College Spotlight: The University of Central Florida (UCF)
Imagine your son standing on the field under the lights at UCF, living out his dream of being a college student-athlete. The University of Central Florida isn’t just another college baseball team; it’s an up-and-coming powerhouse with state-of-the-art facilities, top-notch coaching, and a record-breaking season that’s putting them on the map in a big way.
If you’re looking to help your son reach his potential and get noticed by programs like UCF, that’s where I come in. I’m here to guide you and your son through every step of the recruiting journey.
This isn’t just about baseball; it’s about building a future.
University Overview
Location: Orlando, Florida
Academic Programs: UCF offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including engineering, business, computer science, and health sciences. The university emphasizes research, innovation, and community engagement, providing students with numerous opportunities for academic and professional growth.
Baseball Program
Conference: Big 12 Conference (NCAA Division I)
Head Coach: Rich Wallace
Recent Success: In the 2024 season, under first-year head coach Rich Wallace, the UCF Knights achieved a 37-21 record and secured their first NCAA Regional appearance since 2017. The team earned two victories in the Tallahassee Regional, including a thrilling 8-7 win against Alabama and a 5-2 triumph over Stetson.
Stadium and Facilities
John Euliano Park: The Knights play their home games at John Euliano Park, considered one of the nation’s finest college baseball stadiums. Renovated in 2018, the stadium accommodates 3,841 fans and features a 300-seat premium club section with outdoor seating and indoor amenities, such as an air-conditioned lounge, food and beverage service, private restrooms, and a dedicated entrance.
Training Facilities: The overall facility includes offices for the UCF baseball coaching staff and a reception area. The Knights’ conference and meeting space, known as the UCF Tradition Room, offers a luxurious spot to relax, watch game film on a flat-screen television, or focus on classwork. The walls feature former members of the team who have set the standard for excellence with the Knights, such as players who have received All-American accolades.
MLB Players from UCF
UCF has a history of producing players who have advanced to Major League Baseball. Notable alumni include:
Drew Butera: A catcher who has played for multiple MLB teams, including the Minnesota Twins and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Chad Mottola: The first former Golden Knight to make it to the Major League level.
Dylan Moore: An infielder/outfielder who has played for the Seattle Mariners and was recognized with a Gold Glove Award in 2024.
Recruiting Classes
2026 Recruiting Class Commitments:
Middle Infielders: 3
Catcher: 1
Outfielder: 1
Right-Handed Pitchers (RHP): 3
Left-Handed Pitchers (LHP): 2
2027 Recruiting Class Commitments:
As of now, there are no commitments for the 2027 class.
UCF’s strategic recruitment for the 2026 class focuses on strengthening key positions, particularly in pitching and middle infield, to build a competitive roster for future seasons.
Academics
UCF is recognized for its strong academic programs and commitment to research and innovation. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degrees across various fields, including engineering, business, computer science, and health sciences. UCF emphasizes research, innovation, and community engagement, providing students with numerous opportunities for academic and professional growth.
In summary, the University of Central Florida offers a robust combination of academic excellence and a competitive baseball program. With state-of-the-art facilities, a history of developing MLB talent, and a strategic approach to recruitment, UCF provides student-athletes with the resources and opportunities to excel both on the field and in the classroom.
To your son's success.
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About Alex
Meet your college baseball recruiting specialist: Alex Swenson.
As a high school baseball player, I navigated the college recruiting process all on my own. Despite average statistics, I landed a spot on a Division-1 baseball team Jacksonville University, where I became a 3-time team captain. Post-college, I became a D1 coach, scout, and recruiter at Georgetown University and Ole Miss, where we won an SEC championship.
After experiencing the process as both recruit and recruiter, I’ve successfully dissected the best strategies to connect with college coaches and draw offers from them.
Receive professional direction from Alex himself until your son commits to his desired school. A step-by-step action plan will be provided with strategic small-group coaching meetings every 2 weeks to ensure we are making progress. Included is a baseball networking platform that connects him to coaches, optimizes his exposure to scouts, alerts him to college camps and showcases, and MUCH MORE.