Ava Jessum

The Charge • 27th March 2026

No. 19 women's tennis falls short 4-1 on the road in Kansas

The No. 19 UCF women’s tennis team fell to Kansas 4-1 Sunday at the Jayhawk Tennis Center, suffering the squad's second Big 12 loss of the season. The Knights struggled to find their footing from the beginning, getting off to a rocky start in doubles play. 
On court two, sophomore Olivia Bergler and freshman Lauren Seye fought through long rallies before dropping a 6–2 match. They were swiftly followed by a similar result on court one as freshman Marina Gatell and senior Jantje Tilbuerge...

The Charge • 10th March 2026

No. 25 women’s tennis upsets No. 12 Arizona State 4-3

Following a close 4-3 loss to Arizona on Friday, the No. 25 UCF women’s tennis team traveled to Tempe, Arizona, to take on No. 12 Arizona State Sunday afternoon. After a gritty back-and-forth battle, it was the Knights who pulled off the upset and came out on top, winning 4-3 at the Whiteman Tennis Center.
The Black and Gold came out swinging in doubles play, keeping it a close contest on all three courts.Though ASU initially pulled ahead in the duel on court three, sophomores Valdislava...

The Charge • 1st March 2026

Women's tennis dominate Big 12 opener, Tilbuerger seals win 4-1

The UCF women’s tennis team found its stride Thursday in the Big 12 conference opener, defeating BYU 4-1 at the United States Tennis Association National Campus for the start of what is sure to be a competitive season of conference play.The last time the Knights and the Cougars faced off against one another, UCF took the win 4-1, and it seemed that history would repeat itself as UCF got off to a strong start. 
As doubles play commenced, the team looked ready for action.On court one, seni...

The Charge • 24th February 2026

Women's tennis surges past Stetson 6-1 after weather delay

The UCF women's tennis team found success yet again on Sunday, overcoming a delay of more than two hours due to inclement weather.When play finally began, the Knights dominated Stetson from beginning to end, emerging victorious 6-1.
Doubles play began as clouds remained dark overhead. On court two, the No. 61-ranked doubles pairing, sophomore Olivia Bergler and freshman Lauren Seye, took an early lead, leaving no room for error.The duo swiftly dispatched their opponents 6-0.The two have...

The Charge • 20th February 2026

Students warned of traffic risks on campus as Hit‑and‑Run Awareness Month begins

February marks the beginning of Hit-and-Run Awareness Month, serving as a timely warning for UCF students of traffic risks on campus.Hit-and-run incidents are a large issue in the state of Florida, with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles estimating that roughly 25% of all crashes involve a hit-and-run.
Hit‑and‑run accidents directly threaten the safety of students who walk, bike, scooter or drive around campus every day. Campus factors such as busy parking lots,...

UCF Athletics - Official Athletics Website • 23rd January 2026

Knights in the NFL Playoffs - Conference Championship Preview

ORLANDO - Following a thrilling playoff game with UCF alumni on either side of the ball, the Broncos head into the AFC championship against the Patriots. UCF talent RJ Harvey is poised to play a meaningful role as Denver chases a highly anticipated trip to the Super Bowl.
Bills vs. Broncos RecapSaturday's playoff matchup between the Broncos and Bills saw alumni Matt Prater tie up the game late in the fourth quarter, but the Broncos would battle back to win in overtime, 33-30. Prater closed out h...

UCF Athletics - Official Athletics Website • 14th January 2026

Knights in the NFL Playoffs - Divisional Round Preview

ORLANDO - The stakes are getting higher as the NFL concluded an exciting wild card weekend, making way for the divisional round of the playoffs. Among the postseason rosters, several UCF alumni are set to take the field and square off against each other in these highly anticipated matchups.
BUFFALO AT DENVER – Saturday, Jan. 17 at 4:30 p.m. (CBS)The Buffalo Bills advanced with an exciting win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday 27-24. Buffalo sits at 12-5 as they gear up to face the Denver B...

Central Florida Public Media • 17th December 2025

Music therapy clinics rebuild memory, mobility and even hope

On a typical morning at Joyful Music Therapy, the sound of music and instructors leading sessions fills the room. The organization has been serving the Central Florida community for over a decade as more patients turn to music therapy for sessions for a wide range of issues – like behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities and mental health.That includes 32-year-old Michael Morrison, who suffered a traumatic head injury at a young age. Michael is currently working with clinic founder Tamala...

Central Florida Public Media • 29th August 2025

AAA activates 'Tow to Go' initiative ahead of Labor Day Weekend

For the Labor Day Holiday weekend, auto club AAA is launching its Tow to Go program, aimed at keeping intoxicated drivers off the roadway.Tow to Go is a program providing impaired drivers with a safe way home – towing cars and transporting drivers back home. Both AAA members and non-members will be able to call an emergency number and receive the free ride for them, and their vehicle.The program aims to put a stop to alcohol-related incidents on the road. Since its launch over 25 years ago, Tow...