DECORATED AND DETERMINED

Freshman M Yujie Zhao’s youth didn’t hold her back in the 2018 season. Rather, Zhao became one of FSU’s most dangerous offensive weapons, finishing second on the team with 19 points (seven goals, five assists). She broke out with a four-point performance against No. 2 UCLA early in the year, then recorded a goal and an assist against No. 20 South Florida to help FSU advance to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. “I think Yujie is a pretty special player,” said coach Mark Krikorian. “She’s come in here with wonderful technical qualities and is reading the play at an exceptional level.” Zhao’s accolades that season reflected her talent, as she was named National Freshman of the Year by Top Drawer Soccer, Freshman of the Year by the ACC and a First Team All-Conference member. She was also, of course, a member of the 2018 National Championship team.