Tall Transfer

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) — The UCF volleyball team just became even more imposing at the net. Knights head volleyball caoch Todd Dagenais has announced the transfer of Jiayi Zhang to the squad for the 2017 season. Zhang, who stands 6-foot 6-inches tall, will join the Knights from LIU-Brooklyn.

"Jiayi has one thing a coach can't teach, which is height," Dagenais said. "We believe she may be the tallest volleyball student-athlete ever to play for UCF and may be one of the tallest female student-athlets in UCF history. She is an elite level blocker who can play several critical roles in our offense."

Zhang adds even more height and blocking ability to a team that finished No. 2 in the American Athletic Conference in blocks during the 2016 season. She spent two years at LIU Brooklyn as a multi-positional player. The Beijing, China native recorded 240 kills, ranking second on her team last season. She also tallied 72 digs, 62 total blocks (seven solo, 55 assists) and 15 aces last season, showcasing her all-around skill level. Against Central Connecticut State, she set a career high with 20 kills

In addition to her individual statistics and accolades, Zhang helped her team win the Northeast Conference (NEC) tournament to clinch a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The Blackbirds faced perennial national power Penn State in the first round of the tournament. In the opening round against the Nittany Lions, she posted eight kills, while hitting .286.

In addition to her on-court accolades, Zhang excelled in the classroom as well. She was placed on the NEC Fall Academic Honor Roll in both the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

"I'm really impressed with her commitment to academics," Dagenais said. "She will fit into the vision and culture of our program immediately. The combination of volleyball IQ, skill and versatility is going to benefit our program greatly."

Her mother was a volleyball Chinese National Team volleyball player, who played under former USA coach and current Chinese National Team coach, Lang Ping. Her father was an elite professional basketball player in Beijing.

The Knights are currently finalizing their spring schedule, wihch will be announced in the coming weeks.

UCF was 23-10 in 2016, in the second-most victories under Dagenais, who has been the Knights' mentor since 2008. Last season marked the fourth 20-win season in the last six years for Dagenais' squad.