ORLANDO - For the second consecutive year, a member of the UCF women's soccer team has been drafted by the Orlando Pride. Midfielder Talia Gabarra heard her name called as the 14th pick in the fourth round by the local NWSL club. Former teammate Kristen Scott was also selected in the fourth round by the Pride in last year's NWSL Draft.
I am so excited and grateful for the opportunity to play with the Orlando Pride. Being close to the home I have built in Orlando feels like the biggest blessing. I feel so grateful to even be in the same conversation as some of the best players in college soccer. Coach Tiff [Roberts Sahaydak] and the entire UCF staff have shaped me into who I am today. They pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me as a leader, athlete and person. Every tool I have learned from them and UCF, I will carry with me to my next chapter and the rest of my life.
Talia GabarraThe midfielder appeared in fourteen matches for the Knights in her redshirt senior season, shortened by injury. She aided in keeping four clean sheets as an instrumental anchor in the UCF midfield.
She's staying in Orlando 💜@taligabarra has been selected by @ORLPride in the fourth round of the 2024 NWSL Draft! pic.twitter.com/J3aUIqwMZQ
— UCF Women's Soccer (@UCF_WSoccer) January 13, 2024.
Throughout five seasons in Orlando, Gabarra appeared in 40 matches, showing versatility throughout the midfield for head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak. Following substitute appearances in her first two seasons in Orlando (2019-20) and two goals in her freshman campaign, the Maryland native played in all 16 matches in 2021, notching two assists and 757 minutes on the pitch.
The entire coaching staff is incredibly proud of Talia. Her resilience and winning spirit have been evident on the field, and we are thrilled to see her embark on the next phase of her soccer career with the Orlando Pride. We're excited to witness her continued success and we'll be rooting her on from the stands here in Orlando!
Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak