Welcome Home: Gabe Lazo Era is Underway in OrlandoWelcome Home: Gabe Lazo Era is Underway in Orlando

Welcome Home: Gabe Lazo Era is Underway in Orlando

by Alex Clough

ORLANDO - After being named the 14th head coach in UCF women's basketball program history on Saturday, Gabe Lazo and his staff arrived in Orlando this week, commencing a new era at UCF.

A Miami native, Lazo brings a dynamic background and a proven track record of success at multiple levels of women’s basketball. Widely regarded as one of the rising coaches in the game, he has built his reputation as an elite recruiter, defensive strategist, and developer of student-athletes.

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Gabe Lazo

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In the News Opens in a new window
I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the head coach at UCF. This is a special place with tremendous potential, and I’m grateful to President Alexander Cartwright, Terry Mohajir, Chris McFarlane, and the leadership at UCF for believing in me. As a Florida native, this opportunity means a great deal to me. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, competing at a high level in the Big 12, and making Knight Nation proud.
Gabe Lazo

Gabe Lazo

Head Coach
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LAZO'S COACHING TIMELINE

YEARS SCHOOL ROLE SEASONS
2012-17 John A. Ferguson Senior HS Girls Varsity Head Coach Five
2017-19 FIU Assistant Coach Two
2019-21 Stony Brook Assistant Coach Two
2021-22 George Washington Assistant Coach One
2022-24 Mississippi State Associate Head Coach Two
2024-26 Tennessee Assistant Coach Two
2026-Pres. UCF Head Coach First

QUICK HITS

  • Five Postseason Appearances (Four NCAA Tournaments, 1 WBIT) and Two Conference Titles
  • Landed the No. 1 ranked 2025 high school class, along with the No. 1 ranked transfer class
  • Over four years in the SEC, signed a combined 11 SportsCenter Next 100 athletes, including four five-stars and seven four-stars
  • Secured a pair of top-10 high school classes (2025 and 2026) at Tennessee and the 16th-rated 2023 class at Mississippi State
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"Gabe’s path speaks for itself. He’s come up through the grassroots level, putting in the work and earning every step. He’s not just a recruiter, he develops players, builds relationships, and understands what it takes to grow a program. This next step as a Head Coach is well earned. He’s prepared, he’s proven, and he’s ready for it." - Dawn Staley | South Carolina Women's Basketball Head Coach

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"Gabe Lazo is built for this moment. His toughness, accountability, and daily habits created this opportunity—and he’ll elevate everyone around him in the process. I Can't wait to watch him shine! He is a star." - Sam Purcell | Mississippi State Women's Basketball Head Coach

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"The acquisition of Gabe Lazo is a home run for UCF! He loves Florida, believes in developing young people, and will rally the Orlando community behind this program. Gabe is a star in the making, and I’m confident he will pour everything he has into building UCF into a formidable opponent in the Big 12." - Yolett McPhee-McCuin | Ole Miss Women's Basketball Head Coach

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"Growing up in Miami, Florida, I’ve known Gabe for over 25 years. I’ve seen his growth as a man, as a player, and as a basketball coach. His passion for the game is evident but what I appreciate most is his passion for people. Throughout every stop in his coaching journey, he leads with authenticity & has an amazing way of building connections. UCF got a great coach and a great human. I’m excited to see what the future holds for him and the Golden Knights program." - Tyler Marsh | Chicago Sky Head Coach