FGCU Extends Coach Blankenship’s Contract Through 2029 Season

Florida Gulf Coast University extended head women's soccer coach Jim Blankenship's contract through 2029. Director of Athletics Colin Hargis announced the five-year extension on Oct. 29, 2025.

Blankenship built one of the Atlantic Sun Conference's winningest programs from scratch. He founded the women's soccer program at the Fort Myers school.

The Eagles won 11 regular-season Atlantic Sun Conference Championships under his Blankenship's watch. They snagged eight ASUN Tournament Championships and the 2025 Graphite Division Championship too.

Eight NCAA Championship Tournament appearances have happened during his years at FGCU. Blankenship earned ASUN Coach of the Year honors six times.

"We are thrilled to extend the contract of Jim Blankenship," said Hargis, according to FGCU Athletics. "Blankenship, along with his entire coaching staff, demonstrates incredible leadership, dedication to student-athlete development, and commitment to FGCU's values, which makes each of them integral to our continued success."

The extension keeps Blankenship in Fort Myers through at least four more seasons after this one ends. 

Hargis praised the entire coaching staff in his announcement. He pointed to their work growing student-athletes on the field and in the classroom.

The program has become a powerhouse since its founding. Stability for recruiting comes with the extension. High school players see Blankenship will remain for multiple seasons ahead.