Kaycee Kapels is in her second season as an assistant coach with the UCF women[apos]s basketball team. She was promoted to her current position as Gail Strielger[apos]s second assistant in the summer of 2003 and is now responsible for scouting, recruiting and on-court development of the guards.
[quote]When I visited the campus for my interview, I attended an athletics department meeting. The administration kept talking about the bright future of UCF athletics and the provision they were seeking to attain national recognition. I was excited about becoming a part of the athletics director[apos]s vision while pursuing success at the next level,[quote] Kapels remembers of her choice to accept the position at UCF in 2002.
In her first year with the program, the Golden Knights began fulfilling that promise earning a 19-10 record and the Atlantic Sun regular season championship. They also advanced to the tournament final. [quote]I walked into a great situation,[quote] says Kapels.
Prior to coming to Orlando, Kapels worked as an assistant coach at Barry University from 2001-02. She was the head recruiting coordinator and the head strength and fitness coach and also assisted with on-floor coaching, where she focused on the development of the guards. The Buccaneers went 14-13 overall and 8-6 in the Sunshine State conference. Two players were named to the SSC All-Conference Team.
In addition to her duties at Barry, Kapels also worked as the assistant fitness coordinator for the WNBA[apos]s Miami Sol.
A graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kapels played three years for the Kangaroos, averaging 15.1 points a game as a junior and 15.8 as a sophomore. She ranks ninth in UMKC history with 919 points and second all-time with 128 three-pointers. Her performance earned her both all-conference and academic all-conference awards following all three seasons. She was also selected as a Division VII Academic All-American in 1999.
After earning her bachelor[apos]s degree in biology from UMKC, Kapels transferred to Barry for her final year of eligibility. She helped the Buccaneers advance to the NCAA Division II Sweet 16, where the team finished 14th in the nation. During that year, she averaged 15 points-per-game and hit a school-record 56 three-pointers. She earned Division II All-South Region and Division II All-South Region Tournament honors as well as All-SSC recognition.
[quote]My experience in basketball and the adversity that I have faced in my own life has made it easier for me to relate to our players who come from diverse backgrounds. I want to do what ever I can to help make these girls successful both during their UCF careers and after they leave our program.[quote]
In addition to her bachelor[apos]s degree, Kapels also holds a master[apos]s degree in movement science from Barry. She is an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and also supports such organizations like the American Cancer Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation as well as an array of ministries. She currently resides in Winter Park.