ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – With basketball season just around the corner, the UCF men's and women's teams held their annual media day on Thursday afternoon.
Women's head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson opened the day by addressing the local news outlets.
"We're really excited; we've been working really hard," Coach Abe said. "It's been a really enjoyable journey so far. I'm really excited for the team. They're excited to start playing games instead of playing against each other every single day. I think the energy is awesome around the whole UCF family in general. It's been a great transition for us."
Men's head coach Johnny Dawkins followed with a similar message.
"I'm excited to be here and I'm looking forward to the start of the season," Dawkins said. "I know our players are as well. They have been working really hard, starting this spring. I'm looking forward to getting started, and I'm sure you guys are feeling the same way. [The season] is creeping up on all of us. It's nice to start playing some other opponents. We've been playing ourselves, which is very competitive, but it will be good to face new competition and see where we are."
Student-athletes from both teams were available for interviews and photos. As the only team in the American Athletic Conference with new leaders of both the men's and women's squads, UCF looks to build on the preseason excitement.
On the women's side, the Knights open the season at FIU on Nov. 11 before hosting South Alabama at CFE Arena on Nov. 13.
"I'm really excited about the potential of our team and the direction in which Coach Abe is taking this team," junior Aliyah Gregory said. "I think the sky's the limit for us, so I'm just really excited to finally get out and play next Friday."
The men's team begins its season on Nov. 14 as the Knights host Nicholls at CFE Arena.
""They [the people of Orlando] have been waiting for something to be proud of and I think we are going to give them that," redshirt junior A.J. Davis said.
Men's season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. Regular season tickets or Anytime Tickets are currently available starting at $99.
Women's season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here. Adult season tickets are available for $30, and youth tickets (ages 2-17 years) are available for $15.
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