Dec. 15, 2011

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By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - This week, several of UCF's finest Knights will trade in their cleats and jerseys for caps and gowns. Nine student-athletes will graduate in ceremonies held on Thursday and Friday at UCF Arena.

This group of graduates features student-athletes from the baseball, football, softball, and men's and women's soccer teams. The following student-athletes received their degrees this winter:

Brennan Dobbins (UCF baseball pitcher)
Major: mechanical engineering
In his senior season in 2011, Dobbins served as a relief pitcher. He was recognized with the Order of Pegasus, which honors exemplary performance by UCF undergraduate students in the areas of academics, university involvement, leadership and community service.

Derek Luciano (UCF baseball infielder)
Major: management-entrepreneurship track
In his senior season in 2011, Luciano served as the starting third baseman. He was named to C-USA All-Academic Team in addition to recording six home runs, 36 RBI and 35 runs scored.

Kevin Vasquez (UCF baseball outfielder)
Major: interdisciplinary studies
A Pensacola Junior College transfer, Vasquez compiled a .455 batting average in 18 games played and one start in his senior year in 2011.

Josh Linam (UCF football linebacker)
Major: sports and fitness
Linam was a member of the C-USA All-Academic Team and named to Capital One Academic All-District Team. He started in all games his junior season, helping UCF to a conference championship and recorded six tackles (three solo) and one interception in the Liberty Bowl win over Georgia.

Vinny Mazzurco (UCF football linebacker)
Major: interdisciplinary studies
Mazzurco was a part of the 2010 conference champion and Liberty Bowl champion team. He appeared in seven games during his senior year in 2011.

Yaron Bacher, UCF men's soccer midfielder
Major: management
A three-year starter for UCF, Bacher was named to the C-USA all-conference second team member his senior year in 2010.

Abby McClain (UCF softball catcher/utility player)
Major: biology
McClain was a two-time C-USA team member and named to the 2010 C-USA championship all tournament team. She was a three-time C-USA Academic team member and earned Capital One Academic All District III First Team honors her senior year in 2011. In her senior year, she started in 50 games for the Knights and led UCF in home runs, RBI, walks and fielding percentage.

Tawny Swan (UCF softball outfielder)
Major: interdisciplinary studies
Heading into her final season in 2012, Swan was a starter in all 54 games last season and was named as the C-USA Hitter of the Week on May 2.

Aline Reis (UCF women's soccer goalkeeper)
Major: interdisciplinary studies
An All America goalkeeper, Reis was a four-year starter for the Knights and earned Lowe's senior CLASS First Team laurels this year. She was a three-time NSCAA All-Central Regional Second Team honoree and played every minute of UCF's historic four-game run at the NCAA Championship in 2011 that advanced the Knights to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987.