Volleyball 2025 Preview: Freshmen

ORLANDO - Fresh faces will be a staple of the 2025 UCF volleyball team, both on the court and among the staff. With head coach Matt Botsford embarking on his first season leading the Knights, he will be joined by five athletes beginning their collegiate journey.

Three liberos, a setter, and an outside hitter will each bolster the depth within the squad, as the staff has assembled a very balanced roster with both experience and new energy.

Today is the last of three previews (returners and transfers), each highlighting a different group within the squad. Here are the five Knights who will be commencing their collegiate journey this season with the Knights:

#2 Sarah Mendoza | L | Fr. | Bedford, Texas | Colleyville Heritage High School

One of two Texas natives (Reaghan Thompson) to join the Black and Gold this offseason, Mendoza enjoyed a prolific career at Colleyville Heritage High School. With 1,400 career digs to her name, she ranked as the fourth overall libero and among the top-50 overall players in the state. 

Mendoza played club volleyball with Texas Advantage and racked up multiple honors in premier tournaments. With recognitions from The Dallas Morning News and other prominent outlets, she will be one of three liberos to embark on their first collegiate campaign with the Knights. Athletics run in the family as Mendoza’s brother, Ethan, is a standout second baseman with the Texas Longhorns baseball program.

Why UCF? “An amazing coaching staff, great people around me and a beautiful campus”

#9 Alexa Haley | L | Fr. | Naples, Florida | Seacrest Country Day School

As one of the premier liberos out of the Sunshine State, Haley was instrumental in a Seacrest Country Day team that claimed four consecutive state titles. Originally committed to FGCU with the goal of playing for Botsford, Haley joined the first-year UCF head coach and will bring a winning attitude to the roster.

Throughout her four years in Southwest Florida, Haley tallied over 2,000 career digs and was named to the All-Area First Team on four occasions. With multiple 2A Player of the Year honors, she was also tabbed an All-American her senior year. She competed at the club level with the Performance Volleyball Academy and was named her team’s MVP.

Why UCF? “A great coaching staff and team, along with the chance to stay close to home.”

#11 Reese Moore | DS/L | Fr. | Franklin, Tennessee | Franklin High School

Moore signed with the Knights in November of last year after a strong career at Franklin High School. Recognized as her high school’s high team MVP, she was named 2024 AAU All-American and earned spots on the 2023 District All-Tournament Team and the 2024 All-District Team. 

Additionally, she was honored as the TSSA Middle Tennessee Mid-Season Player of the Year in 2023. She played club for Tennessee Performance Volleyball, the same umbrella program that former Knight Emily Wilson trained with.

Why UCF? “A great location with an amazing coaching staff, as well as a fresh start and new beginnings.”

#12 Nygeria Hart | OH | Fr. | Port Charlotte, Florida | Port Charlotte High School

A four-year varsity player at Port Charlotte High School, Hart tallied over 1,000 career kills and was dubbed team MVP three consecutive years. In her class, she ranked 11th in total kills in the state of Florida, while also showing strong defensive instincts with 719 digs.

Hart was tabbed both a Sun Prep All-Area and AVCA All-Region honors runner-up. Competing at the club level with Florida Gulfside, she serves as the lone freshman outside hitter and joins a talented and experienced group with the Knights.

Why UCF? “I’m excited to join a new era of UCF volleyball… and I love the location”

#20 Mikayla Porter | S | Fr. | Deerfield

A prominent setter from St. Thomas Aquinas in Deerfield Beach, Florida, Porter was named MVP by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association for the 2024 season. The Knight helped lead her team to two state championships and also received multiple other honors, including AVCA High School All-American 2nd Team, AVCA High School All-Region and All-County 7a-6a first team.

Racking up an impressive 977 career assists, she was honored with the 2024 7a-6a Player of the Year. At the club level, she suited up for the Wildfire Volleyball Academy. Hailing from an athletic family, her father Daryl played for seven NFL teams from 1997-2002 after graduating from Boston College, while her brother, Daryl Porter Jr., played football at West Virginia and Miami and is currently suiting up for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Why UCF? “I want to compete, execute and win with a great coaching staff and team.”

SINGLE GAME AND SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW
UCF volleyball single-match and season tickets are on sale now. Be sure to catch all the action starting Aug. 29 as the Knights return to action. Tickets can be purchased online at ucfknights.com/tickets or by calling the ticket office at (407) 823-1000.

ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program, representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.