Official Release - May 14, 2026
ORLANDO - In his final addition to his inaugural staff at UCF, women’s basketball head coach Gabe Lazo has announced Cheyanne Daniels as recruiting and operations coordinator for the 2026-27 season.
Daniels, a former standout player for Lazo at the high school and AAU level, winning multiple tournaments with the Miami Suns, spent the past campaign as an assistant coach at Moberly Area Community College.
"Cheyanne and I have both made incredible impacts on each other’s careers, both on and off the court," said Lazo. "I coached her at the high school and AAU level in Miami, and have since watched her grow as a player and a person. I’m excited to bring her back to the Sunshine State and to complete my staff in Orlando!"
During her collegiate career at Southeastern Louisiana University, Daniels spent two seasons with the Lady Lions and played a key role in the program’s record-setting stretch of five consecutive winning seasons. During the 2024–25 campaign, she helped lead Southeastern to a historic 26-6 overall record and a dominant 19-1 finish in Southland Conference play.
The Lady Lions captured the Southland Conference regular-season title for just the second time in program history and advanced to their third appearance in the Southland Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament Championship game.
"I’m extremely excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the UCF women’s basketball staff," said Daniels. "It’s truly a full-circle moment to be back home and work alongside Coach Lazo again, and I’m looking forward to helping build something special in Orlando!"
In the 2023–24 season, Daniels led Southeastern with 30 blocks while averaging 8.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. She recorded a career-high 22 points during her time at SLU and posted nine double-doubles, helping the Lady Lions reach the Southland Conference Tournament Semifinals. In her final season, Daniels ranked second on the team in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 8.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
She contributed to the program’s best regular-season record in school history, which also tied for the top conference record in Southland Conference history. Daniels finished the year with 12 double-figure scoring performances as Southeastern earned its first-ever berth in the Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament.
Before transferring to Southeastern, Daniels competed at Shawnee Community College, where she averaged 16.4 points and 10.8 rebounds per game in her final season. She recorded career highs of 28 points and 21 rebounds for the Saints. Daniels began her basketball career at Miami Senior High School, leading her team to a Junior Orange Bowl title in 2018 while also winning regional championships in 2015 and 2017.
Daniels earned her bachelor’s degree in General Studies from Southeastern Louisiana University in May 2025.