ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF women's soccer team will welcome back a familiar face on its sideline this season. Alumna Katy Ling has signed on as the director of operations, head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak announced this week.
Ling appeared in 66 matches for the Knights from 2010-13. During her time in Orlando, UCF won four conference championships and clinched four NCAA Tournament bids.
"UCF made me feel like I had a home away from home," she said. "I can't imagine myself going anywhere else for those four years I was here. Now that I'm back, it makes me feel like I'm home again."
After graduation in 2014 with her psychology degree, she welcomed a break from soccer, which she had played competitively since she was 8 years old. She didn't give up the sport completely, getting her fix as a season-ticket holder for Chelsea with her father.
Ling spent the last two years in London working for a financial technology company, Skrill. She served in a business development role.
"It was a very good opportunity," she said, "and I learned so much that can be transferred to anything that I'm going to pursue going forward."
Still, she always envisioned that she would have a job related in sports someday. So when the director of operations job opened up at UCF, she jumped at the opportunity.
"I just missed being surrounded by soccer," she said. "I missed America. I missed the sun. I missed the people. I just missed absolutely everything. This is where I wanted to be. Plus, I really like the operations side of everything and the organization involved in everything we do."
In her new role, Ling will handle the day-to-day operations of the team, including travel, and assist with Roberts Sahaydak's Central Florida Girls Soccer Camps.
"We are very excited to have Katy back with us," Roberts Sahaydak said. "She is obviously familiar with our team culture and values, and I know she is dedicated to helping this program uphold our standard of success. She has a strong work ethic, and she is also a great personality to be around. The team is lucky to have her here."