The Sporting Jax women’s team wrapped up their inaugural season on May 24 after advancing to the semifinals.
The Gainbridge Super League has named Sporting Jax midfielder Ashlyn Puerta the Gainbridge Super League Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, following a strong season in her professional debut. She also earned the Gainbridge Super League Golden Playmaker award.
Puerta recorded 12 goals and seven assists on the season. Her first goal came in the second match of the season against Tampa Bay Sun FC, and in September she netted a hat trick in a win against Carolina Ascent FC.
“I am very grateful and honored to receive these awards,” said Puerta. “Most importantly, I want to give all glory to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without Him, none of this would be possible. I also want to thank my teammates, coaches and staff for making our inaugural season unforgettable.”
Puerta was not the only member of her team collecting awards. The Gainbridge Super League named Sporting Jax Head Coach Stacey Balaam the Gainbridge Super League Coach of the Year, following a historic regular season leading the expansion club.
Thirteen months after she was named the first head coach in club history, Balaam was voted top of the class by her peers. The honor comes after her team won 16 regular season games.
The women’s team also had six All-League selections. Many of these players were playing their first season of professional soccer and playing alongside each other for the first time. Balaam not only turned them into winners, but she also got them to form an overnight chemistry.
“It is so much easier to play and enjoy the game when you are doing it with people you care so much for,” said Puerta.
The 2025-26 season marked Balaam’s first time serving in a professional coaching role, and this season made it clear that she is a natural leader.
“Stacey has done a tremendous job in her first year in the position and has fully earned this award. She has established both a winning culture and a winning mentality and the team have responded accordingly,” said Sporting Jax President of Soccer Mark Warburton.
Balaam said she could not be prouder of her players and of what they accomplished together this season.
“This season has been an incredible journey full of moments I’ll never forget. This award reflects the players and how much they bought into and stuck to our identity. I would like to dedicate this award to them and of course all of my technical and support staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to help us achieve this success,” said Balaam.
