Lovelady Meets the Press

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF baseball head coach Greg Lovelady met members of the media for the first time Wednesday morning.

UCF President Dr. John C. Hitt and UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Danny White introduced Lovelady to a packed room at the Wayne Densch Student-Athlete Leadership Center.

"We would like to welcome Greg Lovelady and his wife Lindsay to the UCF family," Dr. Hitt said. "We are delighted that they are joining us and look forward to enjoying some great baseball."

White stressed the importance of Lovelady's hiring and noted that he is filling a significant leadership position for the Knights, one that will be crucial to the success and growth of the program.

"We felt like [Lovelady] was the most compelling answer," White said. "Someone that can not only in the short term take advantage of the talent we have on our team, but long term build a program that we can all be proud of for years to come."  


Greg Lovelady Press Conference - Images by UCF Knights

Coach Lovelady said he is excited for the opportunity to lead the Knights and be a vital part of the community. He believes in creating a program that will allow student-athletes to grow and develop on and off the field, but noted that it is also important for them to enjoy their time as Knights.

"I want to provide the kids with an unbelievable experience," Lovelady said. "I get to go out and educate them, not only on the game of baseball but on how to be better sons, and in the future be better husbands and fathers."

Lovelady said that winning is important but believes it is a result of doing things right in terms of preparation and culture. He wants the players to play free, have fun and trust in their preparation both physically and mentally.

"When there are [bad] breaks in the game I don't want them playing scared," He said. "I don't want them fearful of me, fearful of the moment or fearful of the result."

Members of the media also spoke with assistant coach's Justin Parker and Ryan Klosterman following Lovelady's introduction.