SARASOTA, Fla. – Sarasota Paradise today announced the signing of their first professional player in club history, Garrett McLaughlin. McLaughlin’s signing is a major milestone as the organization starts to build its roster ahead of its inaugural USL League One season in 2026.
McLaughlin joins Sarasota Paradise as one of the most accomplished forwards in USL League One history, recognized for his goal-scoring consistency, leadership, and professionalism. Across his career, McLaughlin has established himself among the league’s top all-time scorers, standing near the top of the League One record books for goals (34).
A native of Oklahoma City, McLaughlin began his professional career in 2020 and quickly became one of the most dangerous attacking threats in the USL system. During his tenure with Toronto FC II, North Carolina FC and Forward Madison FC, he earned multiple All-League selections, Team of the Week honors, and national recognition for his finishing ability and work ethic.
In 2023, McLaughlin helped North Carolina FC claim the USL League One Players’ Shield (regular season title) and lift the League One Final trophy, contributing decisive goals in key games down the stretch. His combination of movement, composure, and technical quality has made him one of the most respected strikers in the league.
Before turning professional, McLaughlin starred at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he was a three-time All-AAC Conference selection and helped lead the Mustangs to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Over his four-year collegiate career, he scored 36 goals and recorded 12 assists, finishing among the top attackers in the American Athletic Conference.
“I am so excited to be joining Paradise,” said Garrett McLaughlin. “Being able to be a part of the inaugural League One team is truly an honor. The ultimate goal is to bring a championship to the club — that’s why you play the game. I’ve raised the League One trophy once in my career and would love nothing more than to do that for Sarasota Paradise. It’s truly an honor, and I can’t wait to get to Sarasota and get started.”
“When I accepted the Head Coaching job with Paradise, Garrett was one of the first names in the pending free agent list that I highlighted. He is a modern striker; a proven goal-scorer on every level he has played at, a team player who creates chances for others, and a competitor whose work rate in transition is fierce. His values are aligned with the culture we are building and he brings a level of maturity to the locker room. After coaching against him for years, I am looking forward to finally working with him, and I know he will provide many exciting moments for our fans next season,” said Mika Elovaara, Sarasota Paradise Head Coach & Technical Director.
McLaughlin’s signing marks the beginning of Sarasota Paradise’s roster build and symbolizes the club’s growing identity as it steps onto the national stage. Preseason training is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with Sarasota Paradise set to debut in March 2026 at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch.
Catch McLaughlin and the Paradise squad in action this season — contact our ticketing team at 941-207-5873 to secure your tickets!
