ORLANDO – UCF Softball kicks off it’s 19th season in less than two weeks and five seniors are on the squad looking to provide some vital wisdom and experience to the Knights as they seek a conference title. All five seniors are returners to the squad after posting strong numbers in 2019.
Among the group are two infielders, two pitchers and an outfielder.
Let’s take a deeper dive into each of the five seniors on the Knights’ roster this season, but first, if you would like to read previous class previews, you can do so here:
– Freshmen Preview
– Sophomores Preview
– Juniors Preview
Let’s get to know our Senior Knights:
#7 // Jazmine Esparza // IF
A mainstay in the Knights’ lineup in 2019, Esparza returns to UCF Softball after appearing in 53 games last year. Esparza was primarily utilized at first base but also got work in at catcher and designated player. She contributed one home run, 28 RBI and nine doubles in her junior season to finish with a final slash line of .258/.325/.351. Esparza is useful and versatile weapon for The Black and Gold wherever she is on the diamond and she gives the coaching staff options that are sure to come in handy as the Knights look to capture a conference title and more in 2020.
#18 // Aubrey Johnson // IF
After leading the squad in home runs her sophomore season, Johnson’s power numbers took a step back in 2019, but her overall game was just as impressive. She was fifth on the team in total hits, was 3-for-4 in swiped bags, fielded to a .912 clip and posted a .258 batting average. She played all over the diamond, getting time in at shortstop, second base, left field and designated hitter. Johnson brings plenty of leadership and experience to the infield on the defensive side of the ball and has the potential to be a highlight in the lineup in 2020.
#20 // Kiana East // P
East joined the Knights in January of 2019, adding to a strong pitching staff with Alea White, Breanna Vasquez and others. East spent one season at Seminole State going 17-3 with two saves and 12 complete games. She finished the 2018 season with a 1.94 ERA and averaged over three strikeouts per seven innings. Last season East allowed two earned runs, striking out one in 1.1 innings pitched. Expect East to provide some solid depth to a strong Knights rotation.
#22 // Kyra Klarkowski // OF
Klarkowski was elected one of two team captains in the fall of 2018, along with fellow senior Alea White as she brings a great deal of leadership to the squad. Over the last two seasons, Klarkowski has appeared in all but three games for the Knights. An outfielder by trade, Klarkowski tallied 27 total bases over 15 hits and 13 runs in 2019. She posted a near-perfect .987 fielding percentage to go along with five assists and 72 putouts. Klarkowski will patrol center field again in 2020 as she is expected to lead the young outfield, which is projected to be among the best in the conference.
#27 // Alea White // P
White returns for her fourth season at UCF after tossing 221.1 of the Knights’ 380.0 innings last season. Last year, White accumulated 174 strikeouts and five shutouts as the undisputed workhorse for the Knights. After her junior season, White owns top-10 program career records in ERA (2.42), strikeouts per seven innings (4.49), wins (66), saves (7) and appearances (125) just to name a few. Last year, White earned NFCA First Team All-Region honors, was named to The American Athletic Conference All-Conference First Team and earned conference Player of the Week honors on four separate occasions. Along with fellow senior Kyra Klarkowski, White is a captain for the team and will be a perfect mentor for the pitching staff.
