Women’s Soccer Signs Trio of Freshmen to 2026 Class

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – North Florida women’s soccer has inked three freshmen signees towards its 2026 class, as announced by Head Coach Eric Faulconer on Thursday afternoon.

Peyton Thomas, Briella Doyle and Ayva Scalese are the first three officially additions for the Ospreys to next year’s roster. All three freshmen reside from the Sunshine State with Thomas residing from the Jacksonville area.

“We are excited to add these three incoming freshmen to our Osprey women’s soccer family,” Faulconer stated. “Peyton [Thomas] and Briella [Doyle] will be arriving in January, and I know our coaching staff is looking forward to working with them this spring.”

“Peyton reminds me a lot of graduating senior Chloe [Lynch]. Like Chloe, she is extremely versatile and has a very high work rate,” said Faulconer. “Briella is going to add a great physical presence to our backline. She is an outstanding distributor of the ball, especially over long distances. We think she still has lots of growth ahead of her and feel that she can make an immediate impact in our lineup.”

“Ayva [Scalese] will arrive for preseason camp in July. Her style of play suits us very well. She is a possession-based midfielder with outstanding technical ability and has great vision,” Faulconer continued. “All three will have an opportunity to compete for playing time right away and we are thrilled with these additions to our program.”

Peyton Thomas, Midfielder
Hometown: Saint Augustine, Fla.
High School: Beachside HS
Club: Jacksonville FC ECNL
Height: 5-6

“I’m extremely proud of Peyton Thomas for this amazing achievement of signing to play Division 1 Soccer for the University of North Florida. It has been a pleasure to be a coach and mentor of hers over the years and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this accomplishment. From the first day I started working with her, I recognized her drive to give her best every time she stepped on the field, her special talent, her passion to improve every day and most importantly the respectful, kind, compassionate and humble person she is. She is living proof that through faith, dedication, determination, passion, integrity and amazing character you can achieve your dreams. Congratulations, Peyton! Continue to let your light shine.”
– Tony Taylor, MLS Soccer Pro and Mentor

Notes: Math Honor Society (Mu Alpha Theta)…ECNL playoffs for three straight years…Golden Boot winner every year in high school…Led Beachside to state playoffs every year…Offensive Player of the year 2024-25 season…leads the team with 45+ lifetime goals for Beachside HS women soccer team.

Briella Doyle, Defender
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
High School: Innovation HS
Club: Florida Kraze Krush 07/08 ECNL
Height: 6-1

“Briella is a player who has earned everything she has gotten. Goal driven, she sets her mind to things and stops at nothing until it’s achieved. Her growth has been exponential, and she is far from a finished product. Eric and staff are getting not only a great soccer player, but a great young lady who is ready to elevate the UNF program to new levels.”
– Mark Hansen, Florida Kraze Krush Head Coach

Notes: For the first time in club history, FKK ECNL 08 girls team finished second place in the Southeast Conference…punched ticket to ECNL nationals in San Diego, California in 2025…as a first-year program, Briella’s high school team, Innovation High School, won Districts and made it to Regional Semifinals in 2025.

Ayva Scalese, Midfielder
Hometown: Palm Harbor, Fla.
High School: Palm Harbor University HS
Club: Florida Premier FC ECNL
Height: 5-4

“Ayva is an amazing technical player. As a soccer fan watching her play on the field is the reason why I watch players play. She is exactly the type of player soccer fans love to watch play because she is very elegant, and her technique is very high level.”
 – Randy Irick, Innovation HS Head Coach

“When I think of who Ayva Scalese is as a person, I think of someone who has the joy to fill up a room and smile to light up the room. When asked to describe Ayva as a soccer player, she has the grace of a dancer and the drive of a warrior.”
– Leo Martini, Florida Premier FC Girls ECNL Director

Notes: IB Program Honor Roll every grading period…high school varsity player each year…captain junior and senior seasons…Academic Athletic Award (9th-12th grades)…Varsity Rookie of the Year (9th)…Coaches Award (11th)…Captain’s Award (11-12th)…2024-25 PCAC Second Team – North County (11th grade).