The team made the NCAA tournament in the first year of eligibility in 2011, and returned in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2022, and 2023.
History
The women’s soccer program was formed in 2007 as a result of FGCU athletics phasing into NCAA division 1 status. The team competed in their first match on August 31 in a 10-0 win against Alabama State.[4]
Due to FGCU athletics transition into Division I competition, the Eagles had to wait out a four-year probationary period before becoming eligible for postseason play. In 2011, their first year of eligibility, the team clinched its first conference tournament title and advanced to the first round of the NCAA tournament.[5]
The FGCU Eagles and UCF Knights currently share the record for most tournament titles (8).[9]
Stadium
The Eagles currently play their home matches at the FGCU Soccer Complex, also known as Pickering Field. The field is 120x80 yards and is Natural Celebration Bermuda grass. The stadium holds 1,500 permanent seats.
On November 15, 2014, Pickering Field became the first FGCU venue to host an NCAA Division I Tournament match. The Eagles faced Auburn in the first round of the tournament with a record of 2,014 in attendance.[10]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Jim Blankenship has served as the head coach of the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles women’s soccer program since its inception in 2007. Blankenship has guided the Eagles to a 208-80-35 overall record over the first 17 seasons of the program.[13] Upon entering the 2024 season, Blankenship’s 448 career wins rank 8th among active NCAA Division 1 coaches.[14]
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