National Champions, Again

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE

The trophy case at Florida Southern College is a little more crowded after an incredible spring season that included the 31st and 32nd NCAA team titles in school history.

In May, the women’s lacrosse team defeated Maryville University 9-7 to bring home FSC’s second national championship in program history.

Junior Kolby Cohen scored two goals and assisted on another, and freshman Riley Rivera had two assists and a goal as the Mocs held off a furious charge from Maryville that saw the Saints outscore FSC 5-0 in the final period.

Junior Audrey Cannelli played a major role defensively, forcing three turnovers for the Mocs.

It was a storybook ending for head coach Kara Reber’s squad. The Mocs went 21-1 on the season, including 7-0 in Sunshine State conference play. 

The coaching staff and players earned a multitude of conference, regional and national awards, including senior Charlie Laye who was named the 2026 Division II IWLCA Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Laye posted a perfect 4.0 GPA during the academic year while continuing her studies after earning her undergraduate degree in accounting. 

A dominant presence on defense, Laye started all 21 games for the Mocs, recording a team-leading 44 ground balls, adding 32 caused turnovers and 18 draw controls.

The Florida Southern men’s golf team defeated Wingate 3-2 at Boulder Creek Golf Club to earn the program’s 14th national championship—its first since 2017.

Graduate student Donte Groppuso shot a match-low 66 that day, and grad student Tyler Mistretta and senior Max Barile also both won their matches.

It was a memorable finish for Barile, who was named the Jack Nicklaus Division II Golfer of the Year. He finished with a team-best 70.29 stroke average over 42 rounds and recorded eight top-10 finishes on the season.

Head coach Brian Richey helped lead the Mocs back to the promised land in his second year at the helm.   

• How They Hoisted the Trophy

  • The Mocs finished fifth at the NCAA South/Southeast Regional to earn their 42nd National Championship Tournament Appearance.

  • Tyler Mistretta shoots a career-low 64 in the final round of stroke play at the National Championship, solidifying the Mocs as the top team heading into the matchplay portion of the National Championship.

  • Florida Southern defeated Colorado Christian 3-2 in the Quarterfinal Match, and Lee University 4-1 in the Semifinal Match to earn themselves a spot to fight for their 14th team National Title.

  • Brian Richey’s team defeats Wingate 3-2 for its 14th National Championship, the first since 2017.

• Their Journey to the Top

  • Kolby Cohen scores in overtime against Tampa in NCAA tournament to advance to the NCAA Quarterfinal.

  • The Mocs avenge their lone loss of the season in the NCAA Quarterfinal against Flagler, for the program’s fifth Final Four appearance.

  • Florida Southern defeats Pace to make their fourth National Championship game.

  • Florida Southern fends off a late surge by Maryville to hold on for their second National Championship in program history.