FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast women's soccer head coach Jim Blankenship announced the signing of three players in the 2026 recruiting class on Thursday.

"We're absolutely thrilled to welcome our 2026 recruiting class to the program," Blankenship said. "Each of these three young women will play a vital role in shaping the future of FGCU Soccer. They bring unique skill sets, strong character, and a championship mindset that will fit seamlessly into our culture. We can't wait to see them competing on Pickering Field next fall."

Aleah Douglass | 5'3 | Midfielder | Carroll High School | Fort Wayne United FC / Indy Premier United | Fort Wayne, Ind.
Douglass comes to FGCU from Carroll High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The midfielder scored 39 goals and tallied 31 assists in her high school career. She guided her team to several postseason runs, including a 2023 Regional Finals appearance, and was named Team MVP. At the club level, Douglass competed for Fort Wayne United FC and Indy Premier United, helping Fort Wayne United capture numerous E64 honors and a runner-up finish at USYS Nationals. She also served on the Fort Wayne United E64 Leadership Group.

"Aleah has been developed by some of the best youth coaches in the game, and it shows. She's an exciting, creative player who can do special things with the ball at her feet. Her vision, composure in possession, and ability to break lines make her a truly unique addition to our program. We can't wait to see her shine in the Blue and Green."

Born on August 15, 2007, Douglass is the daughter of Michael and Lesley Douglass and has one brother, Jacob. Her grandfather played baseball at Indiana. 

Lindsay Fulop | 5'6 | Defender | Cypress Creek High School | Florida Premier FC | Wesley Chapel, Fla.
Fulop joins FGCU from Cypress Creek High School in Wesley Chapel, Florida, where she was a four-year varsity starter and standout multi-sport athlete. A key defensive leader, she helped guide her team to three district and two regional championships, including state semifinal appearances in both 2023 and 2025. Fulop also excelled at the club level with Florida Premier FC (ECNL) under coach Stuart Campbell, contributing to the team's conference title and national-level success. 

"It's always a priority for us to bring in elite in-state talent, and Lindsay checks every box," Blankenship said. "She was born to be an Eagle. With family ties to FGCU and Fort Myers, she already embodies the spirit of our program. On the field, she's an athletic, attack-minded wide player who plays with relentless energy and intensity. Her positivity is infectious, and we're eager to have her on campus next fall."

Born on November 19, 2007, Fulop is the daughter of Carrie and Jeffery Fulop and has two sisters, Hannah and Jordan. Her father played football at the University of Cincinnati, and her mother was a cheerleader at the University of Kentucky.

Jayde Springfield | 5'4 | Midfielder | Liberty High School | Kansas City Athletics | Liberty, Mo.
Springfield joins FGCU from Liberty High School in Liberty, Missouri, where she was a standout midfielder and key contributor for both her high school and club programs. Competing with the Kansas City Athletics, she played a pivotal role in multiple postseason runs and National Championship appearances.

"Jayde joins us from one of the premier youth clubs in the country, Kansas City Athletics ECNL," Blankenship said. "She's a dynamic midfielder who can both dictate play and dominate defensively. Jayde's passion for FGCU is unmatched, and we can't wait to see her impact our midfield next fall."

Born on March 18, 2008, Springfield is the daughter of Bernard and Kylie Springfield and has one sister, Jerzie. Her father was a two-sport athlete at Mid America Nazarene University, where he was a national champion in the 4x400 relay. 

For more information on FGCU women's soccer, follow @FGCU_WSoccer on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook, and visit fgcuathletics.com.