PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (UCFKnights.com) – In its first four seasons in the American Athletic Conference, the UCF women's basketball team had never been selected to finish higher than eighth in the league's preseason poll. Following one of the best seasons in program history, the coaches of The American predicted the Knights to finish fourth in 2017-18.
"I'm very excited for our players and our program," Coach "ABE" said. "It's an extreme compliment, considering how many great programs are in this league, to be selected fourth. With that being said, we know that this is a journey. We have to keep working hard and taking it one game at a time."
In her first year at the helm, head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson led the Knights to a fourth place regular season finish in the league. UCF made its first appearance in The American Tournament semifinals after earning its first tournament win since joining the conference in 2013.
Four-time defending league champion UConn was the unanimous selection to win the regular season. USF was picked to finish second in the league, while Temple earned the nod for third.
Senior guard Aliyah Gregory also earned recognition from the league coaches, as she was selected to the Preseason All-Conference First Team.
"It is an honor to be selected to the All-Conference First Team," Gregory said. "I would like to thank my teammates and my coaches for that, because they play a major role in my individual success."
Gregory, who became the first Knight to earn First Team honors in The American, returns for her senior campaign after leading the squad with 16.6 points per game last year. The Tampa native reached double figures in 26 of her 31 contests last season, including eight 20+ point outings. She scored a career-high 34 points to lift UCF to its first-ever win over USF in Tampa during the 2016-17 campaign.
The Knights open the 2017-18 season on Nov. 10, hosting Mercer in a 5:30 p.m. matchup at CFE Arena.
TIPOFF LUNCHEON
The 2017-18 UCF Tipoff Luncheon will take place Nov. 3, 2017 at CFE Arena. Those in attendance will hear from Coach Dawkins, Coach "ABE" and featured speaker Jay Bilas. For tickets and more information contact the Golden Knights Club at (407) 823-2086 or email kwilson@athletics.ucf.edu.
SEASON TICKETS
The UCF women's basketball team is set for its second season under head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson. Season tickets are on sale now for $40. Click here or call (407) 823-1000 for ticket information.
2017-18 AMERICAN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
| Rank | Team (First Place Votes) | Points |
| 1. | UConn (11) | 121 |
| 2. | USF (1) | 110 |
| 3. | Temple | 98 |
| 4. | UCF | 91 |
| 5. | SMU | 79 |
| 6. | Tulane | 73 |
| 7. | Memphis | 53 |
| 8. | Cincinnati | 50 |
| 9. | Tulsa | 43 |
| 10. | Wichita State | 31 |
| 11. | Houston | 27 |
| 12. | ECU | 16 |
2017-18 AMERICAN PRESEASON INDIVIDUAL HONORS
Preseason Player of the Year
Napheesa Collier, Jr., F., UConn
Preseason All-Conference Teams
First Team
Aliyah Gregory, Sr., G, UCF
Napheesa Collier, Jr., G. UConn*
Katie Lou Samuelson, Jr., G/F, UConn
Gabby Williams, Sr., F, UConn*
Kitija Laksa, Jr., G, USF
Second Team
Kia Nurse, Sr., G, UConn
Maria Jespersen, Sr., F, USF
Alicia Froling, Sr., F, SMU
Alliya Butts, Sr., G, Temple
Kolby Morgan, Sr., G, Tulane
*unanimous selection
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