Tampa, Florida. (February 4, 2026)

On National Girls & Women in Sports Day, Tampa Bay Sun FC proudly celebrates the women who work day in and day out to elevate our club at every level. From our technical staff on the field to our behind-the-scenes front office, the impact and vision of the Sun are demonstrated every day by our female-led organization.

As Tampa Bay’s first and only professional women’s sports team, we are proud to share that we are also the only club across the NWSL and Gainbridge Super League with an all-female sports leadership team. The Sun were built with a vision to be a leading voice for women’s sports. That vision is reflected in our leadership structure, a rare and intentional effort in professional sports.

The framework of the Sun reinforces the idea that leadership roles in professional sports are not only attainable, but thriving. For players, working within our women-led organization provides both representation and mentorship, not just for athletes and coaches, but for young women and girls who aspire to follow in their footsteps.

The spirit of National Girls & Women in Sports Day is embraced throughout the Sun. Highlighting the impact of women in sports is part of our everyday identity as competitors, leaders, and game changers. At Tampa Bay Sun FC, that impact is clear, as our club continues to set the standard for inclusive leadership and opportunity in professional sports.

Tampa, Florida. (January 16, 2026) – Tampa Bay Sun Football Club today announced the retirement of midfielder Mackenzie Pluck, marking the conclusion of an accomplished career defined by consistency, competitiveness, and leadership at every level of the game.

Pluck joined Tampa Bay Sun ahead of the Gainbridge Super League season after an impactful professional journey that spanned the NWSL and Super League. Known for her technical quality, vision in midfield, and relentless work rate, she brought experience and professionalism to the Sun from the moment she arrived.

A native of North Wales, Pennsylvania, Pluck starred at Germantown Academy before enjoying a standout collegiate career at Duke University. She set the program record with 107 appearances, recording 21 goals and 29 assists, and helped lead the Blue Devils to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. Pluck also ranks in the top five in Duke history for NCAA postseason matches played.

Professionally, Pluck began her career with Angel City FC in the NWSL before making stops at Racing Louisville FC, Gotham FC, and Brooklyn FC. During the Super League’s inaugural season with Brooklyn, she led the league in duels won, earned a spot on the October Team of the Month, and scored her first Super League goal — a strike later nominated for Goal of the Month.

Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown reflected on Pluck’s impact both on and off the pitch:

“Mackenzie is the definition of a professional. She competes every day, elevates those around her, and brings a level of intelligence and grit that every coach values. While her time with us was brief, her presence and influence were felt immediately. We’re incredibly proud of her and grateful for what she brought to our group.”

General Manager Christina Unkel added:

“From being a stalwart at Duke to chasing her professional dream and helping launch a new league, Mackenzie has been part of an important era in the growth of women’s soccer in this country. We’re grateful to have been part of the final chapter of her playing career and look forward to seeing her thrive in whatever comes next off the pitch.”

Tampa Bay Sun FC thanks Mackenzie Pluck for her contributions to the club and celebrates a career that leaves a lasting mark on the game.

Tampa, FL. (January 8, 2026) – Tampa Bay Sun FC announced today that the loan period of defender Emerson Elgin has concluded, and she will return to Boston Legacy FC.

Elgin joined the Sun ahead of the 2025–26 fall season on loan from Boston Legacy FC after signing a professional contract with Boston through 2027. A former standout at the University of North Carolina, Elgin arrived in Tampa Bay following an NCAA National Championship run with the Tar Heels in December 2024 and a spring 2025 stint with Gotham FC as an NWSL injury replacement player.

During her time with the Sun, Elgin made two appearances, including one start, logging 99 minutes while providing versatility across the back line and midfield.

Tampa Bay Sun FC thanks Emerson for her professionalism, energy, and contributions during her time with the club and wishes her continued success as she returns to Boston Legacy FC.

Pending league and federation approval

TAMPA, Florida — Tampa Bay Sun FC today announced the club has acquired midfielder Jordan Fusco on loan from San Diego Wave FC, pending league and federation approval. Fusco will join the Sun as a key component to the Club’s strengthening of its attacking power for the second half of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season.

Fusco brings composure, range, and intelligence to the center of the pitch. A product of Penn State, she developed within one of the nation’s most respected collegiate programs and has continued her professional growth with San Diego Wave FC. Her arrival reflects Tampa Bay Sun FC’s commitment to building a resilient, possession-driven identity that consistently delivers on the pitch.

“We are excited to welcome Jordan to the squad,” said Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown. “She is a dynamic player with the versatility to influence matches across multiple positions. Her impact will be felt both in and out of possession. Jordan strengthens our collective and raises the standard of how we compete.”

President and General Manager Christina Unkel emphasized the broader vision behind the move.

“This loan demonstrates that we have an environment that attracts top talent and reinforces our drive to compete for repeat championships,” said Unkel. “Jordan is entering a pivotal moment in her career, and Tampa Bay is a place where players are pushed to win, trusted to lead, and supported to perform. We are grateful to San Diego Wave FC for their partnership and excited to welcome Jordan into our Club.”

Transaction Line

Tampa Bay Sun FC has acquired Jordan Fusco on loan from San Diego Wave FC for an undisclosed period, pending league and federation approval.

Player Bio

Name: Jordan Fusco
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-9
Jersey Number: 28
Date of Birth: September 11, 2003 (21)
Hometown: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Nationality: United States
College: Penn State
Previous Club: San Diego Wave FC
Transaction: Tampa Bay Sun FC acquires midfielder Jordan Fusco on loan from San Diego Wave FC.

About Tampa Bay Sun Football Club

Tampa Bay Sun FC is the first professional women’s soccer club in Tampa, Florida. The Sun compete in the Gainbridge Super League and play their home matches at Suncoast Credit Union Field, a newly renovated venue located along the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa. As one of the league’s inaugural eight clubs and the inaugural championship team, Tampa Bay Sun FC is helping shape the future of first division professional women’s soccer in the United States. Guided by a commitment to excellence on and off the pitch, the Sun creates opportunities for elite athletes while strengthening community connection and advancing the growth of the women’s game. For more information, visit TampaBaySunFC.com.

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Tampa Bay Sun FC proudly announces the signing of goalkeeper Braelynn Galt, a standout player from Chicago Inter ECNL and a member of the Class of 2027.

Galt brings an impressive skill set to Tampa Bay. Known for her elite shot-stopping, confident play under pressure, and sharp distribution, she commands the game with poise and leadership from the back line.

Over the summer, Galt competed in the USL W League with River Light FC, gaining valuable minutes against top-tier competition. She now continues her development with Florida Premier FC, one of Florida’s premier youth soccer programs.

Galt’s international resume adds even more depth to her game. Holding dual citizenship, she has represented Scotland at both the U16 and U17 levels. In 2024, she joined the Scotland U17 Women’s National Team for the International MIMA Cup, facing Sweden and England, and later took part in the UEFA Women’s Euro Qualifiers against Denmark, Poland, and North Macedonia. As captain of the Scotland U16 squad, she led her team in international matches against Switzerland.

While overseas, Galt also trained with the Rangers Women’s First Team, further sharpening her technical and tactical abilities at the professional level.

Tampa Bay Sun FC welcomes Braelynn to the Sun family. Her international experience, professionalism, and competitive mindset will strengthen the club’s goalkeeper group and raise the standard within the academy.