BABSON PARK, Fla. | Florida Memorial University gets set to begin a new year of women's soccer this week against Webber International. 2024 SUN Conference Women's Soccer Coach of the Year Marc Lue Young enters his fifth year at the helm, turning the program into one of the most competitive teams in the SUN Conference.

FMU sees a balance of returners and newcomers to the 2026 lineup. This year features a senior-heavy roster, including mainstays, such as Daniela Canizales, Emily Campos, Isabella Rueda, Laura Douet, Lumturie Berushi, Rudo Marufu, and FMU's SUN Conference Player to Watch Alexia Medrano Martinez. Jennifer Canarutto and Irene Lainez return for their second seasons as Lions, adding more continuity from the previous season.

The team sees nine new additions to the lineup. Jasmine Sawyers comes to the team for her senior season, while Isabelle Mapanao, Malini Baker, Paula Exposito Roman, Javine McKnight, and Isabelle Schachner come in as juniors for FMU. Freshmen Alaira Handy, Allyson Knowles, and Melissa Zamudio will make their collegiate debuts as FMU Lions.

FMU was selected to finish tied for fifth in the 2026 SUN Conference Women's Soccer Preseason Coaches' Poll. Lue Young talked about how far the program has come and the improvements its made over the last three years.

"Being ranked fifth in the conference is a reflection of our improvements these last 3 seasons," said Lue Young. "The women's soccer program at FMU has taken meaningful steps forward, and I'm proud of the consistency, belief, and work our student-athletes have shown to build that foundation. Our goal is to keep raising the standard, compete for championships, and prove that the progress we've made is just the beginning."

The Lions finished the 2025 season with a 5-6-4 record and a 3-4-1 conference record. The team is coming off back-to-back postseason appearances, just narrowly falling to St. Thomas in round one of the SUN Conference Tournament. FMU is searching for its first conference title in program history.

Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. in Babson Park at Warrior Grass Field. The home opener is scheduled for Thursday, August 27 against NCAA DII opponent Barry at 11 a.m. at Dr. Lester Brown Park. Be sure to keep up with your Lions and support them throughout the 2026 season.

 

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