ORLANDO – UCF honored the power and inspiration of women in athletics Thursday night at its annual Women in Sports Dinner, presented by Orlando Health. Held in recognition of National Girls and Women in Sports Day, the event celebrated the achievements of UCF’s female student-athletes, coaches, and trailblazers who continue to shape the future of women’s sports.
This annual gathering serves as a fundraiser for UCF’s women’s athletics programs, offering a platform to celebrate past successes while championing the next generation of female athletes. Guests were inspired by powerful stories of perseverance, leadership, and excellence shared by student-athletes, coaches, and distinguished speakers.
Hosted by Marc Daniels, the Voice of the Knights, the evening highlighted the impact of women’s sports through compelling speeches, heartfelt testimonials, and engaging panel discussions.
Dr. Anjali Vyas, President of Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, also spoke at the event, highlighting the critical role of health, wellness, and community support in empowering female athletes. Her presence reinforced the deep connection between athletics and holistic well-being, emphasizing the importance of strong partnerships in advancing opportunities for women in sports.
UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Terry Mohajir and Deputy AD and Senior Women’s Administrator Dr. Abby Wilson also addressed attendees, reinforcing the university’s commitment to expanding opportunities for female athletes. A student-athlete panel featuring Audrey Buck (women’s soccer), Skyler DiSerafino (dance), Molly Smith (women’s golf), and Hayley Manners (track & field) shared personal insights on how sports have shaped their lives. They expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of their families, coaches, and the pioneering women who paved the way for their success.
The evening also featured a coaches’ panel, where Matt Botsford (women’s volleyball), Mara Allen (rowing), Bryan Koniecko (women’s tennis), and Rekha Patterson (assistant women’s basketball coach) reflected on the significance of coaching women’s sports. Their discussion underscored the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the continued fight for equity in athletics.
“Tonight is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made in advancing women’s sports and to look ahead at the opportunities that lie before us,” Mohajir said. “Here at UCF, those opportunities are expanding in exciting ways. To our incredible student-athletes—your hard work, passion, and commitment inspire us every day. To our supporters, donors, and fans—thank you for believing in our mission and helping us create a future where opportunities for women in sports continue to grow.”
As part of UCF’s investment in women’s athletics, Mohajir also announced that 44 of the 72 new scholarships being added across all sports—more than 60%—will go to women’s programs beginning in 2025-26. This commitment underscores the university’s dedication to providing more opportunities for female athletes to compete at the highest level while earning a world-class education.
The Women in Sports Dinner remains a cornerstone event for UCF Athletics, reaffirming the university’s dedication to empowering female athletes and shaping a bright future for women’s sports. Knights can support our student-athletes by making a philanthropic gift to our women's sports programs at UCF.