A one-piece fiber optic receptacle is provided for aligning and optically connecting a plug ferrule with a back-side ferrule of like configuration. The fiber optic receptacle includes a receptacle housing defining an internal cavity opening through an external end and an opposed internal end, an alignment sleeve disposed within the internal cavity and received within the internal end of the receptacle housing, and a sleeve retainer removably secured to the internal end of the receptacle housing and operable for providing access to the alignment sleeve from the internal end of the receptacle housing. The fiber optic receptacle further includes biasing member supports that facilitate loading and ensure alignment of at least one biasing member during assembly and use. Tapered posts may be provided on at least one of the alignment sleeve and the sleeve retainer for retaining and guiding the at least one biasing member during assembly and use.