Eagles Soar to No. 1 in 2026 ASUN Preseason Poll
The Florida Gulf Coast Eagles have been crowned the preseason favorite in the ASUN Conference for the 2026 season after capturing the 2025 Graphite Division regular‑season title. The team earned 58 points in the coaches poll, edging out Lipscomb, which received four first‑place votes, by a margin of four points. This marks the program’s continued dominance, highlighted by a 12th ASUN championship in school history.
Three standout players were recognized on the Preseason All‑ASUN Team, a testament to the depth of talent returning to the roster. Senior forward Kate Friday, midfielder Ryanne Robinson and veteran Maya Henley Buisan each received the honor, underscoring their impact on last year’s campaign.
A Championship Run Fueled by Consistency
The Eagles closed the 2025 schedule with a 6‑0‑1 stretch, outscoring opponents 32‑2 over their final seven games and securing the championship on home turf in Fort Myers. Their unbeaten run featured nine shutouts, with Robinson anchoring a defense that limited rivals to just two goals across that span.
Friday logged 1,389 minutes in 18 appearances, contributing a goal and four assists, while Robinson’s freshman campaign saw her start every match, accumulate 1,471 minutes and record two assists. Buisan, the most experienced player on the 2026 roster, tallied a career‑high three goals and six assists in the previous season.
The milestone 20th‑anniversary season opens on Wednesday with a home matchup against Houston from the Big 12, scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Pickering Field. Fans can purchase season and single‑game tickets through FGCUTickets.com, marking the start of what promises to be a memorable campaign.