University of Central Florida Volleyball

Kate Morrell, a former professional volleyball player with nine years of coaching experience, was named an associate head coach for UCF prior to the 2025 season. During her first campaign in Orlando, Morrell was instrumental in the Knights' success under first-year head coach Matt Botsford. The team increased its win total by eight (9 to 17), secured four more Big 12 wins, and boasted the fourth-highest year-over-year RPI growth (+141) in the nation, finishing the season 63rd in the nation after being 204th a season ago. Morrell led the charge in a UCF attack that ranked sixth in the Big 12 with 13.39 kills per set and seventh with a 0.239 hitting percentage, both massive improvements from 2024. Under the direction of Morrell and Botsford, junior Avah Armour became the program's ninth AVCA All-American in program history and first All-Big 12 First Team honoree. Morrell joined the Knights after completing a five-year standout run as FGCU’s associate head coach alongside Botsford. Together, the duo produced 120 program wins with four NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2023, Morrell contributed to the team’s 26-7 record with a 15-1 conference mark. She also helped the Eagles clinch both the regular season and conference titles, allowing the squad to qualify for the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in program history. Her tenure with Botsford at FGCU led the Eagles to several historical milestones, including an exceptional 2021 season where they tied a program record for wins wit