The Jacksonville University women's soccer program has begun the 2026 season with a buzz of historic achievement, highlighted by senior defender Paula Herranz's unprecedented double honor.
A milestone for the program
Herranz became the first player in JU history to capture both the Player of the Year and Defender of the Year awards in a single preseason cycle, a testament to her defensive mastery and leadership.
Joining her on the All‑ASUN Preseason Team, sophomore forward Julia Delprat earned her first career All‑ASUN recognition and emerged as the top rookie contributor, scoring in her debut against Edward Waters and West Georgia.
The team opened the season ranked third in the 2026 Preseason Coaches Poll, collecting 48 points behind champions Lipscomb and North Florida, a positioning that reflects both respect and ambition.
Beyond the field, the program secured its second straight United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award, boasting a program‑record 3.69 GPA and earning the 11th all‑time national academic honor for the women's squad.
Last season, the Dolphins advanced to the ASUN Tournament semifinals, with Herranz and Delprat playing pivotal roles in a campaign that set the stage for this year's lofty expectations.