FIU women’s soccer adds 10 to 2024 roster, with 5 transfers and 5 first years

The Florida International University (FIU) women’s soccer program announced its recruiting class for the upcoming 2024 season.

The incoming class includes an even split of five transfers, and five first-years, resulting in three goalkeepers, three forwards, two midfielders and two defenders.

Transfers

Ashly Martinez

Ashly Martinez is a transfer from Arizona Western State, a JUCO in Yuma, Arizona. A forward from Mexico, the incoming junior made a name for herself as a goal scorer. In her two seasons at Arizona Western, the new Panther scored 47 goals as well as 10 assists, resulting in 104 points in her time as a Matador. Last season, Martinez started 18 out of 18 games, scoring 25 goals, second most in the nation. She was honored as the ACCAC Player of the Year, and was selected as a First Team All NJCAA All-American.

Quote from Ashly: “I chose FIU because it is an institution where I can not only learn more about soccer, but also where I can receive comprehensive physical and mental preparation for achieving our biggest goals, such as pursuing a professional soccer career in the country. FIU not only focuses on developing our athletic abilities but also instills important values such as discipline and humility, which are crucial for personal growth both on and off the field.”

“These values will not only make us better players but also better people in society. Additionally, FIU stands out for its outstanding facilities, which cater to both academic studies and sports training. The state-of-the- art resources ensure that athletes have everything they need to excel in their chosen sport while also pursuing their educational goals. This combination of excellent facilities for both studies and athletics is pivotal in providing a supportive environment where I can thrive academically and athletically. Moreover, FIU feels like a family to me, a community where I believe I will learn not only from coaches and teammates but also from the diverse student body. The supportive atmosphere fosters camaraderie and a sense of belonging, making it an ideal place for personal and professional development. I am confident that being part of the FIU community will enrich my college experience and prepare me for a successful future in soccer and beyond.”

Montelene Dymond

A transfer from Kansas, Montelene Dymond played one season for the Jayhawks before deciding to join the Panthers. The incoming sophomore played in 12 games last season, logging 248 minutes. Dymond played well in her time on the pitch, scoring two goals on the season resulting in four points. Highly touted out of high school in Canada, the Ontario native was ranked the No. 2 overall player and No. 1 attacking player in First Touch Football Canada’s Top 100 rankings.

Quote from Montelene: “I came to FIU because of the coaches, the business program is ranked very high and I loved the culture and vibe on my visit. it’s Miami!”

Olivia Potter

Olivia Potter transferred out of Old Dominion after one season played, logging minutes in two games and recording 18 minutes in her time as a Monarch. Hailing from Fife, Scotland, the midfielder has seen a lot of action on the international scale, playing for Scotland’s U16, U17 and U19 teams in international challenge matches and the UEFA Championships. Potter found the back of the net once as a member of the U19 team, scoring against Hungary in a 5-1 victory.

Quote from Olivia: “I chose FIU because of the environment surrounding the team and their goals for the season.”

Zora Jackson

A defender from Durham, North Carolina, Zora Jackson is an incoming transfer out of Maryland University. The incoming senior played three seasons with the Terpins, logging 2118 minutes over 40 games and starting in 21. Her most games started came in her sophomore season when she played in all 18 games on the season and started in 15. The same season, Jackson was named to the Big Ten All-Academic Team.

Quote from Zora: “FIU is somewhere I know I can grow as a player and a person. I loved the mentality of the players and coaches within the program.”

Odalina Gomez

A goalkeeper from New Jersey, Odalina Gomez is an incoming junior, transferring from the University of Delaware. A former starting goalkeeper for the Dominican Republic National Team, Gomez played in both friendlies and CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. At Delaware, she played in eight games, recording one shutout and holding a 76.3% save percentage in her time as a Bluehen.

First Years

Valery Restrepo

A goalkeeper from Colombia, Valery Restrepo has seen action with several teams from Colombia. In 2021 she played for Atletico Nacional in the Liga Femenina, before transferring to Deportivo Independiente Medellín in 2022, also in the Liga Femenina. She spent her senior year back at Atletico Nacional before coming to the United States and joining FIU. Across her time playing in the Liga Femenina, Restrepo had eight appearances with five starts, and logging 481 minutes.

Ambar Apostolico

Another goalkeeper from South America, Ambar Apostolico is an incoming first year out of Argentina. She played for the Boca Juniors while living in Argentina, winning three championships while with the club in 2023, and two in 2024. Apostolico was an Argentina National Team call-up, as well as a South American preselection sub-17 in 2022, and as well in 2023 for sub-20.

Quote from Ambar: “I chose FIU for its academic and athletic reputation, as well as the opportunities and challenging programs that align with my personal goals.”

Emily Dvoskin

Emily Dvoskin is a combination midfielder and forward out of North Bellmore, New York, where she played soccer for her Alma Mater, St. Anthony’s High School. Dvoskin was not just a key part of two league championships, but also helped lead her team to two state championships as well. Additionally, the talented midfielder played for the East Meadow Soccer Club where she was a part of three consecutive Regional Youth Futsal Championships.

Quote from Emily: “From the first day on campus, FIU’s women’s soccer program’s energy and community spoke to me as something I would want to be a part of, and the institution’s top research program was ideal for my academic pursuits. Choosing FIU was a natural fit for me, providing a home that allowed me to continue pursuing my aspirations at a high level, both on and off the field.”

Rebecca Baldelomar

Rebecca Baldelomar is a homegrown forward out of Immaculata La-Salle in Miami, Florida. In her 37 career games in high school, she scored 47 goals, had 22 assists and totaled 116 points. She scored 22 goals to go along with 11 assists in 20 games played her sophomore year of high school, before scoring three goals in three games during her junior year. Her senior year she matched her sophomore year in goals (20) and assists (11) but in six less games (14).

Quote from Rebecca: “I chose FIU because I love the coaches and both the program and the school feel like the right fit for me.”

Antonella Solari

Another southern Florida native, Antonella Solari was recruited from Weston, Florida’s Cypress Bay High School. Flexible where she can play on the field, the combination midfielder and forward improved every year of high school. Her sophomore year she played seven games, scoring three goals and assisting on four more. She improved her junior year to 18 games played and scored 14 goals, complimenting them with 11 assists for 39 total points. Solari’s senior year proved to be her best. The Broward native played in 21 games, scoring 30 goals and racking up 16 assists for an impressive 76 points and 3.6 points per game.

Quote from Antonella: “I chose FIU because it just felt right for me. The academic programs are fantastic and really line up with what I want to do in the future. The team is incredible, and being able to play at such a high level is a dream come true. But what really sealed the deal for me was the coaching staff. They’re so supportive and I know they’ll push me to be my best. Plus, the campus atmosphere is so welcoming and lively, which is exactly what I was looking for. And being close to home means my parents can come to my games and support me, which means everything. Overall, FIU feels like the perfect place for me to grow academically, athletically, and personally.”

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The 10 new Panthers join a talented group who are looking to bring home FIU’s first conference championship this season, with FIU hosting the tournament for the first time.

The Panthers’ season begins on the road against FGCU on August 15, with their first home game coming against Southeastern Louisiana on September 7.