Team Preview · 2026 Season

The Southwest Florida Sharks’ Roster Has Changed. Their Philosophy Has Not.

The Southwest Florida Sharks enter 2026 as the reigning United Grid League Champions. Key athletes from that championship roster are not returning this season but co-owners Francisco Gomez and Concepcion Guzman are not worried.

Gomez and Guzman have built the Sharks around a philosophy that does not change: own your role, trust your teammates, and leave your ego at the door. That standard is what produced a championship in 2025 and what they will lean on for the 2026 season.

“We honestly don’t look at ourselves as defending a championship,” Gomez said. “We look at ourselves as continuing the philosophy standard. When you repeat that mentality race after race, you win matches. When you repeat it week after week, championships become the result.”

What the Sharks Are Losing

The 2026 roster navigates some significant departures.

Kelsey Kiel, a Strength Specialist in her rookie season, is stepping away to welcome twins. Kiel was a key piece of the championship run and brought the kind of physical presence that is difficult to replace.

“The obvious answer with Kelsey is that she’s incredibly strong and an amazing athlete, but that was only the beginning,” Gomez said. “After our very first Zoom meeting before she signed, I knew she was the right fit because of her personality and the energy she brought to the team. She was exactly what we were looking for.”

Kiel is embracing the chapter ahead.

“I’m really proud of what we accomplished this season and the role I was able to play in helping reach that dream,” Kiel said. “Being part of a championship team like this is something I’ll never take for granted. I’m also so incredibly excited for this next chapter and getting to become a mom to my babies!! It’s truly the most special thing and a different dream come true. I’ll definitely miss competing and being in that environment, but the Sharks have something special and I’m excited to see them continue to build in 2026.”

Dana Paran also steps away for the season. Paran competed in only two matches in 2025 while nursing an injury, limiting what the Sharks were able to see from her on the floor.

“We still believe Dana has the potential to return as one of the top three athletes in the league once she’s fully healthy and ready to compete again,” Gomez said. “Taking this season off gives her the opportunity to reset and come back stronger.”

Then there is Kristen Bonnito. The team’s “Momma Shark” leaves behind something that goes beyond the Grid.

“It’s like your grandma’s special recipe,” Gomez said. “She can give you every ingredient and walk you through it step by step, but somehow it still never tastes the same when someone else makes it. That’s Kristen to the Sharks. There will never be another Kristen.”

Who Steps Up

Replacing Kiel on the strength side, the Sharks are bringing in Kyra Milligan, a CrossFit Games athlete who is strong, fit, and highly skilled. Strength specialists Breezy and Jessi are also expected to take on larger roles. Rookie Jacy Kuhlman joins the women’s side as another new face to watch.

The Lady Sharks on the floor at the season opener in Miami.

Former MVP Sammy Nalley returns and will compete while pregnant. Her presence on the floor or off it carries weight either way.

“Sammy is a competitor in every sense of the word,” Gomez said. “She’s incredibly efficient on the floor, rarely makes mistakes, and is always looking for ways to help the team succeed. Even beyond competing, her presence alone brings tremendous value to this team.”

The Men’s Side

The men’s roster returns with the same chemistry and experience that helped drive the championship. Veterans Sam, Shappee, and Blake bring years of trust and communication built directly into the lineup. Zaien enters his second season off an outstanding rookie year and is expected to be in the conversation for Strength Specialist of the Year. Brandon Schipper adds versatility and depth to an already experienced group.

“Their mentality is war,” Gomez said. “Every time they step onto the floor, they are prepared to bleed and they fully expect to come out victorious no matter the cost.”

The balance between both sides of the roster is what Gomez points to as the engine of the program.

“Our men’s team elevates the Lady Sharks, and the Lady Sharks elevate the men right back. That constant pressure in training and competition makes everyone better.”

Up Next

The Sharks compete again in Lakeland, Florida at the RP Funding Center against the South Beach Palms.

Have a question? Email us at staff@unitedgridleague.com