JACKSONVILLE, Fla.- Coming off of a top five finish at the ASUN Championships last season, the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles have been picked third by the ASUN Coaches in their 2026 Coaches Poll released on Friday.  

FGCU earned 46 points for a cushioned third place billing in the preseason poll. A season ago the Eagles captured a team title at the Ed Holloway Classic and a pair of fourth place finishes including at the ASUN Championships in Jacksonville, Fla.

"The team has built an incredible foundation over the summer, and I couldn't be more excited to see what they accomplish this season" Eagles head coach Argeo Cruz said. "Being picked third is a huge testament to the growth, hard work, and momentum we've built over the years. We're just getting started and with more team training sessions ahead, I'm excited to see this group continue to come together, get stronger, and push each other to new heights. In a few short months, we'll be ready to toe the line and show what we're capable of. This team has something special, and I can't wait to see it unfold!"

The Eagles 2026 lineup includes a handful of familiar faces and some exciting newcomers added to the mix. Juniors Alise Petrova, Addison Torres, and Haley Bergan come back while sophomores Samantha Ruiz and Tess Shultz are back for their second go round. Fifth year Juliana Courville returns to the Sunshine State to bolster the Eagles after a four year career at Louisiana Lafayette.  

Lipscomb was the unanimous pick atop the poll with all eight first place votes and 64 overall points while North Florida was second with 56 points and the Eagles third with 46 points.  

The Eagles open their 2026 season in one week at the Florida Intercollegiate Invitational September 4^th in Jacksonville in a 7 p.m. night race in the River City.

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