2025–26 Sporting Club Jacksonville (women) season

Sporting Club Jacksonville
2025–26 season
General managerSteve Livingstone
Head coachStacey Balaam
StadiumHodges Stadium
USL Super LeagueTBD
Top goalscorerTBD
Highest home attendanceTBD
Lowest home attendanceTBD
Average home league attendanceTBD
Biggest winTBD
Biggest defeatTBD
All statistics correct as of 16 July 2025.


The 2025–26 season is the inaugural season for Sporting Club Jacksonville and the club's first in the USL Super League (USLS), one of two leagues sanctioned as the top tier of women's soccer in the United States.

Background

More commonly known as Sporting JAX, the club was awarded a franchise in the USL Super League in May 2023 and officially unveiled its name and branding in December of the same year. The club appointed former Vanderbilt associate head coach Stacey Balaam as its first head coach in April 2025.[1]

The team will play its home matches at Hodges Stadium on the campus of the University of North Florida while a new soccer-specific stadium is under development.[2][3][4]

Roster and staff

Roster

As of July 12, 2025[5]

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK Germany GER Jamie Gerstenberg
2 MF United States USA Parker Roberts (vice-captain)
3 MF United States USA Sophia Boman
4 FW United States USA Maddie Kemp
5 DF Scotland SCO Georgia Brown
6 MF United States USA Jessie Hunt
7 FW England ENG Jade Pennock
8 MF United States USA Sophie Jones (captain)
10 FW United States USA Meg Hughes
11 FW Spain ESP Andrea Fernández
12 FW United States USA Caroline Murray
No. Pos. Nation Player
13 GK United States USA Kaitlyn Parks
15 FW United States USA Katie Sullivan
16 MF New Zealand NZL Helena Errington
17 MF United States USA Baylee DeSmit
19 MF United States USA Ashlyn Puerta
20 DF United States USA Julia Lester (on loan from Seattle Reign FC)
22 DF United States USA Zara Siassi
23 DF Tonga TGA Davi Vaka
24 DF United States USA Grace Phillpotts
27 DF United States USA Paige Kenton

Academy players

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
14 MF United States USA Sydney Schmidt
18 MF United States USA Sarah Weisberg
30 GK United States USA Hailey Smith

Ownership

As of May 1, 2025[6]
Ownership
Majority owner Ricky Caplin
Minority owner Steve Livingstone
Minority owner Tony Allegretti
Minority owner Tim Tebow
Minority owner Fred Taylor

Executive

As of May 1, 2025[6]
Executive
Club President and CEO Steve Livingstone
Executive Vice President of Business Management J.J. Keitzer
Chief Community Officer Tony Allegretti
Special Advisor to the President Bob Ohrablo
Team Advisor Becky Burleigh
Technical & Business Development Manager Mauricio Ruiz
Director of Marketing and Brand David Phillips
Director of Broadcasting and Digital Content Cole Pepper
Director of Ticket Sales and Services Madison Holesko
Senior Manager, Business Operations and Development Sara Garcia-Malone
Head of Operations Marshall Happer
Merchandise Manager Anthony Ortiz

Technical staff

As of June 17, 2025[7]
Position Name
Head of Soccer, Sporting Director England Mark Warburton
Head Coach England Stacey Balaam
Associate Head Coach England Alan Kirkup
Goalkeeper Coach United States Mat Cosgriff
Head of Sports Performance United States Steve Fell

Transfers

In

Player Previous Squad Date Ref.
Scotland Georgia Brown United States South Florida Bulls May 21, 2025 [8]
United States Ashlyn Puerta United States Florida State Seminoles [8]
United States Caroline Murray Iceland Þróttur Reykjavík June 3, 2025 [9]
United States Parker Roberts United States Orlando Pride [9]
United States Zara Siassi United States North Florida Ospreys [9]
United States Sophia Boman United States Minnesota Golden Gophers June 18, 2025 [10]
United States Maddie Kemp United States Kentucky Wildcats [10]
United States Paige Kenton United States Delaware Fightin' Blue Hens [10]
United States Katie Sullivan United States Johns Hopkins Blue Jays [10]
United States Baylee DeSmit United States Loyola Greyhounds June 26, 2025 [11]
Spain Andrea Fernández United States Flagler Saints [11]
Germany Jamie Gerstenberg United States Indiana Hoosiers [11]
United States Jessie Hunt United States Northeastern Huskies [11]
New Zealand Helena Errington New Zealand Wellington Phoenix FC July 1, 2025 [12]
United States Meg Hughes United States Michigan State Spartans [12]
United States Sophie Jones United States Chicago Red Stars [12]
United States Kaitlyn Parks United States Michigan State Spartans [12]
England Jade Pennock Australia Central Coast Mariners FC [12]
United States Grace Phillpotts United States Brooklyn FC [12]
Tonga Davi Vaka United States Fort Lauderdale United FC [12]
United States Julia Lester United States Seattle Reign FC July 9, 2025 [13]
United States Sydney Schmidt United States Jacksonville FC July 10, 2025 [14]
United States Hailey Smith United States Sporting JAX Soccer Academy [14]
United States Sarah Weisberg United States Sporting JAX Soccer Academy [14]

Out

To be added when information becomes available.

Preseason

Training camp

Sporting JAX officially opened its inaugural preseason training camp on July 8, 2025, with sessions held at the Episcopal School of Jacksonville's Knight Sports Campus. The team began full-squad training in preparation for its debut season, focusing on tactical development, team-building, and fitness assessments ahead of scheduled scrimmages and international friendlies.[15]

On July 15, 2025, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence visited the Sporting JAX women's team during their second week of training camp. Lawrence addressed the players ahead of their inaugural season, offering encouragement and support. His visit was seen as a gesture of solidarity between Jacksonville's professional sports teams, with Lawrence telling the players, “Represent the city well — we’re all rooting for you.” The team presented Lawrence with a personalized Sporting JAX jersey bearing the number 16.[16][17]

On July 22, ahead of their first closed-door scrimmage against the Orlando Pride of the NWSL, head coach Stacey Balaam announced that Sophie Jones had been named team captain, with Parker Roberts serving as vice-captain.[18]

As part of their preseason schedule, Sporting JAX is set to participate in three closed-door scrimmages against the aforementioned Orlando Pride, the University of Florida, and fellow USL Super League side Lexington SC.[19]

The club will then host its first public preseason matches against Hibernian W.F.C., the 2025 Scottish Women's Premier League champions, and Welsh side Wrexham A.F.C. Women, widely known for their association with actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, through the Emmy Award-winning FX docuseries Welcome to Wrexham. These matches will mark Sporting JAX's first appearances in international competition.[20]

On August 1, the club announced the postponement of its preseason match against Wrexham AFC Women, originally scheduled for August 10. The postponement was attributed to a number of injuries and limited player availability within the Wrexham squad, making it impossible for the team to travel and field a competitive side. Both clubs stated they are working to identify a new date for the fixture. Wrexham AFC Chairman Michael Williamson expressed disappointment and apologized to fans, while Sporting JAX President and CEO Steve Livingstone voiced support for Wrexham’s decision and emphasized the club’s commitment to player well-being and a strong inaugural season. As compensation, Sporting JAX announced plans to add a 16th home fixture for the 2025–26 season and offered refunds or ticket exchanges to fans affected by the postponement.[21]

The preseason friendly between Sporting JAX and Hibernian W.F.C., originally scheduled for August 2, was canceled due to inclement weather, including heavy thunderstorms, and an unplayable field. The decision was made following a weather assessment prior to kickoff and forecasts of continued storms throughout the evening. Club officials expressed disappointment at the cancellation, citing safety concerns and unfavorable field conditions. Both teams explored the possibility of holding a closed-door scrimmage later the same night, weather permitting. Sporting JAX announced plans to schedule a replacement home fixture during the 2025–26 Gainbridge Super League season to maintain their 16-match slate and offered affected ticket holders a full refund or exchange.[22]

On August 7, 2025, Sporting JAX hosted a free open training session at Veterans Park in St. Johns, Florida, for youth soccer players, coaches, and families across the First Coast. The event, presented by Ascension St. Vincent's, was organized following the cancellation of preseason matches against Hibernian FC and Wrexham AFC Women, and offered fans the opportunity to watch training, meet players, and collect autographs.[23]

The full schedule for the 2025–26 USL Super League season was released on May 6, 2025. Sporting JAX is set to open their inaugural campaign at home against DC Power FC on August 23, 2025. The regular season will run through May 16, 2026, with matches primarily held on weekends.[24]

Broadcasting

In August 2025, Sporting JAX announced a broadcast partnership ahead of its inaugural season. The agreement includes local television coverage of most home matches through partnerships with First Coast News (WTLV NBC 12/WJXX ABC 25) and News4Jax (WJXT 4), making matches accessible to viewers across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Select Saturday home games will air on WJXT Channel 4, while additional matches will be broadcast on WJXX ABC 25, WTLV NBC 12, and QUEST 25.3. The season opener, along with all home and away fixtures, will also stream on Peacock, in line with league broadcasting regulations. The club’s leadership emphasized the importance of regional accessibility and community engagement through local media partnerships.[25]

Competitions

Friendlies

August 2, 2025 1 Sporting JAX United States Canceled Scotland Hibernian W.F.C. Jacksonville, Florida
7:00 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
Note: Match canceled due to inclement weather, including heavy thunderstorms, and an unplayable field.
August 10, 2025 2 Sporting JAX United States Postponed Wales Wrexham A.F.C. Women Jacksonville, Florida
7:00 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
Note: Match postponed due to injuries and player unavailability within the Wrexham squad; to be rescheduled.

USL Super League

League table

To be added when the season begins.

Results summary

To be added when the season begins.

Match results

To be updated when the season begins.

August 23, 2025 1 Sporting JAX TBD DC Power FC Jacksonville, Florida
7:00 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
August 30, 2025 2 Tampa Bay Sun FC TBD Sporting JAX Tampa, Florida
8:00 PM ET Stadium: Riverfront Stadium
September 6, 2025 3 Sporting JAX TBD Dallas Trinity FC Jacksonville, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
September 13, 2025 4 Sporting JAX TBD Carolina Ascent FC Jacksonville, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
September 28, 2025 5 Carolina Ascent FC TBD Sporting JAX Charlotte, North Carolina
2:00 PM ET Stadium: American Legion Memorial Stadium
October 4, 2025 6 Brooklyn FC TBD Sporting JAX Brooklyn, New York
6:00 PM ET Stadium: Maimonides Park
October 14, 2025 7 DC Power FC TBD Sporting JAX TBA
7:00 PM ET Stadium: TBA
October 18, 2025 8 Sporting JAX TBD Tampa Bay Sun FC Jacksonville, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
October 31, 2025 9 Lexington SC TBD Sporting JAX Lexington, Kentucky
6:00 PM ET Stadium: Lexington SC Stadium
November 8, 2025 10 Dallas Trinity FC TBD Sporting JAX Dallas, Texas
5:00 PM ET Stadium: Cotton Bowl
November 22, 2025 11 Sporting JAX TBD Fort Lauderdale United FC Jacksonville, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
December 6, 2025 12 Tampa Bay Sun FC TBD Sporting JAX Tampa, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Riverfront Stadium
December 13, 2025 13 Sporting JAX TBD Fort Lauderdale United FC Jacksonville, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
December 20, 2025 14 Sporting JAX TBD Tampa Bay Sun FC Jacksonville, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
January 31, 2026 15 Sporting JAX TBD Carolina Ascent FC Jacksonville, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
February 7, 2026 16 Sporting JAX TBD DC Power FC Jacksonville, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
February 11, 2026 17 Sporting JAX TBD Spokane Zephyr FC Jacksonville, Florida
7:00 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
February 21, 2026 18 Lexington SC TBD Sporting JAX Lexington, Kentucky
2:00 PM ET Stadium: Lexington SC Stadium
March 14, 2026 19 Fort Lauderdale United FC TBD Sporting JAX Davie, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Beyond Bancard Stadium
March 22, 2026 20 Dallas Trinity FC TBD Sporting JAX Dallas, Texas
5:00 PM ET Stadium: Cotton Bowl
March 28, 2026 21 Sporting JAX TBD Spokane Zephyr FC Jacksonville, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
April 4, 2026 22 Sporting JAX TBD Brooklyn FC Jacksonville, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
April 11, 2026 23 Fort Lauderdale United FC TBD Sporting JAX Davie, Florida
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Beyond Bancard Field
April 19, 2026 24 Spokane Zephyr FC TBD Sporting JAX Spokane, Washington
7:00 PM ET Stadium: One Spokane Stadium
April 25, 2026 25 Sporting JAX TBD Lexington SC Lexington, Kentucky
7:30 PM ET Stadium: Lexington SC Stadium
May 3, 2026 26 Sporting JAX TBD Brooklyn FC Jacksonville, Florida
5:00 PM ET Stadium: Hodges Stadium
May 6, 2026 27 DC Power FC TBD Sporting JAX TBA
7:00 PM ET Stadium: TBA
May 16, 2026 28 Carolina Ascent FC TBD Sporting JAX Charlotte, North Carolina
7:00 PM ET Stadium: American Legion Memorial Stadium

Statistics

Appearances and goals

To be added when the season begins.

Top scorers

To be added when the season begins.

Disciplinary record

To be added when the season begins.

References

  1. ^ Ashley, Kyle. "Sporting JAX names Stacey Balaam first head coach of USL Super League women's team". News4Jax.com. News 4 Jax. Retrieved May 14, 2025.
  2. ^ "United Soccer League announces expansion plans for Jacksonville". USL Championship. August 30, 2022. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  3. ^ "Jacksonville pro soccer returns with Tebow-backed USL men's, women's squads". Soccer Stadium Digest. August 30, 2022. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  4. ^ Freeman, Clayton (August 30, 2022). "Pro soccer returning to Jacksonville with Tim Tebow-backed USL franchise". Florida Times-Union. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  5. ^ "Sporting JAX adds three Academy standouts to women's pro team". SportingJAX.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  6. ^ a b "About Sporting JAX". SportingJAX.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved April 22, 2025.
  7. ^ "About Sporting JAX". SportingJAX.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
  8. ^ a b "Sporting JAX announces first player signings ahead of historic Gainbridge Super League debut". Sporting JAX. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  9. ^ a b c Bunker, Chase. "Sporting JAX signs three more players to debut roster". Action News Jax. Cox Media Group. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  10. ^ a b c d Bunker, Chase. "Sporting JAX adds four more to inaugural roster". Action News Jax. Cox Media Group. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  11. ^ a b c d Bunker, Chase. "Former Flagler College star, among 4 to join Sporting JAX inaugural roster". Action News Jax. Cox Media Group. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g Bunker, Chase. "7 more join Sporting Jax inaugural roster". Sports.Yahoo.com. Yahoo Sports. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  13. ^ Bunker, Chase. "Sporting JAX adds former UF defender to inaugurual roster". WOKV.com. Cox Media Group. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  14. ^ a b c Bunker, Chase. "Sporting JAX adds local players to rosters". 969TheEagle.com. Cox Media Group. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  15. ^ Porter, Chris. "Sporting JAX hits the pitch as inaugural training camp begins in". FirstCoastNews.com. WTLV-TV. Retrieved July 11, 2025.
  16. ^ "Sporting JAX Women kick off second week of training camp with special visitor". SportingJAX.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
  17. ^ "Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence stops by Sporting Jax training camp". News4Jax.com. WJXT. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  18. ^ "It's getting real, now". YouTube. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
  19. ^ "Jacksonville Bold for 7.2.25: Musical Chairs". Florida Politics. Florida Politics. Retrieved July 9, 2025.
  20. ^ Freeman, Clayton. "Sporting Jax women's soccer rolls out preseason schedule: European clubs to play at UNF". Jacksonville.com. The Florida Times-Union. Retrieved June 24, 2025.
  21. ^ "Sporting JAX vs. Wrexham AFC Women Preseason Match Postponed". SportingJAX.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
  22. ^ "Sporting JAX's preseason match against Hibernian FC Women canceled due to inclement weather". SportingJAX.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved August 4, 2025.
  23. ^ "Sporting JAX invites First Coast youth soccer community to exclusive open practice presented by Ascension St. Vincent's". SportingJAX.com. Sporting Club Jacksonville. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
  24. ^ "USL Super League Unveils 2025/26 Schedule; Season Kicks Off August 23 Streaming Live on Peacock". USLSuperLeague.com. USL. Retrieved May 7, 2025.
  25. ^ "Sporting JAX announces broadcast lineup ahead of inaugural season". PonteVedraRecorder.com. The Ponte Vedra Recorder. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
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