Overview
- Lazo, announced by UCF as head coach Saturday, opted for his first collegiate top job rather than the assistant role LSU publicized earlier in the week.
- After resigning from Tennessee on March 27, he was introduced by LSU on March 31 to fill Gary Redus II’s vacancy following Redus’s move to Rutgers.
- He replaces Sytia Messer, who was dismissed after four seasons that included an 11–19 finish and no NCAA Tournament appearances.
- Known for landing top-100 recruits and multiple McDonald’s All-Americans at Tennessee and Mississippi State, the Miami native offers strong ties to Florida and a clear fit on a campus with a large Hispanic student body.
- The women’s transfer portal opens Monday, giving Lazo an immediate lever to rebuild UCF’s roster as the Knights aim to compete in the Big 12.