July 6, 2026
WPSL 2026, West Florida Flames (photo by Andres Isaza)
By Nichole Singleton, WPSL Communications
The goal was simple: keep raising the standard.
West Florida Flames has played in four WPSL seasons and, with this season’s division title, has won the Sunshine four times.
“Winning one title is difficult, but to do it four years in a row is something incredibly special and a huge credit to every player and staff member who has been part of this journey,” Jamie McGuinness, West Florida Flames head coach, said.
McGuinness was adamant about not allowing past success to make them comfortable. That standard saw 17 goalscorers for the Flames this season who produced 44 goals, third best in the league and 15 more goals than its highest from 2023.
“We knew every team would want to be the one to beat us, so our focus was on continuing to evolve, bringing in another talented group of players, and creating an environment where they could compete and develop at a high level,”
The Flames flexed its offensive dominance immediately, winning its first two games by 13 goals in two shutouts. From then on it was off to the races with no one in the Sunshine able to slow the Flames down. McGuinness credits his incredibly talented players but acknowledged that talent alone doesn’t produce the level of consistency West Florida has displayed.
“The players buy into the team, compete for each other, and understand the expectations every time they step onto the field,” McGuinness said. “We try to create a professional and competitive environment where players are constantly challenged to improve.”
Coming in third in the Golden Boot race, Hope Santaniello led the Flames and the Sunshine overall with 11 goals on the season, followed by Joy Kimwemwe, Brooke Becker, and Micahela Hill who combined for 16 goals.
West Florida finished the season unbeaten and seven points clear of second place in the division race. The Flames has only one loss on its overall WPSL record and that defeat came during its debut season in 2023.
