Sporting JAX continues to make its mark in its first professional women's season. This Friday, the Gainbridge Super League announced that Ashlyn Puerta was chosen as Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year, two recognitions that confirm the enormous impact of the midfielder in her professional debut.
At only 19 years old, Puerta became one of the great figures of the league after leading Sporting JAX with 12 goals and 7 assists. Her seven assists on goal also earned her the Golden Playmaker award, given to the player with the most assists during the regular season.
The young soccer player began to show her offensive weight from the first days. Her first big notice came against Tampa Bay Sun FC, in the second game of the season, but her definitive explosion occurred in September, when she scored a hat-trick in the 4-3 victory against Carolina Ascent FC. That performance not only marked one of the most memorable moments of the year for Sporting JAX, but also placed it among the most important names in the competition.
“I am very grateful and honored to receive these awards,” Puerta said after learning of the league's announcement. "The most important thing is to give all the 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's individual recognition comes in a season in which Sporting JAX exceeded expectations. The Jacksonville professional women's team not only competed in its first year in the Gainbridge Super League, but also managed to get into important positions, compete in the playoffs and place several of its players among the best of the season.
In fact, Puerta was also included in the First Team All-League, along with her teammate Paige Kenton. In total, Sporting JAX had six players recognized in the league's ideal teams, more than any other team. another club, a sign of the competitive growth that the project achieved in its debut year.
Before arriving in Jacksonville, Puerta already had an outstanding career. Born in San Diego, California, she went to Florida State University, where she played the 2024 season and recorded four goals and five assists. Her profile as an offensive midfielder and forward allowed her to quickly adapt to professional soccer, where she combined imbalance, arrival in the area and the ability to generate play.
Her projection has also been followed by the United States youth teams. During the season, Puerta received calls to the U-19 team in February and May 2026, as well as calls to the U-20 team in October and November 2025. With the U-19 team he earned three international matches, two starts, a goal and an assist.
“It's much easier to play and enjoy football when you do it with people you love so much,” Puerta added. "To my family and friends who have supported me throughout this season and throughout my career, thank you very much. I would not be here without your support, encouragement and love."
For Sporting JAX, Ashlyn Puerta's awards represent much more than an individual distinction: they are a sign of the place that the Jacksonville club is beginning to occupy within professional women's soccer in the United States and the impact that this project can have on the sporting growth of the city. (With information from Sporting Jax Press)
