Erika Zschuppe, a senior midfielder at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), concluded her collegiate soccer career by setting a new single-season scoring record for the university’s women’s team with 21 goals. This achievement also made her the top scorer in NCAA Division I women’s soccer during the 2025 regular season.
Zschuppe and fellow senior forward Kendal Gargiula formed the highest-scoring duo in the nation, combining for 30 goals. Zschuppe was named Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year and earned national recognition, including a spot on the Hermann Trophy Midseason Watchlist and being ranked as the No. 21 player in the country by Top Drawer Soccer. She was also selected as National Player of the Week on October 8.
Reflecting on her success, Zschuppe said, “Scoring a goal is a mix of relief, adrenaline and gratitude all at once. You feel the energy of the crowd, your teammates and every moment of training come together in one second. I think it’s something only a player truly understands — each goal carries its own emotion, story and meaning.
“Scoring in 10 straight games and leading the nation was unreal. It meant everything because it showed how much work, faith and consistency paid off. It was a dream come true to represent FGCU at that level.”
Head coach Jim Blankenship noted that moving Zschuppe from outside midfielder to attacking midfielder contributed to her standout season: “She’s super-competitive, athletic, aggressive and really phenomenal in front of the goal,” Blankenship said. “I think the thing that’s probably most impressive is that she’s a midfielder, so she’s not even playing striker, and still to have that kind of success says a lot about her.”
Zschuppe grew up surrounded by soccer influences; her grandfather played professionally in Germany while her father coached her through youth leagues. “Hearing their stories always inspired me to carry that family legacy forward with pride,” she said. “My dad coached me throughout my youth years and never left my side. He taught me to stay humble, disciplined and to always play with passion… He motivates me not just as a player but as a person, keeping me focused on faith and gratitude.”
After graduating with an integrated studies degree this December, Zschuppe plans to pursue professional opportunities overseas: “I’m working with my coaches, agents and mentors to make that happen,” she said. “I’ll sign with an agent who will present my player profile to European clubs looking for someone in my position. My dream is to play in Spain, Portugal, Italy or Germany — all countries with amazing passion and style of play.”
She cited Cristiano Ronaldo as an inspiration: “It gives me the happiest feeling in the world. I just love scoring.” Zschuppe added that she can relate.
