Former UCF Knight Becomes First Women's Signing for Crusaders

Orlando, FL – The Central Florida Crusaders have announced the signing of former UCF Women's Soccer player Yvonne (George) Hayes. She becomes the first women's player signed to the team for their inaugural campaign in the NISL. 

“Yvonne is a true representative of Central Florida soccer,” GM and Head Coach Tom Traxler said, “Being born and raised here, she is a leader and an exciting player to build this team around.”

Hayes, a graduate of UCF, played from 2006-2009 for the Knight's women's soccer program. The Winter Springs native scored 16 goals in her tenure, with eight coming in a banner sophomore year where she was named to the All-C-USA Second Team, the Soccer Buzz All-Southeast Region Second Team, and the NSCAA All-Southeast Second Team. In her junior year, she led the team in assists with seven, leading to 16 career assists over 74 career games. 

"I love this city, and I'm thrilled to bring more soccer to Orlando," Hayes said. 

ABOUT NATIONAL INDOOR SOCCER LEAGUE (NISL):

The National Indoor Soccer League was founded in January 2021 by a group of seasoned sports team/league owners with over 50 years of ownership experience. The league features both a Men's & Women's Division, competing in double header game days over a 20-game regular season that takes place between the months of December and April. Current teams include Central FL Crusaders (Orlando), Columbus Rapids (Georgia), Fayetteville Fury, Memphis Americans, Rome Gladiators (Georgia), and Tampa Bay Strikers. The NISL is committed to promoting and supporting our member teams, while providing an avenue for players, coaches, and front office staff to develop their skills and gain exposure for opportunities at higher levels, all while providing high-quality, affordable entertainment in the communities we serve.