Because it is never too late for a 2016 preview list. . .
Orlando had a very eventful 2015 season and we cannot fully predict what is going to come in the days and months ahead. The 2016 calendar year though is shaping up to be a very eventful one in Orlando too. Maybe not as eventful as the last year that saw a new team come into existence and the city continue to grow its sports profile both in the United States and internationally.
Orlando is becoming a great sports destination. And there will be some great moments upcoming this year and questions that need to be answered.
There will be plenty of players and figures who will impact the year in sports in Orlando. So here is a brief 85-person survey of who and what to watch in Orlando in 2016.
Why 85? Orlando was founded in 1885.
Read Part 1 for Nos. 61-85.
Read Part 2 for Nos. 36-60.
Read Part 3 for Nos. 11-35.
10. Shelby Turnier, UCF: The senior pitcher for UCF softball will be without her partner in the circle but that could mean even more gaudy statistics for her as the Knights look to make noise in the NCAA Tournament. Turnier was a first team All American last year with a 25-8 record, 268 strikeouts and a 0.87 ERA. The Knights finished the year No. 16 in the NFCA Coaches Poll. There are high expectations on UCF this year with the potential to host a regional round of the NCAA Softball Tournament.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD2IPpjUxJY
9. Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic: The Orlando Magic will have to begin making decisions on players and the direction of its franchise and the first very big one comes this summer when the Magic have to decide whether to retain Evan Fournier in free agency. Fournier has already unseated Victor Oladipo in the starting lineup, but Oladipo still seems to have a place firmly in the team’s future. That could change with what the Magic do with Fournier.
8. Phil Rawlins, Orlando City: The future of Orlando City will get shaped and transformed by the current general manager and club chairman. Rawlins is currently in charge of player personnel, but he does not want that role for long. He will have to hire a replacement to manage Orlando City’s growing soccer empire in Central Florida. And Rawlins remains the best public face for the team.
7. Cyle Larin, Orlando City: What do you do when you are a 19-year-old rookie who sets the league record for goals by a rookie? You have to find a way to match it, that is for sure. Defenses will be keying in on Larin during his sophomore campaign and it will be even more difficult for Larin to duplicate his success unless he makes some major improvements.
6. Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic: The Orlando Magic do not have a star on their roster. Nikola Vucevic is about as close as the team gets to one. He is a consistent offensive player with a defensive game that needs some work still. If the Orlando Magic make the playoffs, it will be largely on Vucevic’s shoulders to continue his production and improvement on both ends.
5. Donnie Jones, UCF: The Knights basketball program is certainly in a bit of a flux. A new athletic director probably should raise some antennae. Jones has failed to get UCF into a postseason tournament as it comes out of sanctions. A strong season in 2016 is likely critical to saving his job. Continued growth and a postseason appearance in 2017 is a must.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAHtnvaVC5M
4. Alex Morgan, Orlando Pride: Much like Kaka on the men’s side, Alex Morgan will be the driving force for everything during the Orlando Pride’s inaugural season. Morgan is undoubtedly the face of the U.S. Women’s National Team at this point, but her club play has left a little to be desired. Injuries have slowed her down in that area. Orlando gave up a lot to make her the face of the team’s expansion year. She will be expected to deliver not only on the field, but also to get fans in their seats every game.
3. Kaka, Orlando City: Kaka is probably the most recognized Orlando sports figure internationally. And he obviously means a lot to Orlando City as a whole as one of the team’s best creators and drivers of offense. He demands a lot of attention from defenses. If Orlando City is going to make the step up to the Playoffs, a lot will be on Kaka’s shoulders.
2. Scott Frost, UCF: The new football coach at UCF is going to do something very different for the Knights this year. And that is aside from winning a game. Frost is promising to bring the Oregon offense to UCF and that should provide some more entertainment value. More than that, he has promised to recruit Orlando harder which should keep a lot more local talent closer to home.
1. Danny White, UCF: The future of UCF was fairly uncertain throughout 2015 after Todd Stansbury suddenly left his position as athletic director just before the season and the university handed it to George O’Leary. That did not work. At a critical time for UCF with a new football coach and still plenty of potential after an 0-12 football season, Danny White steps in to bring new energy, raise funds, and reshape UCF’s future.
