NOLES’ GLOBAL IMPACT

Finnish defender Natalie Kuikka represented just one of the many international players who made up the 2018 Seminoles. That year, the team fielded players from Canada, China, Costa Rica, England, Finland, Ireland and Venezuela, along with the U.S. Known as a global game, the dynastic Seminole soccer team had always drawn talent from around the world. By introducing different styles and strategies of play, FSU translated its diverse team into 2018 National Champions. “Soccer, it’s kind of like a language,” Kuikka said. “When you play, you learn it.” Following the season, Kuikka received the Honda Sports Award as the top women’s collegiate soccer player in the nation. She was the first in program history to claim the prestigious honor.