May 6, 2016
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) -- The UCF women's soccer team picked up South Carolina transfer Carrie Lawrence, head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak announced Friday.
The midfielder is returning to her hometown to join the Knights for the 2016 fall season. Lawrence was a standout for Florida Kraze Krush and Timber Creek High School before she graduated in 2015.
"We couldn't be happier that Carrie has decided to transfer to UCF. Carrie has grown from her days as an exceptional young player in Florida," Roberts Sahaydak said. "She has proven that she can make a big impact at the highest levels of college soccer and with the U.S. Youth National Teams. I'm looking forward to coaching her and helping her to develop as an elite player."
Lawrence appeared in all 20 matches for the Gamecocks in 2015, including the first round of the NCAA Tournament. In May 2015, she was one of 24 players invited to the U.S. U-19 Women's National Team training camp.
The sophomore will add even more depth to the Knights, who feature 11 returning players who clocked time in at least 10 matches last year. Among those returners include American Athletic Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year Carol Rodrigues and all-conference picks Kayla Adamek (first team) and Vera Varis (rookie team; all-tournament team).
Carrie Lawrence Bio
Prior to UCF
Appeared in all 20 matches and made two starts for South Carolina during 2015 (freshman season)
Netted first career goal vs. Kennesaw State (9/14)
Voted Rookie of the Year by teammates and coaches
Recorded nine shots and finished the season with three shots on goal in 2015
Competed in the first round of the NCAA Tournament
One of 24 players invited to U.S. U-19 Women's National Team training camp in May 2015 at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif.
Played club for Florida Kraze Krush and won state and regional championships
ODP State Team, ODP Region III Team and WPSL team selection
Named an All-Metro and All-State Player, Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player while capturing metro and district championships at Timber Creek HS
Personal
Daughter of David and Cindy Lawrence
An A/B & Principal Honor Roll student and inducted into the Beta Club
Lettered in flag football at Timber Creek
Story by Jenna Marina