Boca Raton, Florida – The official season is here for Lynn University's women's soccer team. The Fighting Knights wrapped up their preseason with solid additions to the team that bring a flair of balance and reinforce the dominant mentality Head Coach
John Markey looks to implement in all areas of the field.
"I think we have a very talented team this year. This group of women are like-minded individuals that bring a certain standard and level of commitment to our squad," said Markey as the team looks to return key players and bolster depth with talented newcomers.
Fighting Knights Crew
The Fighting Knights' key returners are
Addison Crone,
Grace Guidry and
Anniina Sankoh. Sankoh was named the 2021 Offensive Player of the Year for SSC and is on track to break numerous records for Lynn this year. During the 2021 season in SSC play she ranked first in goals (17), first in points (36), and second in shots on goal (30).
Defensively, the Fighting Knights are happy to have returners
Kyla Gill and
Sophia Hontzas, two defensive individuals looking to have a strong presence on the field and in the back line.
The Fighting Knights have welcomed 10 newcomers to the squad this year. The group includes transfers
Saga Jontoft from the University of Central Florida (UCF),
Denise Mendoza from Johnson and Wales—a three time SSC Defensive Player of the Week in 2019 — and Vanessa Rodriquez from conference rival Barry University.
Jessica Newton, a Florida native, comes back home from Presbyterian College while
Katja Orschmann and
Brigitta Pulins, both transfers, arrive at Lynn after representing their respective countries in World Cups and UEFA European Championships.
The 2021-22 season was the first full season back from the pandemic and this spring allowed Coach Markey and his assistant,
Eric Dobrzanski, to evaluate the team's strengths and weaknesses, analyzing what personnel to recruit. The incoming freshmen include
Kayla Bradby,
Calista Cali,
Amanda Jansson and
Sydney Sorrentino.
Outlook
"The difference between last year's team and this year's team is the sense of belief. Last year we weren't sure if we were good enough to overcome the off-season," said Coach Markey. "I expect my players to perform with more confidence. Our team realized what they were capable of last season and for the program that is going to be the driver—capabilities, and the belief in those capabilities."
Home Opener
Fans can watch and support the women's soccer team Thursday, Aug. 25 at 6 p.m. as the Fighting Knights face off against the Warhawks of Auburn Montgomery.
About the Lynn University Fighting Knights
Lynn's NCAA Division II Fighting Knights have won 25 national championships, 14 individual titles and 48 conference championships. The Blue and White are a member of the Sunshine State Conference, the Division II "Conference of National Champions." Lynn University is an independent college based in Boca Raton, Florida. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Lynn for its innovation, international students and value. To keep up to date on Lynn Athletics, follow @Lynn_Knights on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
