Seven transfers start opener as FGCU builds for another winning season

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — FGCU women’s soccer has built one of the ASUN’s most consistent winners — and the transfer portal has become a key part of how the Eagles keep that standard going.

Seven of FGCU’s 11 starters in its season opener were transfers, including Sarah Greiner, who came to Fort Myers after stops at Tennessee and Miami.

The rest of that group included Ryleigh Acosta from Florida, Avery White from James Madison, Brooke Viccars from UTSA, Lily Borders from Auburn, Taylor Latini from Lehigh and Kate Friday from Xavier.

Greiner said she was looking for an opportunity to make a bigger impact.

“I think I want to have a bigger impact, bigger role on this team,” Greiner said. “I think this team is very young, and kind of bringing that experience really helps.”

Head coach Jim Blankenship said the transfers are meant to complement, not replace, the young core FGCU has already developed.

“We're blessed that we brought in 10 freshmen the year before, and that's truly our foundation,” Blankenship said. “So, we sprinkle in with some phenomenal players that have excelled at the Power 4 level. You know, so we got a great blend.”

FGCU also has a proven selling point for players looking for their next stop. Blankenship said the Eagles have won either the league or conference tournament 14 times in the last 16 years, giving transfers an opportunity to step into a program with championship expectations.

“The standard here is high,” Blankenship said. “So you're coming here knowing that you have an opportunity to win and go into the NCAA tournament.”

One of the newest Eagles already knew the program well.

Cape Coral native Ryleigh Acosta grew up attending FGCU games and camps before starring at Mariner High School. She initially chose to leave Southwest Florida for college, spending two seasons at Florida, but said her priorities changed when she entered the transfer portal.

“When I was in the transfer portal, it was definitely the right decision,” Acosta said. “I knew I wanted to come here. I knew I wanted to play for Jim, and to grow as a player.”

For Acosta, returning to Southwest Florida has also meant playing in front of family, former coaches, teammates and friends again.

“Really getting an opportunity to play, and, like, do what I love again is awesome,” Acosta said.

With an established young core and transfers bringing experience from some of college soccer’s biggest programs, Blankenship believes FGCU has the pieces to contend again.

“I think we're going to be pretty good if we stay healthy, and, you know, we stay hungry,” Blankenship said. “I think we have a chance to be pretty good.”