Sporting Club Jacksonville (Sporting JAX) would like to thank players from the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League who will not be returning.
Each of these players played a role in the club’s inaugural season, which included 16 regular-season wins and a Playoffs appearance as the league’s sole expansion team.
Cristina Roque
Roque came to the club in January via loan from Racing Louisville FC of the NWSL, adding depth to a talented corps of keepers. She earned international honors while with the club, being called up to the Puerto Rico Women’s National Team in February.
Katie Sullivan
Sullivan was another signing making her professional debut, following four incredible years at Johns Hopkins University. The forward made December 2025 a month to remember, scoring goals in back-to-back matches against Fort Lauderdale United FC and Tampa Bay Sun FC.
Kacey Smekurd
Smekrud joined the club mid-season, making a real impact in the second half of the season. Her breakthrough performance came in a return to her home state of Kentucky, scoring the opening goal in a 3-0 defeat of Lexington SC.
Jessie Hunt
Hunt began her professional journey with Sporting JAX following a successful collegiate career at Northeastern University. The midfielder proved a valuable contribution, appearing in 19 regular-season matches and recording two assists.
Abby Boyan
Boyan arrived as a loanee in February 2026, bringing professional experience from Denmark and the NWSL with Utah Royals. Despite joining later in the season, Boyan made a mark, including an early goal in the regular-season finale versus Carolina Ascent FC.
Julia Lester
Lester was the first player to join the squad on loan, coming from the NWSL’s Seattle Reign FC. The Florida native brought valuable experience to the team and proved a steady presence on the backline. Accolades from the 2025/26 season included Gainbridge Super League Team of the Month recognition in September.
Jade Pennock
Pennock joined the squad as a veteran, boasting professional experience on multiple continents. The forward will forever live in Sporting JAX history, scoring the club’s first-ever goal in the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League opener against DC Power FC. Pennock continued to bolster the team’s attack throughout the season, scoring two more goals and an assist.
Zara Siassi
Siassi’s signing in June 2025 came as a familiar one for Jacksonville soccer fans. The defender attended the University of North Florida, returning to Hodges Stadium for the newest chapter of her soccer story.
Maddie Kemp
Kemp kicked off her professional career with Sporting JAX in the team’s inaugural season. The midfielder appeared in 10 matches, including five starts. A highlight came on September 13, 2025 against Carolina Ascent FC when she netted her first goal at the pro level.
