ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The UCF women's soccer team is loaded with talent heading into the 2017 campaign. While the Knights return experience, they have also added depth with a talented freshman class.
Head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak feels the excitement around her rookies.
"I'm very excited about our incoming German freshmen," Roberts Sahaydak said. "They've played in big moments and they've come up big in those moments. Stefanie and Dina have been great additions."
Dina Orschmann and Stefanie Sanders bring international experience as both have played for the German national team. Both forwards were leading scorers for their club teams. Orschmann, a native of Berlin, is currently playing overseas and has notched an assist and a goal to help Germany to a 2-0 record in the Women's Under-19 Championships. She will rejoin the Knights at the conclusion of the tournament. Sanders, a native of Hamburg, was the top goal scorer on the U17 European Championship team in 2015.
Roberts Sahaydak also feels Madison Murnin could have an immediate impact. The Jacksonville, Fla., native enrolled early at UCF and spent the spring training with the Knights. The midfielder also captured three state titles with the Jacksonville Futbol Club.
"Madison exceeded my expectations on how quickly she acclimated to the speed of play and intensity," Roberts Sahaydak said. "She's a very competitive player and very internally motivated."
Jaida Scott and Keli Lindquist add state championship experience to the roster as well. Scott, who was named the Miami Herald/Sun Sentinel 3A Player of the Year, won three consecutive state championships with American Heritage School. The 2016 Florida Today Top Female Athlete of the Year, Keli Lindquist also won the state title with Merritt Island High School.
The Knights officially open the season on Aug. 18, traveling to No. 4 South Carolina. UCF returns to the UCF Soccer Complex to host Stetson on Aug. 20.
DON'T MISS OUT
The UCF women's soccer team is set for its fifth season under head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak and will welcome six teams from the 2016 NCAA Tournament to the UCF Soccer Complex in 2017. Click here or call (407) 823-1000 for ticket information.
BECOME A PART OF THE WATCH
Membership to Knights Watch, the official supporters group of UCF Soccer, begins at $15 for students and $50 for fans. Packages include tickets to all home contests for men's and women's soccer, a Knights Watch T-Shirt, a soccer scarf and a variety of free catered tailgates. To become a member, click here.
GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news.
