Familiar Face

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – A familiar face has joined the UCF coaching staff with former Knight Kahley Novak being named as a volunteer assistant coach. Head coach Renee Luers-Gillispie announced the addition on Thursday.
 
"I am so excited to be back at UCF, which has a special place in my heart," Novak said. "The coaches here have done so much for me in the past. I really am excited to give back to the program and teach the current student-athletes what I have learned from both the college and professional levels."
 
Novak played for Coach Gillispie from 2012-15 and holds the program's career record in stolen bases with 125. The two-time NFCA Mideast All-Region First Team member was selected 16th in the first round by the Dallas Charge in the 2015 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Draft.
 
"The relationship that I had with Coach G while I was a player has continued as a professional player and coach," Novak added. "I just love who she is as a person and leader. This a tremendous opportunity to be on the other side and see what she is thinking on the field."
 
The Clermont, Fla., native spent the past two seasons as a second baseman with the Charge. She tallied seven hits and posted a career .930 fielding pct., while appearing in 68 games.
 
As a Knight, Novak was a dynamic leadoff hitter and finished her career among the top 10 in 11 offensive categories, including batting average (.312), on-base percentage (.366), games started (227), runs scored (128), hits (217) and stolen bases (125). She also registered 43 thefts in 2015, tying the program single-season mark.
 
Primarily playing second base, the 2015 The American First Team recipient compiled a .961 fielding percentage during her Knights career. She helped UCF to consecutive NCAA Regional Final appearances in 2014 and 2015.
 
Novak graduated from UCF in 2015 with a degree in elementary education.
 
Before coming to UCF, Novak was a four-year letterwinner at East Ridge High School, setting numerous records. She was also a part of the South Florida Mini-Bulls that took third at the 2010 ASA Nationals.
 
The Knights are already preparing for the season-opening doubleheader on Feb. 10 at 3:30 p.m. against Florida A&M and Pittsburgh. The four-team UCF Knights Invitational also features Kentucky, who the Knights play on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.
 
Season tickets, which includes admission to all 28 home contests, can be purchased for $50. Youth packages are also available for fans ages 2-17 for $25. For more information about ticket options, click here.