifth yearElisa Faiola, freshmanLuna Kuiperand juniorHannah Lovejoy.

The Black and Gold completed the race notching 84 points on the day. Following the Knights is Tulsa at 65 points, Kansas with 52, Kansas State with 49, Old Dominioin with 24 and finally West Virginia at 19.

This history-making race marks the second time this season that the Black and Gold have swept all races at Nathan Benderson Park, the first time being the Sarasota 2k earlier this spring.

Along with the Big 12 Champions trophy, several individual awards were given out to the rowers that made the 2025 All Big 12 Team. Those athletes include Faiola, Kuiper, Buckingham, Lovejoy, Markova and Kappler.

With the Big 12 title claimed, the Knights receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Championship just two weeks away. UCF will travel to Lake Mercer in West Windsor, N.J. on Friday, May 30 to Sunday, June 1 to compete against the best crews in the nation.

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UCF Knights to Represent at 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, Paralympics /news/ucf-knights-to-represent-at-2024-paris-summer-olympics-paralympics/ Fri, 19 Jul 2024 13:00:23 +0000 /news/?p=142289 Five Knights will be present at the Olympics, which take place July 26-Aug. 1, and two will compete in the Paralympics, which happen Aug. 28-Sept. 8.

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Seven Knights will represent America, Denmark, Germany and Lithuania at the 2024 Summer Olympics (July 26-Aug. 11) and Paralympics (Aug. 28-Sept. 8) in Paris.

These athletes exemplify the spirit and dedication of Knight Nation. Watch the events on NBC or stream via Peacock as you cheer them on.

(Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Clarkson Creative Photography)

Samantha Bosco

Event dates: Sept. 4

Born with a born with a bowed tibia in her right leg, Samantha Bosco, began cycling with her dad at 7 years old. At 11, she underwent three years of surgeries to fix her leg-length discrepancy from the bowed tibia. The surgery to lengthen her right leg two and a half inches didn 鶹Ʒ St go as planned, eventually leaving her with permanent damage to her leg.

Unable to ride a bike after the surgeries, Bosco switched sports, going on to receive a full athletic scholarship with the Knights. From 2005-07, she rowed for two seasons in the V8, V4 and JV8 boats. However, the damage to her leg led to her retiring from the sport after her sophomore season.

An adapted bike allowed her to participate in road races. Two years after her return to her bike, she discovered paracycling. She found success in the sport, reaching her first world championship in 2013 before earning a pair of bronze medals at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Paralympic Games. In 2019, after discovering nerve damage and still competing at a high level, she was nominated for the Best Female Athlete with a Disability award at the ESPYs. Three days after being named to the Team USA roster for the 2021 Tokyo Games, Bosco suffered a traumatic brain injury and two skull fractures, forcing her out of the competition. In her return, she won every paracycling road race she entered in 2022, becoming a double world champion in Baie-Comeau, Canada in August of that year.

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Kyle Coon 鶹Ʒ S13

Event dates: Sept. 1-2

Coon, a communication alum, will compete in the Paralympic triathlon after secured his place by finishing third in the World Triathlon Para Series Montreal. His impressive performance in the race, which included a 760-meter swim, 20.2-kilometer bike, and 5-kilometer run, earning him the honor of representing Team USA in Paris.

He also represented Team USA in the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo, where he made his first Olympic appearance and placed fifth. A lifelong competitive athlete, Coon was a member of UCF 鶹Ʒ Ss Wrestling Club and a group exercise instructor for UCF 鶹Ʒ Ss Recreation and Wellness Center during his studies.

At 10 months old, Coon was diagnosed with bilateral sporadic retinoblastoma, the most common form of eye cancer for children. By the time he turned 7, both of his eyes had been surgically removed. Shortly after, Coon 鶹Ʒ Ss father introduced him to Erik Weihenmayer, a blind extreme athlete who inspired the young boy to continue to stay active.

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Malacchi Esdale

Event dates: July 24, 25 and 27

Esdale, a former UCF student, will compete in rugby for Team USA. After becoming a professional rugby player in 2017, he was appointed as a travel reserve for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Esdale discovered rugby in by playing for the Naples Bears in Florida. After attending ASA College in New York and the University of Miami, he transferred to UCF, where he joined the Rugby Club 鶹Ʒ S Men 鶹Ʒ Ss Team and honed his skills.

Sarai Linder
(Photo courtesy of UCF Athletics)

Sarai Linder

Event dates: July 25, 28 and 31; Aug. 3, 6, 9 and 10

Former UCF women 鶹Ʒ Ss soccer defender Sarai Linder will represent her nation of Germany. She is one of three UCF women 鶹Ʒ Ss soccer alums to compete at the Olympics, joining USA 鶹Ʒ Ss Michelle Akers 鶹Ʒ S89 (1996 Atlanta) and Brazil 鶹Ʒ Ss Aline Reis 鶹Ʒ S11 (2016 Rio).

Linder, spent the COVID-shortened 2020-21 campaign with the Knights, playing seven matches. She capped her season by earning First Team All-American Athletic Conference honors, All-AAC Rookie Team accolades, and 2020-21 AAC All-Academic Team honors.

Julie Poulsen
(Photo courtesy of UCF Athletics)

Julie Poulsen 鶹Ʒ S20

Event dates: July 28 and 30; Aug. 1

Poulsen will represent her home county of Denmark in the women 鶹Ʒ Ss four portion of rowing.

The UCF communication alum began rowing at 10 when her mother took her to a local club. Poulsen is one of the most decorated UCF rowers in program history. She is one of three Knights to be named a Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association (CRCA) All-American. She was named First Team All-American Athletic Conference three times (2018, 2019, 2021) and earned CRCA National Scholar Athlete and American Athletic Conference All-Academic honors in four straight years from 2018-21.

鶹Ʒ SMy days at UCF has taught me a lot of lessons, which has played a big part of who I am today, 鶹Ʒ S Poulsen says. 鶹Ʒ SAn important lesson I learned at UCF was to be less timid of challenges. We were often thrown big challenges we didn 鶹Ʒ St think we could overcome, but we always would. This has made me believe that there is no challenge that is too big, and it has made me so much more tough than I was before. 鶹Ʒ S

Viktorija Senkute
(Photo courtesy of UCF Athletics)

Viktorija Senkute 鶹Ʒ S18

Event dates: July 27-Aug. 3

Senkute will compete for Team Lithuania in women 鶹Ʒ Ss single sculls for rowing.UCF 鶹Ʒ Ss rowing team won four American Athletic Conference championships while the interdisciplinary studies student-athlete attended the university (2015-18). She earned a CRCA All-Region nod in 2018 as well as First Team All-American Athletic Conference first team honors in 2017 and 2018 and second team recognitions in 2015 and 2016.

鶹Ʒ SBefore coming to UCF I didn’t know how to be a teammate; I didn 鶹Ʒ St know how to fight as one. UCF taught me so many things about what it’s like to be on a team, 鶹Ʒ S she says. 鶹Ʒ SIn Lithuania, you have to choose one path in college 鶹Ʒ S sports or education. UCF allowed me to combine both and experience a culture and life I would have never dreamed about. 鶹Ʒ S

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Kristen Thomas 鶹Ʒ S16

Event dates: July 28-30

Thomas, a theatre studies alum, is a rugby traveling reserve for the Team USA. She previously represented Team USA as co-captain in the 2020 Summer Olympics, helping the team achieve a top 10 finish.

Thomas began her rugby career at UCF in 2011, joining the Rugby Club 鶹Ʒ S Women 鶹Ʒ Ss Team. Her exceptional talent was quickly recognized, leading to a call-up to the national team just two years later.

鶹Ʒ SUCF was pretty instrumental in developing me as a player, 鶹Ʒ S Thomas said in a 2021 article. 鶹Ʒ SOur coach, Raoul Besse, really harped on our skills. The physicality of the game I think I get a lot from him because you need to be physical in a contact sport. He was the first one to nominate me for the under-20 national team and if he hadn 鶹Ʒ St done that, I don 鶹Ʒ St know if I would be where I am today. 鶹Ʒ S

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Samantha Bosco UCF 16 Apr 2024: Portraits of athletes at the Team USA Media Summit held at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York, NY. ©Jamie Schwaberow/Clarkson Creative Photography Kyle Coon Malacchi Esdale Former UCF student Malacchi Esdale. Sarai Linder Julie Poulsen Viktorija Senkute Kristen Thomas
UCF Takes Down No. 3 Kansas in 1st Big 12 Home Game /news/ucf-takes-down-no-3-kansas-in-1st-big-12-home-game/ Thu, 11 Jan 2024 17:49:04 +0000 /news/?p=138803 The Knights kicked off their four-game stretch against Top-25 ranked opponents with a 65-60 win over the Jayhawks.

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鶹Ʒ SThe message for us is simple: We belong. 鶹Ʒ S

UCF men 鶹Ʒ Ss basketball coach Johnny Dawkins made his declaration Jan. 4 prior to the Knights 鶹Ʒ S Big 12 Conference opener at Kansas State, and in front of a raucous, sellout home crowd six days later, they proved it.

Built upon a second-half surge and stifling efforts on the defensive end, UCF put its new conference on notice, toppling the No. 3 Kansas Jayhawks by a 65-60 final score before 9,469 fans at Addition Financial Arena, marking the third largest crowd in program history and the second highest in a regular season game.

The victory ranks among the most prolific in program history, representing the first against a top-three nationally ranked opponent, the second against a top-five foe, and the ninth against a squad ranked within the top 25. En route to the team 鶹Ʒ Ss upset, the Knights (10-4, 1-1 Big 12) erased a Jayhawks (13-2, 1-1 Big 12) lead that grew to as many as 16 points with 3:45 remaining in the first half.

鶹Ʒ SIt was a great night for UCF. Our guys kept fighting in a game in which they got down early in the first half to a very good Kansas basketball team, 鶹Ʒ S Dawkins says. 鶹Ʒ SWhen they get that type of lead, you start to get knocked back a little bit. In our timeouts, I was trying to settle them down and stress that we have to take it possession by possession. We talked about working our way back in it in that last four-minute segment, and we were able to do that.

鶹Ʒ SI 鶹Ʒ Sm proud of the way we fought back with great courage, effort and energy throughout the entire night. 鶹Ʒ S

Dawkins’ Notable Streaks

In the first meeting between the two programs, the Knights also notched their first win within Big 12 Conference play and extended a few notable win streaks Dawkins himself owns against Kansas and its head coach, Bill Self 鶹Ʒ S who in his 20 seasons at Kansas has led the Jayhawks to two national championship titles.

UCF 鶹Ʒ Ss effort Wednesday represented Dawkins 鶹Ʒ S second win against the Jayhawks as a head coach, joining his 2014 triumph over Kansas as the head coach of Stanford in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Overall, Dawkins improved to 4-0 against the Jayhawks in his career, having bested Kansas twice as a player with Duke in the 1985-86 season.

Dawkins soaked up the team 鶹Ʒ Ss win Wednesday among the onslaught of fans who euphorically rushed the court.

Fantastic Finish

With the two squads trading blows throughout much of the second half, the Knights finally claimed a lead they would not relinquish with 2:57 to play in the final half.

Fifth-year forward Ibrahima Diallo grabbed a pass from junior guard Jaylin Sellers just outside the paint and finished a turnaround jumper moments later, giving his team a 59-57 advantage.

Fellow fifth-year forward CJ Walker, who made his first start for the Knights since March 11, 2022, gave UCF a bit of breathing room with a pair of free throws, and a Sellers layup coupled with two more converted free throws from junior guard Darius Johnson iced the Knights 鶹Ʒ S first win against a top five-ranked opponent since the team prevailed against then-No. 4 UConn by a 68-63 final score Nov. 25, 2011.

The timely shot by Diallo punctuated one of the better all-around games authored by the Saly, Senegal native, finishing with a season-high 13 points and five total rebounds.

鶹Ʒ SHe was great, 鶹Ʒ S Dawkins says of Diallo. 鶹Ʒ SHe 鶹Ʒ Ss going against arguably the best 鶹Ʒ Sbig 鶹Ʒ S in college basketball, Hunter Dickinson is a terrific player. For Ibrahima to go toe-to-toe with him and have to battle him in the low post, he did a great job, and I 鶹Ʒ Sm proud of the way he stepped up and gave us a huge effort tonight. 鶹Ʒ S

The final sequence, one that saw the Knights outscore the Jayhawks 8-3 and limit Kansas to one field goal in the game 鶹Ʒ Ss final 3:23 of play, represented a microcosm of the team 鶹Ʒ Ss dominant second half in the face of one of college basketball 鶹Ʒ Ss blue bloods.

鶹Ʒ SWe knew we had zone (defense) in our bag, 鶹Ʒ S Dawkins says. 鶹Ʒ SIt 鶹Ʒ Ss something that we work on and we felt it was timely to play some today. That 鶹Ʒ Ss why you saw our guys play it so well, because they 鶹Ʒ Sre accustomed to playing it in practice. We were able to stay with it longer because it was effective at times in the second half. 鶹Ʒ S

Up Next

The Knights have a quick turnaround to their next Big 12 test when the Black and Gold welcome the No. 18/17 BYU Cougars to Addition Financial Arena Saturday afternoon. Tipoff for the contest is slated for 4 p.m. Jan. 13 and will be streamed on ESPN+.

For everything you need to know about attending a men 鶹Ʒ Ss basketball game, visit .

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VIDEO: UCF’s 2023 Year In Review /news/video-ucfs-2023-year-in-review/ Tue, 19 Dec 2023 20:10:32 +0000 /news/?p=138664 From groundbreaking research to being the youngest school to join the Big 12, this year Knight Nation reached new stars.

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This year we not only celebrated our 60th anniversary but also the accomplishments and contributions of Knights to Central Florida and beyond 鶹Ʒ S including more than 18,000 students who earned their degrees and are positively impacting the world.

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First-Generation Knightro /news/first-generation-knightro/ Tue, 05 Nov 2019 18:00:20 +0000 /news/?p=76287 Jesse Stokes 鶹Ʒ S17 upheld responsibilities as Knightro, work multiple jobs and gave back before becoming the first in his family to graduate from college.

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While each Knight 鶹Ʒ Ss time at UCF is full of memorable experiences, grad Jesse Stokes 鶹Ʒ S17 shared an extra special one with a small group of his peers 鶹Ʒ S being a part of Team Knightro. During his time at UCF he had the chance to wear the beloved mascot 鶹Ʒ Ss iconic black and gold suit while throwing down the gauntlet to the opposition. He encouraged his fellow Knights to 鶹Ʒ SCharge On! 鶹Ʒ S during athletic events and heightened the excitement at various gatherings on campus.

After keeping his double-life a secret during much of his time as Knightro, Stokes finally revealed his true identity during a 2017 basketball senior night game.

Being Knightro is just one of the many opportunities Stokes has taken advantage of while at UCF. For him, taking every opportunity is especially important because he is the first in his family to be on track to earn a college degree.

Jesse Stokes poses in front a photo of Knightro at Spirit Splash. (Photo by Bernard Wilchusky ’18)

鶹Ʒ SMy dad worked at a sawmill and my mom became a manager of a convenience store, 鶹Ʒ S Stokes says. 鶹Ʒ SMy mom was my best friend growing up and she raised me to be something different. I could have easily fallen into the crowd of my peers, people who never thought of college and never really cared about school in general. My parents made sure I had everything they didn 鶹Ʒ St. 鶹Ʒ S

Born to a teenage mother who graduated from high school and a father who did not, Stokes proudly worked his way toward a bachelor 鶹Ʒ Ss degree in hospitality management from the Rosen College of Hospitality Management with a minor.

A Florida native, Stokes benefitted from a Bright Futures Scholarship, awarded to Florida high school graduates for high academic achievement, and an athletics scholarship when he became part of the Knightro mascot team. He also received a one-time scholarship his freshman year from, Idaho Timber, his father 鶹Ʒ Ss employer. Getting financial help was key to helping Stokes reach his goal.

First-generation college students often rely on financial assistance to pay for higher education. During Stokes 鶹Ʒ S time at UCF, former President John C. Hitt was a first-generation college student who stressed the importance of scholarships and access to education. Stokes appreciates the support he received and credited his mother with championing his education.

鶹Ʒ SGrowing up, my mom and dad worked hard. Both ofmy parents were poor and on assistance growing up, and college was never even a thought for them, 鶹Ʒ S Stokes says. 鶹Ʒ SMy mom is my hero, and everything I am today is because of her. She guided me to be a standout student, a servant of my community, and a light in the world. 鶹Ʒ S

While he was a student Stokes also volunteered his time as marketing director for , organizer of UCF 鶹Ʒ Ss Miracle Network Dance Marathon, the largest student-run philanthropy. The goal of the event is to educate, inspire and unite the UCF campus and community to provide ongoing support for Greater Orlando Children 鶹Ʒ Ss Miracle Network Hospitals, such as Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children.

He also worked part-time at the Student Union and full-time for Wycliffe Bible Translators. The Orlando company translates Bibles into other languages; Stokes helps plan events and handles the company 鶹Ʒ Ss social media as part of the marketing team.

Rick Florsheim, an instructor at Rosen College, taught Stokes in his hospitality and tourism marketing class.

鶹Ʒ SI remember him being an engaged student, 鶹Ʒ S Florsheim says. 鶹Ʒ SHe was an active participant in class discussions and heavily involved in the group-marketing projects that were presented in class. He was very hands on. 鶹Ʒ S

Part of Stokes 鶹Ʒ S passion and drive to be so involved ties back to the local community.

鶹Ʒ SI love Orlando, and I am dedicating everything I do to giving back to the community that has given me so much opportunity and growth, 鶹Ʒ S he says.

 

 

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UCF – jesse stokes 2019 update Jesse Stokes poses in front a photo of Knightro at Spirit Splash. (Photo by Bernard Wilchusky '18)
11 Things Every Knight Needs to Know about NCAA Violations /news/11-things-every-knight-needs-to-know-about-ncaa-violations/ Tue, 22 Oct 2019 13:40:01 +0000 /news/?p=103907 Did you know that as a fan, you can break NCAA rules that can make players ineligible to compete? Here 鶹Ʒ Ss a guide to what is allowed 鶹Ʒ S and what to avoid.

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As Knights, we want what 鶹Ʒ Ss best for everyone. And when that comes to recruiting and keeping the best players, it 鶹Ʒ Ss important to make sure not to break any NCAA regulations 鶹Ʒ S unwillingly or otherwise. Whether you donate to UCF Athletics, encourage recruits to play for the Knights, or have assisted recruits or players in finding a job, here are the dos and don 鶹Ʒ Sts you need to know.

DOs:

  1. You may send newspaper clippings and other information about talented recruits to the appropriate UCF coaching staff.
  2. You may continue established relationships with friends and neighbors whose children are recruits or current players, provided the relationship pre-dates their prospect status and is not based on their status as an athlete.
  3. You may attend high school or junior college competitions provided you do not interact with the recruit or the recruit 鶹Ʒ Ss relatives.
  4. You may employ players provided you are paying them only for the work they actually perform, paying the going rate for similar services, are not paying them or providing perks based on their status as student-athletes and the employment has been approved by the Athletics Compliance Office.

ٰ 鶹Ʒ ST:

  1. Do not entertain any coaches from junior or senior high schools, preparatory schools, junior colleges or provide them with tickets or other benefits.
  2. Do not arrange for recruits, current players or their family to receive gifts, money or financial benefits of any kind.
  3. Do not make contact with recruits, their relatives or legal guardians.
  4. Do not contact a recruit 鶹Ʒ Ss coach, principal or counselor in an attempt to evaluate the player.
  5. Do not provide transportation to a recruit, player or their friends and family.
  6. Do not spend money to entertain recruits, players or their friends and family.
  7. Do not use a photo or name of a player for commercial purposes or sell player memorabilia.
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UCF Volleyball to Host NCAA Tournament for First Time /news/ucf-volleyball-ranked-no-13-seed-host-ncaa-tournament-first-time/ Mon, 26 Nov 2018 13:30:20 +0000 /news/?p=92389 For the first time in university history, UCF’s Volleyball team was ranked the No. 13 and will host the NCAA Division I Volleyball Tournament this week.

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For the first time in program history, the NCAA Division I Volleyball Tournament is coming to UCF. On Sunday night at a selection show watch party at Burger U, the Knights were tabbed as the No. 13 national seed in the 64-team tournament, also a program first.

UCF will face Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday in The Venue. In the other side of the bracket, Florida will face Florida State. The winners of the two matches will meet at 7 p.m. on Friday.

Tickets for all matches can be purchased online.

The Knights are in the midst of a historic season. The Black and Gold enters the postseason riding a 24-match winning streak and a 27-3 record overall. The champion of the American Athletic Conference, UCF went a perfect 18-0 to clinch the league title, becoming just the third team to go undefeated in the league 鶹Ʒ Ss history.

Last month, the Knights moved into the American Volleyball Coaches Association Coaches Poll for the first time in program history, moving up to No. 21 nationally two weeks ago.

UCF has exceeded expectations all year long. Picked to finish fifth in The American, and consistently featuring a starting lineup with six underclassmen, the Knights have one of the most balanced programs in the nation. The Black and Gold led The American in assists, kills and blocks.

Freshman outside hitter McKenna Melville has been a force to be reckoned with this season, as the rookie ranks 15th and 16th in the nation in kills and points per set. Fellow rookie Kathryn Wesolich is closing in on the single-season block assists record, and lone senior Jordan Pingel, who has already smashed the program 鶹Ʒ Ss career digs record, needs just two saves to break the single-season record.

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Looking for Summer Camps in Orlando? Here Are 25 that Will Be Held at UCF /news/25-summer-camps-to-entertain-students/ Wed, 09 May 2018 20:45:45 +0000 /news/?p=82673 There 鶹Ʒ Ss an educational and fun camp for just about every student 鶹Ʒ S no matter their age or interest 鶹Ʒ S that will have them excited to tell their friends about all summer.

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From athletics to the arts, there are plenty of summer camps for learning and play affiliated with UCF that can help keep students busy during the summer break. UCF employees are offered a discount on some camp rates, so be sure to sign up early to take advantage of this benefit.

ATHLETICS

Learn the basics of cheers, dances, stunts, pyramids and tumbling for cheerleaders. Open to girls and boys.

Age Group:Grades K through 9

When:July 11-13

Where: UCF Education Building Gymnasium

Last Day to Apply:June 1

Coach ABE 鶹Ʒ Ss Girls 鶹Ʒ S Basketball Camp: Prepare for the pace of college basketball with UCF women 鶹Ʒ Ss basketball head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson and her staff, who will work with players on a variety of individual and team skills.

Age Group:Grades 8 through 12

When:June 15

Where: CFE Arena

Johnny Dawkins Basketball Camp Advance your basketball skills, working firsthand with UCF men 鶹Ʒ Ss basketball head coach Johnny Dawkins and his staff. Open to boys and girls.

Age Group:Grades 1 through 12, depending on the camp selected

When:June 4-8, 18-20, 23-24, 25

Where: CFE Arena and UCF basketball practice courts

Last Days to Apply:June 3, 17, 22, 24

Learn about the four phases of baseball: hitting, pitching, catching and fielding from UCF 鶹Ʒ Ss Head Baseball Coach and his staff.

Age Group:Grades K through 8

When:June18-21, 25-28, 9-12, 16-19

Where: UCF baseball complex

Last Day to Apply:June 2, 28, 12, 19

Develop your talent with UCF 鶹Ʒ Ss Head Baseball Coach and his staff while preparing to play baseball at the collegiate or professional level. This camp is designed for the serious baseball player.

When:July 28, Aug. 25-26

Where: UCF baseball complex

Last Day to Apply:July 28, Aug. 26

white football helmet with black and gold UCF written on the side. gold gloves placed on top of the helmet. the helmet is sitting on the grass of a football stadium while players practice in the background

JoshHeupel Football Camps: Sign up for daily sessions for the chance to train under UCF head football coach Josh Heupel and his staff. A three-day team camp is also available.

Age Group:Grades 1 through 12, depending on the camp selected

When:June 2, 6, 7, 15, 16, 17, 20-22

Where: UCF football facilities

Learn about the coaching philosophy and training environment of a top-level Division 1 program. Based on age, players can sign up for either the Elite Residential Camp, Youth Day Camp or College ID Camp.

Age Group:Ages 4-12, 10-14 and 14-21, depending on the camp selected

When:May 31-June 3, June 4-8, July 12-15

Where: UCF campus

Last Day to Apply:Registration closes once capacity is reached.

UCF Knights Boys Soccer Camp: Join the UCF coaching staff and players for a fun-filled learning experience on the campus of UCF. Based on age players can sign-up for either the Youth Day Camp & Futsal, Junior Elite Camp or Elite ID 150

Age Groups: Ages 6-12, 11-14 and 15-18, depending on the camp selected.

When: June 11-14, July 8-10, July 20-22

Where: UCF Campus

Last Day to Apply: Registration closes once capacity is reached.

Hone your offensive, pitching, catching and defensive skills.

Age Group:Open to all entrants, but geared toward advanced 7th graders through junior college students

When:June 11, 12

Where: UCF softball complex

Last Day to Apply:June 1

Join UCF head volleyball coach Todd Dagenais and his staff for the annual summer camp.

Age Group:Ages 10-14 and 15-18, depending on the camp selected

When:July 13-15, 16, 17-18, 21-23, 24-27, 28-29

Where: The Venue at UCF and Lake Claire

Last Day to Apply:July 12, 15, 16, 20, 23, 27

UCF Boys & Girls Tennis Camps: Get personal attention while learning advanced teaching techniques, intensive drill work and game/match play, all in a fun and competitive environment.

Age Group:Ages 7-18

When:July 22-27

Where: United States Tennis Association campus in Lake Nona

Last Day to Apply:July 1

ARTS

man in khaki pants, white long sleeve collared shirt, dark green vest, orange tie, wearing a tan hat is pretending to yell into a small traffic cone. standing in front of a mural of water hitting rocks in front of a sunset.

Challenge your theatrical abilities with a variety of artistic offerings from Lighting McQueen and Friends to Hamilton 鶹Ʒ SsHip Hop History.

Age Group:Grades 1 through 10, depending on the camp selected

When:July 16­-20, 23­-27

Where:UCF Main Campus

UCF Summer Reading Clinic: Develop your reading and writing skills with help from undergraduate education students. The final session includes a parent celebration demonstrating family literacy activities.

Age Group:Grades K through 6

When:June 11-22

Where: UCF main campus

UCF Digital Storytelling Camp: Embark on reading adventures through digital storytelling during a week-long camp.

Age Group:Grades K through 6

When:June 11-15, 18-22

Where: UCF main campus

UCF Rosen College Camp Pineapple:Learn more about the hospitality and tourism industry by spending time in culinary labs, meeting industry leaders and visiting sites for behind-the-scenes access.

Age Group: Grades 9 through 11

When: June 24-29

Where: UCF Rosen of Hospitality Management College Campus

Last Day to Apply: May 18, registration closes once capacity is reached.

MUSIC

woman sitting, playing a piano with a saxaphone in her lap

UCF Flute Boot Camp: Develop your flute skills with a three-day intensive program designed to educate and inspire young players.

Age Group:Grades 6 through 12

When:June 8-10

Where: Performing Arts Center 鶹Ʒ S Music 120M

Last Day to Apply:June 1, however, enrollment will close once capacity is reached.

UCF Summer Flute and Piccolo Institute:Learn more about every aspect of a flute performance through weeklong intensive program aimed at educating and inspiring young flutists through an interesting and cultivating curriculum.

Age Group:Grades 6 through 12

When:June 11-15, 18-22

Where:UCF Performing Arts Center 鶹Ʒ S Music 120M and Rehearsal Hall

Last Day to Apply:June 1, however, enrollment will close once capacity is reached.

UCF Piano Camp: Improve your musical prowess with private lessons, group practice, sight-reading classes and more.

Age Group:Ages 11 to 18

When:June 24-30

Where:Performing Arts Center 鶹Ʒ S Music and Rehearsal Hall

Last Day to Apply:June 1, however, enrollment will close once capacity is reached.

UCF Sax Boot Camp:Learn more about the saxophone during this three-day intensive program designed to educate and inspire young saxophonists.

Age Group:Grades 6 through 12

When:June 8-10

Where:UCF Performing Arts Center 鶹Ʒ S Music and Rehearsal Hall

Last Day to Apply:June 1, however, enrollment will close once capacity is reached.

UCF Summer Opera Institute:Take voice lessons, participate in master classes, get private coaching, and study diction, acting, and movement during this intensive 10-day program that culminates with a final concert June 24.

Age Group:Grades 9 and up

When:June 15-24

Where:Performing Arts Center 鶹Ʒ S Music and Rehearsal Hall; Visual Arts Building Auditorium

Last Day to Apply:June 1

UCF Percussion Summer Institute: Study closely with UCF percussion faculty Thad Anderson, Kirk Gay, and Jeff Moore, as well as special guest artists Brian Baldauff and Jonathan Ovalle.

Age Group:Grades 10 through college

When:July 15-21

Where:Performing Arts Center 鶹Ʒ S Music

Last Day to Apply:July 1, however, enrollment will close once capacity is reached.

STEM

Gain experience with various engineering fields through hands-on activities, presentations and lab tours.

Age Group:Grades 8 through 11, participants must be at least 13

When:June 11-15

Where:Harris Corporation Engineering Center (HEC) 101 on the UCF Main Campus

Last Day to Apply:May 11

Learn beginner and intermediate computer security techniques and preparation for cyber competitios through daily challenges and hands-on labs.

Age Group:Grades 9 through 12

When:July 23 鶹Ʒ S26

Where:Harris Corporation Engineering Center on the UCF Main Campus

Last Day to Apply:June 30

EEK! Engineering Education for Kids: Solve real world engineering problems through activities that will excite, inspire and challenge.

Age Group:Grades 3 through 8

When:June 25 – 29

Where:UCF College of Education and Human Performance

Last Day to Apply:June 20

Explore different branches of sciences while receiving individualized instruction in the following tracks: biology, computer science, competitive programming and physical sciences.

Age Group:Grades 6 through 12

When:Varying dates between June 11 and July 27

Where:Harris Corporation Engineering Center on the UCF Main Campus

Last Day to Apply:June 30

 

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ucf_75337171 ucf_83722906 (Jason Greene/Univerity of Central Florida) (Jason Greene/Univerity of Central Florida) ucf_13362379
Shaquem Griffin Drafted by Seattle Seahawks /news/shaquem-griffin-drafted-seattle-seahawks/ Sun, 29 Apr 2018 01:17:27 +0000 /news/?p=82350 Griffin, Mike Hughes, Tre 鶹Ʒ SQuan Smith and Jordan Akins were selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, marking the second time in UCF 鶹Ʒ Ss history four players were drafted in one year.

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had to wait longer than anyone wanted him to. But when he was finally selected, it was incredible news. Shaquem was selected in the fifth round with the 141st pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

鶹Ʒ SThis is not the end of my road 鶹Ʒ S it 鶹Ʒ Ss only just the beginning, 鶹Ʒ S Shaquem said to ESPN.

In the end, it wasn 鶹Ʒ St the when, it was the who that made the story.

Shaquem was chosen by the Seattle Seahawks, reuniting him on the same football team with his twin brother.was a third-round choice by the Seahawks one year ago.

鶹Ʒ SThis is not the end of my road … it 鶹Ʒ Ss only just the beginning, 鶹Ʒ S Shaquem said to ESPN. 鶹Ʒ SAnd I 鶹Ʒ Sm going to keep proving people wrong because I have a lot of people to prove wrong — a lot of doubters. I would wait all over again for the opportunity to be back with my brother. 鶹Ʒ S

Shaquem wasa first-team All-American Athletic Conference selection each of the last two seasons. He was the AAC 鶹Ʒ Ss Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and was named the defensive MVP of the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, which completed UCF 鶹Ʒ Ss National Championship, undefeated,13-0 season in 2017.

Defensive backMike Hugheswas selected by the Minnesota Vikings, wide receiverTre 鶹Ʒ SQuan Smithwas selected by the New Orleans Saints, and tight endJordan Akinswas chosen by the Houston Texans.

Griffin was one of four Knights selected in one NFL Draft for the second time in school history.Defensive backMike Hughes was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round, wide receiver Tre 鶹Ʒ SQuan Smith was selected by the New Orleans Saints as the 27th pick of the third round, and tight endJordan Akins was chosen by the Houston Texans as the 34th pick of the third round. Hughes became the fourth UCF player selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. He follows Daunte Culpepper (1999, 11th overall), Blake Bortles (2014, 3rd overall) and Breshad Perriman (2015, 26th overall) as Knights selected in the first round.

The last time four UCF football players were selected in the NFL Draft was 2003, when Asante Samuel, Doug Gabriel, Mike Mabry and Elton Patterson were chosen.

Griffin becomes the 40th UCF player selected in NFL Draft. He is the 19th UCF defensive player selected in NFL Draft. He 鶹Ʒ Ss the third linebacker from the Knights to go in the NFL Draft. Here 鶹Ʒ Ss a look at the other two:

– Bob Spitulski (1992, 66th)
– Rick Hamilton (1993, 71st)

This is just the second time in UCF historythat two defensive players have been selected in the same NFL Draft. Prior toMike Hughesand, it was Samuel (120th overall) and Patterson (259th overall) in 2003.

Four other UCF players signed to NFL teams over the weekend as undrafted free agents. Defensive tackleJamiyus Pittman joined the Miami Dolphins, offensive lineAaron Evans signed to the Philadelphia Eagles, defensive lineTony Guerad joined the Jacksonville Jaguars and tight endJordan Franks signed with theCincinnati Bengals.

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