Florida Gulf Coast University women's soccer head coach Jim Blankenship revealed Tuesday that the program will welcome two new student‑athletes for the 2026 campaign, forward Brooke Viccars and goalkeeper Ambar Apostolico, each bringing a blend of athletic promise and academic distinction.
Brooke Viccars: A Scholar‑Athlete from the West Coast
Brooke Viccars, a forward hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, joins the Eagles after a standout secondary school career that saw her ranked No. 34 in the First Touch Football All‑Canadian 2024 player rankings and earn two Provincial Player of the Week honors in 2024.
During her tenure at UTSA, Viccars contributed to a team that captured the American conference championship and earned a berth in the 2025 NCAA Tournament, while also maintaining a Dean’s List standing in both 2024 and 2025 and receiving selection to the 2024‑25 American Conference All‑Academic Team.
Her high school record includes leading the squad in scoring for 2023 and 2024 and topping the assist chart in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and she helped Fusion Football Club win the 2022 San Diego Surf Cup Championship.
Ambar Apostolico: International Experience Between the Posts
Ambar Apostolico, a goalkeeper from Buenos Aires, Argentina, comes to FGCU after a productive spell at Florida International University where she was part of the 2024 Conference USA championship side.
Apostolico has also earned caps with the Argentina Youth National Team, been recognized on the FIU Dean’s List, and captured the Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Medal, underscoring her commitment to scholarship.
Beyond the pitch, Apostolico’s club career includes formative years with Club Atlético Boca Juniors, one of the most storied teams in South American football.
Program Outlook
Coach Blankenship emphasized that the incoming class adds depth to the attacking front and stability between the posts, positioning the program for a competitive 2026 season.
The additions reflect a recruiting strategy that blends high‑performance talent with students who excel academically, a balance the university says will enhance both on‑field results and campus life.
With the new roster in place, the Eagles aim to build on recent successes and contend for conference honors, leveraging the experience of returning players and the fresh energy of Viccars and Apostolico.