Women’s Soccer by Shane Harvell
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast University women’s soccer and head coach Jim Blankenship signed 10 future Eagles on National Signing Day.
“This class brings talent across every position on the field, representing six U.S. states and Sweden, each player united by a shared commitment to competing for championships. We’re thrilled to welcome this exceptional group to Pickering Field next fall!”
The first future Eagle to put pen to paper with the Eagles was Danyelle Dorn, a five-foot-nine goalkeeper from Davie, Florida, who competes for Xceed Prep. In the club soccer realm, Dorn competes for Florida United Girls Academy under coach Jerome Samuels. Dorn’s brother is currently playing collegiate baseball at the University of Miami.
“We’re excited to welcome Danyelle to our goalkeeping squad,” Blankenship said. “She’s fearless, technically sound and brings a big personality that will enhance our goalkeeper training. Danyelle’s competitive spirit will elevate the team each day!”
Lyla Bell is a five-foot-seven midfielder and outside back from Aston, Pa. Bell is a two-time USYNT ID camp invitee and earned GA Mid-Atlantic ID selection and ODP State and Region Team honors. She was a team captain at Archmere Academy, earning All-State and All-Conference awards. Bell led her squad to a Delaware State Championship in 2023. In addition to soccer, Bell was a varsity cross country and track runner, where she was also the team captain. Bell’s club team is FC Delco ECNL. She plans to major in exercise science at FGCU.
“With her technical precision and high soccer IQ, Lyla is a standout recruit from a competitive region,” Blankenship added. “Her versatility across multiple roles makes her a strong addition to our program.”
Ariana Cintron is a five-foot-four outside back and winger from Naples, Florida. Cintron has scored 80 goals in her career and added 24 assists for Florida Virtual School. She is a three-time varsity MVP and captain. Cintron collected All-Area First Team honors, emerging as the leading scorer in the county. She was featured on Naples Daily News Top 30 Players to Watch, won Naples Daily News Player of the Week and also earned recognition from MaxPreps. Cintron also competes for FC Prime ECNL club team. In the classroom, she is an honor roll student and plans to major in entrepreneurship at FGCU.
“Ari will be a legacy student here at FGCU, with her mother being an alumna of FGCU,” Blankenship remarked. “She is an exciting local player who plays for one of the top clubs in Florida. She is a highly technical, quick, and will bring a positive attitude and passion for FGCU!”
Ida Nordgren is a five-foot-ten left center-back from Gothenburg, Sweden. Nordgren started in 30 games this season and has played in about 400 matches since 2014. She earned All-Region Team honors and was named the team captain of the BK Hacken U19 squad. She led her squad to a second-place finish in the U19 series and a fourth-place effort in the U19 playoffs. Nordgren’s family has Olympic ties as her grandmother’s cousin won an Olympic gold medal. She plans to major in software engineering at FGCU.
“A former U19 captain from one of Sweden’s top clubs, Ida is a left-footed defender who adds a new dimension to our defense,” said Blankenship. “Her leadership, work rate and composure on the ball will greatly benefit our team.”
Lexie Bennett is a five-foot-five wingback from Lakeville, Minnesota. She scored 13 goals last season and tallied six assists with Lakeville North High School. In her high school career, she has found the back of the net 30 times and has been credited with 18 assists. In her club season with Minnesota Thunder ECNL, she produced another five goals 14 assists. Bennett is a two-time All-State and All-Conference honoree. She was named MVP both on her high school and club team, including club team First Team All-Conference distinction. Her sister also plays collegiate soccer at Concordia St. Paul in Minnesota. Bennett plans to major in nursing or radiology at FGCU.
“Lexie comes to us from a club in Minnesota that is a proven developer of top-level talent,” Blankenship continued. “She can play anywhere in the wide areas and will bring an aggressive 1v1 mentality and level of speed that will be very dangerous in the ASUN conference!”
Sophia Holtzman is a five-foot-five forward from Skokie, Illinois. Holtzman collected All-Regional and All-Conference honors with Niles West High School and is a four-time honor roll student. Holtzman also competes for FC United Girls Academy. Her cousin plays for the Sacred Heart women’s hockey team. Holtzman plans to major in marketing with the Eagles.
“A natural goal scorer, Soph joins us from a top-tier club in Chicago,” Blankenship said. “After repeatedly impressing at our camps, we’re thrilled to add her finishing skills to our attack.”
Ryanne Robinson is a midfielder and all-backline defender from Orange Park, Florida. Robinson has amassed an astounding 91 goals and 29 assists throughout her high school career at Orange Park. Her club team is Jacksonville FC ECNL. Robinson has been recognized as the Sports Illustrated Player of the Week, earning First Team All-County recognition. Her mom played basketball at Santa Fe College and her father played basketball at Edward Waters College and West Palm Beach. Robinson’s cousin swam at FGCU.
“Ryanne is a versatile athlete who can play various roles across the field,” Blankenship remarked. “She’s excelled as an outside back, outside midfielder and center midfielder. Her athleticism and adaptability will make her a valuable asset to our program.”
Keira Morgan is a five-foot-seven forward from Miramar, Florida. As a junior, she recorded 31 goals and six assists, breaking the school record for the most goals scored in a single season. As a freshman, she scored 16 times while adding 11 assists. No sophomore slump emerged for Morgan with 29 goals and eight assists in year No. 2 at Charles W. Flanagan High School. She scored an overtime game-winning goal in the district semifinals. Morgan also competes for Florida United Girls Academy in club soccer. Morgan is a two-time All-County First Team selection, and also earned All-State distinction. In the classroom, Morgan is an honor roll student and plans to major in health science at FGCU.
“Keira is a quick, explosive attacker with a flair for FGCU’s forward-focused style,” Blankenship continued. “She has a diverse skill set in front of goal and promises to thrill fans on Pickering Field with her dynamic play.”
Laina Dayhuff is a five-foot-10 center back from Broomfield, Colorado, and Legacy High School and Broomfield Girls Academy club soccer. She was named First Team All-State with Legacy High School. Dayhuff was a Mountain West GA talent ID participant. She has three sisters, all of which were born on the 23rd. Therefore, her number is 23. Her aunt played volleyball at the University of Puget Sound in Washington. Dayhuff plans to major in biochemistry at FGCU. In the classroom, she is a high Honor Roll student and was an Academic First Team All-State recipient.
“Laina is a passionate and skilled defender with aerial strength and a powerful presence on set pieces,” Blankenship added. “Her relentless style of play will be a fantastic asset for us here in Fort Myers.”
Hanna Philips rounded out the 2024 signing class. Philips is a five-foot-six center back from Towson, Maryland. She received first and second honors all four years at Notre Dame Preparatory School. Philips was named All-Conference, All-Metro and All-State in 2023. She was the captain of the varsity team her junior and senior seasons. Philips is a two-time invitee to a GA Mid-Atlantic ID camp and was recently named to TopdrawerSoccer’s 2024 East All-American Team. Her club team is Baltimore Celtic Girls Academy. Phillips has two cousins who played collegiate sports, lacrosse at Randolph-Macon and track at Clemson.
“Hanna is a tough, athletic defender who perfectly suits our high-pressing style,” said Blankenship. “She excels at covering space and defending 1v1, making her an exciting addition to our defensive line.”
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