The Women’s Game is a new editorial series written by writer, broadcaster, and former college and pro soccer player Renee Washington for BrooklynFootballClub.com. Each week, Renee goes behind the scenes with Brooklyn FC Women, giving unique insights into the squad and sharing stories of the people behind the crest.
The Brooklyn FC Women kick off a new era on Saturday when they travel to Lexington SC for the season opener of the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Fall Season.
Under new leadership, including new GM Samantha Johnson and Head Coach Alex Smith, BKFC enter with a refreshed roster that combines returning players with newcomers bringing different backgrounds, experiences and paths to the club.
Among the familiar faces are experienced goalkeeper Bre Norris in goal, South Korean international NaYeong “Shinny” Shin, Ghanaian international Jennifer Cudjoe, team mainstay Jess Garziano, and Croatian playmaker Kiki Markovic.
The returning group provides a foundation for a roster that also features several new additions.
Among the key newcomers are
- Tziarra “Zee” King, a forward who made her name with the NWSL’s Seattle Reign over four seasons
- Sophia Lowenberg, a midfielder who on loan from NWSL side Boston Legacy FC
- Ashlyn Miller, a midfielder from Brisbane Roar FC who is teaming up with her former coach, Smith
- Carlee Giammona, a midfielder who won the 2025 Super League title with Tampa Bay Sun FC
- Jilly Shimkin, a former US youth international midfielder raised in nearby Rockville Center, NY
The different pieces are intentional.
Some bring experience. Others bring emerging talent. Some already know the Gainbridge Super League, while others will get their first taste of it this fall. Together, they make up a group Johnson believes has quickly embraced where the club is trying to go.
“What excites me most is the potential of this group and how quickly they’ve embraced a new direction,” she said. “We have different personalities, backgrounds, and experiences, but there’s a shared hunger to move Brooklyn FC forward. I think our supporters are going to see a team that competes with real purpose.”
The New Captain
The club has named goalkeeper Bre Norris captain for the 2026 Fall Season, putting a familiar face at the center of the club’s new chapter.
Norris has made a positive impression on the new staff through her presence as a natural leader and a vocal presence leading the group from the back line forward.
For Johnson, Norris embodies many of the qualities BKFC wants at the center of its identity.
“From the start, the group has responded incredibly well to Bre’s leadership, presence, and the standard she sets every day,” Johnson said. “She represents the character, accountability, and competitive mentality we want to define this team.”
Smith saw those qualities quickly, too.
“Bre immediately stood out to me as a leader with a strong character and someone the players respected,” he said. “I am looking forward to seeing her take the role on and lead us to a successful season.”
Norris returns between the posts for Brooklyn after being part of the club’s inaugural Gainbridge Super League roster.
A native of Boise, Idaho, Norris played collegiately at the University of Portland, where she developed into one of the West Coast Conference’s top goalkeepers. During her collegiate career, she earned All-WCC recognition and established herself as a consistent presence in goal before beginning her professional career.
Now back in Brooklyn, Norris enters the Fall Season with a new responsibility: helping lead a changing roster through the club’s 14-match sprint.
Her position gives her a unique vantage point. From the back, Norris can see the game developing in front of her, organize the players around her and provide the vocal leadership that Smith and Johnson quickly identified as one of her strengths.
For a team emphasizing resilience, accountability and competitiveness, its new captain will have an important role in setting that standard from the opening whistle.
The first chance to do that for Norris — and the entire squad — is Saturday in Lexington against the reigning champions.
“Lexington is coming off a great season and present not only a big away challenge first up, but in my view a massive opportunity for us to show how hard we have been working to get this program where it needs to be,” Smith said. “I am looking forward to getting the season up and running and it should be a great evening. We’ll be doing everything we can to return to Brooklyn with a positive result.”
The Brooklyn FC Women kick off the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Fall Season on August 15 at Lexington SC. The home opener is Friday, August 21, against DC Power FC. Kick off is at 7:30 PM. Tickets are available now on SeatGeek.
