The FIU women’s soccer 2025 season begins with anticipation after a breakthrough 2024 campaign. Here is what to expect. The Panthers won both the Conference USA regular season and tournament titles, reaching their third tournament in program history (1993 and 2011).
Now under new leadership, FIU enters 2025 with a mix of experienced returners and impactful newcomers.
Offseason Recap
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Coaching Change: Former Keiser University head coach Mat Dunn, a two-time NAIA national champion, takes over after Jonathan Garbar’s departure.
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Roster Movement: FIU returns 14 players from 2024 and welcomes 14 newcomers, led by forward Jayden Boelter, the reigning NAIA Player of the Year.
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Conference Outlook: The Panthers were picked second in the 2025 Conference USA Preseason Poll, behind the Liberty Flames, whom they beat in the 2024 CUSA Championship match.
Top 2️⃣ in the preseason poll 📈 pic.twitter.com/06htFovf9K
— FIU Women's Soccer (@FIUWSoccer) August 7, 2025
Key Players to Watch
Valery Restrepo (GK): An All-Conference Second Team selection in 2024, Restrepo returns as the starting goalkeeper.
Zora Jackson (D): Also named to the All-Conference Second Team, Jackson brings stability to the backline.
Jayden Boelter (F): A top offseason addition, Boelter adds scoring depth after a record-breaking NAIA season.
FIU vs. Florida State: Season Opener
FIU women’s soccer opens the 2025 season against Florida State in Tallahassee.
The Panthers begin their season on August 17 in Tallahassee against the Florida State Seminoles, ranked No. 3 in preseason polls and winners of the 2024 ACC Tournament. This opener will test FIU’s ability to integrate its new roster under Coach Dunn.
Tallahassee bound ✈️ pic.twitter.com/R7m5UMwvOX
— FIU Women's Soccer (@FIUWSoccer) August 16, 2025
Outlook for 2025
The FIU women’s soccer 2025 season will depend on how quickly the team adapts to new leadership and builds chemistry between returners and newcomers. Facing strong competition, including Florida State, provides an early benchmark for success. Building on last year’s historic success, FIU has the foundation for another competitive season.
Key Rivalries and Early Tests Await FIU Women’s Soccer in 2025
Beyond the opener at Florida State, FIU faces a balanced mix of conference and in-state rivals in 2025. Key matchups include Liberty, the preseason favorite in Conference USA, as well as regional showdowns with Miami and UCF. These games will provide early tests of the Panthers’ ability to defend their title and build on last year’s success.
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