ORLANDO – The UCF men’s soccer team has announced the addition of goalkeeper Kai Longanecker to its roster ahead of the fall 2026 campaign.
A native of Sandpoint, Idaho, Longanecker brings a wealth of experience to the pitch in Orlando. Most notably, the incoming freshman represented the first Academy goalkeeper in Charlotte FC history to make his professional debut in 2025.
Longanecker, a product of Sandpoint High School, was previously also tabbed to the U.S. Youth Soccer’s West Region 2024-25 Olympic Development Program, an honor reserved for some of the top youth soccer players in the United States to continue honing their craft.
He served as the goalkeeper for the 17U Idaho Youth Soccer Association’s ODP state team and helped his squad win the 2024 Far West ODP Championships after leading his high school team to a runner-up finish in its pursuit of a state championship.
Longanecker also played stints with FC Dallas, St. Louis City 2 and Sporting Kansas City before signing with Charlotte FC’s Academy team in 2024.
“I chose UCF because of the relationships I was able to build with the coaches and the people around the program, along with the competitive soccer team,” he said.
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.