When Gabe Lazo took the helm as UCF women's basketball's 14th head coach, he didn't waste a single second. Just one day after his historic introduction—becoming the first Latino head coach in Power Four women's hoops history—Lazo landed his first transfer portal commitment. By the time the recruiting shutdown window closed, he had secured seven new players and a fresh vision for the Knights.
Lazo's aggressive rebuild brings an infusion of talent from powerhouse programs, including four players from ACC schools. But it's not a complete overhaul. UCF retained three key contributors from last season's 11-19 squad (3-15 in Big 12 play): Mahogany Chandler-Roberts, Jasmynne Gibson, and Felicia Schölander. Chandler-Roberts, a 6-foot-2 junior, was a bright spot, ranking third in scoring (7.7 points per game) and second in rebounding (5.5 per game).
Adding international flavor, French forward Salome Bayoyo joins after playing for ZKK Ragusa in Croatia's top professional league. Meanwhile, the Knights did see some departures, including top scorer Leah Harmon (heading to Minnesota) and three-year starting center Khyala Ngodu (bound for West Virginia).
Let's break down the seven newcomers who'll don the black and gold next season. These are the players Lazo is betting on to turn things around:
Aislin Johnson (Guard, Pittsburgh)
2025-26 stats: 28 games (27 starts), 13.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists per game. Shot 33.2% from the field, 24.2% from three, and 75.8% from the free-throw line.
Analysis: Lazo's very first move was landing Pitt's leading scorer. Johnson posted five games of 20-plus points and ranked 12th in the ACC in free-throw shooting. Since transferring from Colorado in 2024, she started 54 of 60 games—a testament to her consistency and durability.
Jade Roseby (Forward, Stephen F. Austin)
2025-26 stats: 35 games (35 starts), 13.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.9 steals per game. Shot 43.6% from the field, 34.4% from three, and 79.7% from the line.
Analysis: Roseby earned First Team All-Southland Conference honors and helped the Ladyjacks win back-to-back league postseason titles. Her leadership punched SFA's ticket to a March Madness play-in game against Missouri State. She brings winning experience and a versatile scoring touch.
Mia Walker (Guard, Syracuse)
2025-26 stats: 28 games (five starts), 8.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists per game. Shot an efficient 52.8% from the field and 37.5% from three.
Analysis: Though not a full-time starter, Walker made the most of her minutes at Syracuse. Her shooting efficiency—especially from beyond the arc—will stretch defenses and create driving lanes for UCF's guards.
With this blend of high-major transfers, international talent, and returning veterans, Lazo is crafting a roster built for immediate impact. The Knights may have struggled last season, but this reload signals a new era of competitiveness in the Big 12. For fans and apparel enthusiasts alike, it's time to get excited about what's coming to Orlando.