Sporting JAX Adds Experienced Midfielder Cat Rapp
Sporting Club Jacksonville has announced the signing of midfielder Cat Rapp, pending league and federation approval, adding valuable Gainbridge Super League experience to its 2026 roster. The 22-year-old midfielder most recently played for Spokane Zephyr FC during the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season.
Rapp started six of nine appearances for Spokane Zephyr FC, scoring two goals and accumulating 533 minutes of play. Notably, she made her professional debut against Sporting JAX in February at Hodges Stadium, the same venue where Sporting JAX will host their home opener against Tampa Bay Sun FC on August 22.
Collegiate Career and Previous Experience
Growing up in Colorado, Rapp began her collegiate career at Florida International University, where she made an immediate impact by scoring two goals in her first month. She was named to the All-Conference USA second team during her junior year as a Panther. Later, she transferred to the University of Kentucky, notching seven goals and six assists over 21 appearances in 2025. Rapp joins defender Grace Phillpotts as another University of Kentucky alumna on Sporting JAX’s roster.
In addition to her collegiate and league experience, Rapp has competed in the USL W League, spending time with Minnesota Aurora FC between college seasons.
Coaching Staff and Player Remarks
Sporting JAX Head Coach Stacey Balaam praised Rapp’s skills, stating, “Cat gained some experience in the league last season with Spokane. She has a good soccer brain, she is technically sharp and will offer a different style and profile to our front line. Cat understands what competing at this level looks like and can hopefully make an immediate impression.”
Rapp expressed enthusiasm about joining the team: “Having played against this team, I was able to see firsthand all that Sporting JAX is building. I am excited to join the squad and contribute as we look to build on last season’s success.”
Upcoming Schedule
Sporting JAX opened their 2026 season with a win over Fort Lauderdale United FC and will look to extend that momentum in their home opener against Tampa Bay Sun FC on August 22 at Hodges Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
Source: Original report