Marjory Stoneman Douglas Soccer Star Laina Engelbart Makes College Pick

by Matt Rothman May 24, 2025

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Marjory Stoneman Douglas Soccer Star Laina Engelbart Makes College Pick

Laina Engelbart signs to play college soccer. {Courtesy}

Marjory Stoneman Douglas soccer star Laina Engelbart is officially headed to Berry University in Georgia to continue her athletic career.

“I am so excited and grateful for this opportunity,” Engelbart said. “It honestly feels so rewarding after years of hard work. I just can’t wait to continue to grow as a person and play the sport I love.”

Engelbart started playing soccer when she was in second grade. After playing on the rec sports team, Engelbart joined the Parkland travel soccer team before switching to Coral Springs Prime. The team eventually became Sunrise Surf, which has featured the same coach and teammates for the last seven years.

Engelbart also played with the Eagles for four years and won a District Championship all four seasons. This season, she scored five of her six goals and added two assists, helping the Eagles finish the season 12-2-6.

Engelbart knew she wanted to play in college, but found it challenging to find a program where she could balance academics and athletics. Engelbart showcased her skills at tournaments, ID camps, and highlight reels while also reaching out to college coaches.

“I couldn’t have done it without my coaches and parents—they were always by my side, guiding me through the process,” Engelbart added. “After one of my tournaments, I started communicating with Coach Brown, and Berry really stood out to me; I saw the balance I had been looking for.”

Engelbart then visited the campus and felt it was a perfect fit for her. She will join a team that went 6-7-4 last year and hopes to improve her discipline and prepare for the new responsibilities and independence ahead. Engelbart also hopes to grow and has started training to get ready to compete at the college level.

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Matt Rothman

Matt Rothman is a 2018 graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism and then graduated from the University of Florida as a graduate student. He also works for the Mohave Valley Daily News in Bullhead City, Arizona covering high school sports.