FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (July 31, 2026) – Fort Lauderdale United FC is thrilled to announce the arrival of midfielder Nicole Vernis on loan from Lexington SC for the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Fall Season, pending league and federation approval. Vernis, who spent the past two seasons in Lexington, joins former teammate Shea Moyer as the second player in club history to join Fort Lauderdale United on loan from a fellow Gainbridge Super League club.
“We’re excited to add Nicole to our midfield group,” said Aly Hassan, General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “She brings valuable experience in the Gainbridge Super League, along with the creativity and attacking quality to make a difference in the final third. We believe she’ll be a strong addition to our squad as we push toward our goals this season.”
A dynamic midfielder with a nose for goal and a powerful shot, Vernis brings a well-rounded skillset and another dimension to the Fort Lauderdale midfield. Her ability to create for teammates and find the back of the net herself will provide another attacking threat as the club seeks a return to the Gainbridge Super League Playoffs.
A native of North Palm Beach, Florida, Vernis began her collegiate career at the University of Florida, quickly becoming a consistent contributor for the Gators. The midfielder appeared in all 36 matches, making 31 starts while recording three goals and two assists before transferring to Georgia. Vernis established herself as a standout in Athens, making 44 appearances with 42 starts and helping lead the Bulldogs to the 2023 SEC Tournament title. Named Team Captain entering the 2024 campaign, Vernis enjoyed a standout senior season, recording three goals and four assists en route to Second Team All-SEC and All-Southeast Region Second Team honors. Vernis concluded her collegiate career with 80 appearances, 73 starts, 12 goals and 13 assists across 5,719 minutes in the SEC.
Following her collegiate career, Vernis joined Lexington SC midway through the inaugural 2024/25 Gainbridge Super League season and quickly established herself as an important contributor, starting 12 matches and logging 1,069 minutes during the second half of the campaign. She made her professional debut on February 15, 2025, earned Gainbridge Super League Team of the Month honors in her first month as a professional and finished her rookie season with two goals. Vernis returned to Lexington for her second professional season before joining Italian side Lazio on loan for the first half of the campaign, making four appearances. She returned to Lexington for the stretch run and helped the club capture both the Players’ Shield and the Gainbridge Super League title, making 12 appearances with one start and 239 minutes played.
A well-rounded midfielder with the ability to contribute in the attack, Vernis brings another dynamic presence to the Fort Lauderdale midfield as the club looks to return to the Gainbridge Super League Playoffs in year three.
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