Through her first seven games with Florida State, Shaneil Buckley has continued to become more comfortable within FSU’s system while showcasing her speed and ability to create opportunities.
She’s played in all of the Seminoles’ games this season, totaling 423 minutes with nine shots and three on goal, but her breakthrough came against NC State, when Buckley recorded her first goal and assist at FSU, helping Florida State battle back for a 2-2 tie in its first ACC game of the season.
“ I feel like
I’m getting comfortable, but I’m still a little bit nervous,” Buckley said following the game. “You know, being around the ACC, the national champs, I just gotta take it step by step, getting to know my teammates, learning the style of play here and everything. But I think everything is coming out very well.”
Buckley started her career at Daytona State, spending two seasons with the Falcons. During her sophomore season, she scored 23 goals and recorded 20 assists across 20 games.
The St. Catherine, Jamaica, native also brings international experience to Tallahassee. Buckley has represented Jamaica at the senior national team level and competed in the 2022 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship and 2023 Concacaf Women’s U-20 Championship.
Now at Florida State, Buckley is continuing to adjust to a new level of college soccer while learning how her individual strengths can contribute to the team around her.
“I mean, my speed is like natural,” said Buckley. I mean, everybody gonna see it after, but my teammates help with my speed because just me can’t do it with the pace I have. You know, gotta have teammates behind.”
With her first goal and assist as a Seminole now behind her, Buckley and FSU will look to continue building as the Seminoles return to ACC play. Florida State, 4-1-2 and tied for No. 21, travels to Louisville for its next conference matchup.
“It’s phenomenal working with these ladies,” Buckley said.
