ORLANDO - UCF Volleyball head coach Matt Botsford announced the program's signing class for the 2027-28 academic year Wednesday, on National Signing Day. The team added four players with a wealth of experience and success at the high school and club levels that will be ready to make an impact on day one.
This is a very talented group of players that we feel will immediately elevate our gym through experience, physicality and skill level. The 2027 class represents our first opportunity to go through a traditional recruiting cycle which has allowed us to address program needs, strengthening our roster for the future. Jaylynn Presley, Yahya and Anabelle each have the ability to make an early impact here at UCF and we are excited to officially welcome them into the Knights family.
Matt BotsfordHead CoachAnabelle Schembra | Bargersville, Ind. | 5-9 | S
Schembra joins the Knights after playing her high school years at Center Grove in Indiana. She holds the all-time career assists record for Center Grove and is second all-time in the state of Indiana with 4,210 career assists. She also holds the school record for career aces, serving up 237 during her time there. Following a standout year where she led the program to the IHSAA Class 4A State Finals in 2026, Schembra was named to the All-State First Team as well as earning Indiana Preps Volleyball Player of the Week in October.
The setter was also voted to the IndyStar All-Sophomore Team, the AVCA Watch List, USA Super Team Honorable Mention as a junior and USA Super First Team as a senior. In her district, Schembra was voted IHSVCA Class 4A Central All-District in 2024, 2025 and 2026, guiding Center Grove to become four-time sectional and two-time regional champions, being named Johnson County Player of the Year in 2025.
In club ball for Circle City, the Indiana native was named 2025 PrepVolleyball Club All-American Honorable Mention for 16U and was 17U National All-American in 2026.
“I chose UCF because of the coaching staff and the competitive program. When I arrived at UCF, I knew it was home.”
Presley Kreter | Olathe, Kan. | 6-2 | M
Kreter is a middle blocker out of St. Thomas Aquinas, most recently guiding the program to winning the Kansas 5A State championship. To begin the season, she was named to the Kansas 5A Watchlist and delivered on those expectations, earning a nod to the All-State First Team. A native of Olathe, Kan., Kreter was named an Evelyn Gates Award finalist in 2026, an award given out to a Kansas City varsity volleyball student-athlete who exhibits top tier spirit, sportsmanship and skill.
Kreter was named ECL Co-Player of the Year as well as a nod to the AVCA All-Regional Team, while also playing soccer in high school. For club, she competed with Performance Volleyball Academy in her hometown of Olathe, Kan.
“I chose UCF because it felt like the perfect fit for me both athletically and academically, and I could see myself growing there as a person and player. The coaches are amazing, and their support, passion and commitment to their players made me even more excited to be part of the program.”
Yahya Johnson | Vero Beach, Fla. | 6-3 | M
A 6-3 middle and Florida native, Johnson contributes to both offensive and defensive sides of the net. As a two-sport athlete, her experience in basketball has fostered key skills, including adaptability, high game intelligence, and efficient footwork.
During the 2026 season, Johnson made her mark during her senior year and became an important part of Vero Beach’s resurgence. She recorded 187 kills and a .329 hitting percentage during her senior year, ranking second in her 6A district for hitting efficiency.
“I chose UCF because I really loved how close everyone seemed and how welcoming the whole environment was. Being close to home was also a big thing for me. I love the level of volleyball they compete at and knew it would be a great opportunity for me to continue as a player. I knew UCF was where I wanted to be, and I’m so excited for this next chapter!”
Jaylynn Carter | Waxhaw, N.C. | 5-11 | OH
Carter attended Cuthbertson High School and was named conference player of the year all four years of her high school career. She was named Athlete of the Month with Cuthbertson and subsequently voted Most Valuable Athlete following the 2025-26 season. This season, she was instrumental in the school turning around and winning its final seven games of the regular season, being below .500 before that run.
Playing club volleyball for Carolina Union Volleyball Club, Carter was named Best Hitter in the 14 Open division of the Capital Hill Classic. An incredibly powerful hitter, she excels from the pins, able to use the block and see the court at a high level. Her experience in soccer, basketball, track, dance and cheer contribute to her versatility on the court.
“I chose UCF because I’ve always wanted to be in Florida, the campus is beautiful. The coaching staff is exactly what I was looking for in coaches, along with the culture of the volleyball team looks amazing. I was looking for somewhere to be for my entire collegiate career and this school seemed perfect to me!”