TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida State Women’s Soccer team has done it again, achieving another program first on Tuesday afternoon after the release of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America preseason top 25 poll.
FSU will open the 2013 campaign ranked No. 3 in the nation marking the highest preseason ranking attained by the Seminoles in school history. The Seminoles started the season at No. 4 twice, first in 2008 and then again in 2012. The ranking also marks the eighth straight year that the Garnet and Gold has earned a spot in the top 10 of the NSCAA’s preseason poll.
Just one year ago, Florida State advanced to a second straight College Cup and claimed the ACC regular season title after losing half of its starters to graduation.
“What an honor to open the season ranked in the top 5,” said head coach Mark Krikorian. “I feel this ranking is a testament to the hard work our players and staff have put in to making Florida State one of the best programs in the country year after year.
“As much as I appreciate where we are ranked now, it’s where we are at the end of the season that means the most. We have a whole new team this year. We graduated a lot of very talented players but at the same time we are very optimistic with the players we have on our roster for the upcoming season.”
FSU returns 12 letterwinners and six starters from last year's squad that finished the season ranked No. 4 in the nation.
With six College Cup appearances since 2003, Florida State is one of only three programs in the nation to play in soccer's version of the `Final Four' six times in the last 10 years. Since 2000, the Seminoles have made 13 straight trips to the NCAA Tournament, played in 11 `Sweet 16's' and advanced to the quarterfinal round eight years in a row - the longest active streak in the nation.
By virtue of its No. 3 preseason ranking, Florida State has now been ranked in the top 25 of the NSCAA poll in 106 consecutive weeks.
