FORT MYERS, Fla.- Florida Gulf Coast head coach Jim Blankenship announced the signing of four newcomers for the 2027 season on Wednesday. FGCU locked up Madison Connacher, Christina Vargas, Natalie Janulis, and Avery Latini as the next wave of Eagles to take the pitch in Fort Myers.

MADISON CONNACHER | D | PEMBROKE PINES, FLA.
Connacher will make the trip across Alligator Alley from Pembroke Pines to play for the Eagles next season after prepping at Pembroke Pines Charter and playing club for Athletic Club Florida in the ECNL. A two-time All-Broward County selection, Connacher says she chose the Eagles because she could remain close to home while playing high level soccer.

Blankenship on Connacher- "We are ecstatic that Maddy has chosen to sign with our program. She is a player that has come through our ID camp system and showed growth every time we have had the chance to evaluate her. Her passion for FGCU and the game of soccer is infectious. She plays with the perfect balance of intensity and composure. We cannot wait to see her on the field next fall."

CHRISTINA VARGAS | MF | FLORAL PARK, N.Y.
Vargas makes the trip to the sun and sand from Floral Park, New York where she prepped at Floral Park Memorial and played club for SUSA Academy. Pushing 100 career points in her high school career, Vargas has netted 36 career goals and 22 career assists including finding the back of the net 17 times this season as a senior. Vargas said she chose FGCU because of the coaching staff and the beautiful campus.

Blankenship on Vargas- "Christina is a player that has excited our coaching staff since the first time we watched her play. She has a flair, creativity and technical ability that is unique in our sport. Whether she gets on the ball out wide or centrally, she has a special ability to break lines and create goals."
 
NATALIE JANULIS | D | MOORESTOWN, N.J.
Janulis comes south from New Jersey where she prepped at Moorestown High School and played club for the Philadelphia Ukrainians. A two-way threat, Janulis helped anchor the back line for the Quakers while also scoring 15 goals and notching 25 assists during her high school career. She will be the second member of her family to play soccer in the Sunshine State as her mom Erica started 22 games for the Florida Gators as a sophomore in 2000. Janulis chose the Eagles because of the coaching staff, team environment, and amazing campus.

Blankenship on Janulis- "We are very excited for Natalie to join our family. She is a tough, versatile player that can play many different roles for us on the field. Coming from a top youth club in the northeast, we know she will bring a tenacity and work rate that will fit seamlessly into our culture."

AVERY LATINI | F | NEW PORT RICHEY, FLA.
Latini follows in the footsteps of her sister Taylor who was a Second Team All-ASUN selection for the Eagles this season. She makes the trip two hours south from New Port Richey where she attended Carrollwood Day School while playing club for Florida Premier FC. She chose FGCU because of the competitive atmosphere and the opportunity to play with her sister.

Blankenship on Latini- "Avery is a massive signing for our program. She comes from one of the top youth clubs in the country in Florida Premier and has a deep knowledge of our program through her older sister Taylor. She is a dynamic, athletic goal scorer who fits our style of play perfectly. We cannot wait to see her contributing next season at Pickering Field."
 
Before turning the page to 2027 the Eagles still have plenty of business to take care of in 2026 as Friday, they will host Lipscomb in the ASUN Championship Game with a trip to their ninth NCAA Tournament on the line.

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