TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Florida State soccer has solidified a dynasty, winning its fifth national championship in program history.
“Standing here today, the day after a national championship, is a dream come true,” said freshman goal keeper Kate Ockene.
It still feels like a dream for this team.
“I still haven’t even like processed it. I’ve been going through shock the past 24 hours,” said Taylor Suarez, a sophomore.
The team was celebrated on Tuesday, after beating Stanford 1-0 in the national championship. It’s the Seminoles second title under head coach Brian Pensky.
“One is one. Two is a little sweeter,” he said.
The Seminoles touched down in Tallahassee just after 3 p.m. They eventually made their way to campus. As is customary for every national champion at FSU, the team, on Langford green, lit the spear. Then headed up to the champions club at Doak Campbell Stadium to be honored.
Unlike in previous playoff runs, Seminoles soccer was overlooked entering the 2025 tournament.
“When we got a three seed heading into the tournament, we knew that we had to have that underdog mentality,” said Suarez. “But honestly, I’m kind of glad. I feel like it fired us up straight away from the first game. It just felt that much sweeter.”
Their six tournament wins were made possible by elite goaltending, for one. Ockene allowed just two goals in bracket play. She made nine saves in the championship.
“I think that’s a big reason why I cam e to Florida state, wanting to win a national championship,” she said.
Timely scoring was also a major factor. Sophomore Wrianna Hudson scored her fifth game winning goal of the season in the 87th minute against Stanford. It was her team-leading 15th tally of the season.
“She’s come up clutch in so many moments and she won the natty for us,” said Suarez.
“I did not think I would be here scoring the game winner,” said Hudson, thinking back to the start of the year.
And you can’t forget Pensky. The head coach is now responsible for two of the stars on the Seminoles crest.
“Whenever you need to lock in, he’s the person who’s stern and just tells us what we need to do,” said Hudson.
“The coaches here, I mean I’m bias, but I think they’re the best in the country,” said Ockene.
This team is rightfully basking in the light of their national title. At least the players are; coach Pensky is already looking ahead.
When asked about his motivation to keep winning, he said, “I don’t know, but that fire’s burning,” he said. “It is alive and well and yeah, we’ll be back next year.”
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