Brian Pensky didn’t mince words about Tanner Strickland, calling her an “animal” for her absolute impact on FSU this season. For good reason too: she’s already played 414 minutes across seven of the Seminoles’ first eight games, starting six while contributing a goal and an assist against Stetson, and notching the game-winning goal against FAU. All four of her shots have been on goal so far.
Strickland’s Unsung Role Amid Early Season Chaos
Strickland came to Florida State with a ton of front line experience, but as one of 16 new Seminoles, she’s also been adjusting to a whole new team, system, and conference. With injuries and player availability shaking up the FSU lineup, Strickland has been asked to step up in a completely different role, spending the past few games holding it down at right back. Pensky clearly sees the value in her versatility. “She is quick. She is tough, right? She gets her body in. She wins balls. She drew fouls, right? She’s a really good player,” Pensky said. It is clear that this team needs her to be a swiss-army knife right now, and she is absolutely delivering.
From Kentucky Star to Seminole Anchor
This isn’t Strickland’s first rodeo being an impact player. She spent three years tearing it up at Kentucky before coming to FSU. As a freshman in 2023, she started all 19 matches and led the Wildcats with five assists, even grabbing SEC All-Freshman honors. Her biggest year was 2025, starting all 21 matches with career highs: two goals and a team-leading seven assists. She even scored her first game-winner and SEC goal against then No. 20 Oklahoma, earning third-team All-SEC honors. That kind of big-game experience makes her perfect for whatever FSU throws her way. Against NC State, she played all 90 minutes at right back in a tough 2-2 tie. Pensky admitted she had a “hard time getting forward because they were attacking us,” but she still put in a huge shift.
Shifting Gears: What’s Next for Tanner and FSU
Now, things are starting to look up with more players becoming available for FSU. Janet Okeke and Bridget Mutipula are back from the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, giving the Seminoles more options on the back line. Even her former Kentucky teammate, Grace Hoytink, made her Seminole debut against Louisville, with the two playing on the same side of the field. This increased roster depth means Strickland is starting to get more opportunities higher up the field again, and we saw her return to the starting lineup in the attack during the scoreless draw against Louisville on Sunday. You gotta wonder if this is where she really explodes.
FSU travels to Clemson for another ACC matchup this Sunday at 3:30 p.m. With the team getting healthier, you can bet all eyes will be on Strickland to see if she continues to get those chances in the attack. If she does, FSU’s offense could be a totally different beast.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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