CHALLENGES AND RESILIENCE

This autographed soccer ball commemorates FSU’s appearance in the 2020 NCAA Women’s Soccer National Championship game, a season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and ultimately played in May 2021 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. The Seminoles fell to 11th-seeded Santa Clara, 4-1, in penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw through regulation and two overtimes. The Seminoles struck first in the 63rd minute when F/M Jenna Nighswonger finished a buildup involving D Clara Robbins and M Yujie Zhao, firing a shot off the left post and into the net. Santa Clara equalized in the 84th minute, forcing extra time. After neither side broke the tie in overtime, the match was decided in penalties. Despite the result, FSU placed four players on the College Cup All-Tournament Team, highlighting a resilient championship run during an unprecedented season.