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Knights Soccer Faces New Era After Key Departures
14 Aug
Summary
- UCF Knights aim for consecutive NCAA berths despite losing star players.
- Coach Roberts Sahaydak balances UCF duties with Team USA coaching role.
- New transfers and returning captain key to Knights' 2026 season success.
The UCF Knights women's soccer team is set to begin their 2026 season, facing significant roster turnover after a successful 2025 campaign that saw them reach the NCAA Tournament's second round. Key players, including top attackers and their star goalkeeper Genesis Perez Watson, have departed, presenting a challenge for coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak. The team's goal is to achieve consecutive NCAA Tournament berths, a feat not accomplished in over a decade.
Coach Roberts Sahaydak faces a demanding schedule, balancing her responsibilities with the Knights and her role on the coaching staff for the U.S. Women's National Team ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. Despite these dual commitments, she plans to remain fully with the Knights throughout their season. New additions like goalkeeper Kaïna Cesar and forwards Naomi Clark and Alysiah Lockette are expected to fill the voids left by departed players.
Returning players, notably captain Maria Tregansin, will be vital to the Knights' strategy. The team, picked eighth in the Big 12 preseason poll, looks to exceed expectations. They face a challenging schedule, including non-conference matches against LSU and FIU, and tough Big 12 opponents like Texas Tech, Colorado, and TCU.
