ST. PETERSBURG – Coming off one of the most successful seasons in program history, Eckerd College women's soccer head coach Luke Sheekey has finalized his coaching staff for the 2026 campaign, highlighted by the promotion of Riley Casey to the program's first full-time assistant coach. Joining Casey on staff are John Damasco '14 as goalkeeper coach and Joe Linley as an assistant coach.
Casey becomes the first full-time assistant coach in program history after joining the Tritons last season. A former Division I standout, Casey played four seasons at Belmont University before finishing her collegiate career at Sunshine State Conference rival Lynn University.
In her first season on staff, Casey helped guide Eckerd to a second-place finish in the Sunshine State Conference while the Tritons established several defensive program records.
"It was great to have Riley join the program last summer," Sheekey said. "She made an immediate impact by first being a great role model for our women through her work ethic, commitment to winning, and pursuit of excellence on and off the field. Playing four years of Division I soccer is no easy feat these days, and she brought that experience with her every day. She brought energy, passion, and a wealth of knowledge that our group could learn from, and it showed in the results we achieved. With Riley now being full time, it will only enhance our program and strengthen the relationships we're building with this new group as we continue working to elevate Eckerd women's soccer to the top of Division II."
Damasco joined the women's soccer staff last fall after previously working with the Eckerd men's soccer program and quickly made an impact with goalkeepers Zoe Brasher and Madi Winn.
The duo helped lead the Tritons to the lowest goals-against total in program history. During Sunshine State Conference play, Eckerd allowed just five goals, shattering the previous program record of 13. Behind a disciplined defensive unit, Brasher and Winn combined for multiple SSC Defensive Player of the Week honors.
"I've been so happy with th addition of John," Sheekey said. "I knew he would be excellent. Coaching goalkeepers is unique, and John has the perfect coaching style, demeanor, and character to do a great job. Goalkeepers spend a lot of time away from the rest of the team, so it's important they're working with someone I trust completely. Zoe and Madi's performances last year speak for themselves, and Madi and Aubrey had a fantastic spring."
Linley joins the Tritons after spending the past two seasons at Saint Leo University.
As a graduate assistant in 2024, he helped the Lions finish fourth in the Sunshine State Conference and earn a home SSC Tournament match. Last season, Linley was elevated to interim head coach early in the year, overseeing the first team while also managing the program's reserve and development squads.
"I am so happy that Joe has agreed to join us," Sheekey said. "Joe is too good of a coach and has too much experience and knowledge not to be coaching at this level. As he begins a new career outside of soccer, I'm thankful he'll continue spending his evenings and weekends with our program. I'm excited to have his soccer mind on our sideline and his coaching expertise working with our players. His character and personality make him a great addition alongside Riley, John, and myself. We're all different, but we share the same values and goals, and that's incredibly important when building a coaching staff."
The Tritons will welcome their newest class to campus on Aug. 9 as preparations begin for the 2026 season.
"Once again, we're bringing in the best recruiting class we've ever had," Sheekey said. "Combined with the transfers who arrived in January, this group gives us the talent to continue raising the standard of our program. Our goals are different now, and they're much higher than they've ever been. This group will have to work extremely hard to achieve them, just as previous teams worked to reach the goals that came before."
Eckerd added three transfers during the spring semester who immediately strengthened the roster. Lisa Furéh arrived from Florida Atlantic and quickly established herself in the Tritons' midfield.
"Lisa is a top player who showed her quality throughout the spring," Sheekey said. "Signing her from FAU was a huge addition for this program, and we think the world of what she'll accomplish here at Eckerd."
Former Manhattan University player Gaby Ruz also joined the program after returning to her home state.
"Gaby is an IMG Academy alum we hoped to recruit the first time around, and now we're excited to have her," Sheekey said. "She had a strong spring and continues to learn quickly. One of our priorities this fall will be finding the best way to maximize her versatility because she has the ability to excel in a variety of roles."
The Tritons also added goalkeeper Aubrey Cripe, a local product who previously competed at Division II programs in North Carolina and Alabama before returning home.
"We wanted to bring Aubrey in last fall, but we weren't able to finalize everything in time," Sheekey said. "With Zoe graduating, it was important for us to add her this spring, and she's done a tremendous job so far. Aubrey wants to compete for the No. 1 spot, and she brings valuable collegiate experience after earning a transfer to West Alabama, one of the top programs in our region. She has all the tools to become one of the top goalkeepers in the region, and I'm excited to watch all of our goalkeepers compete this fall."
