CLASS 6A GIRLS SOCCER PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2026
 
 

 
NATALIE BARNES, TOPEKA HIGH
 
A four-year starter for the Trojans as a forward and midfielder, Barnes had her best scoring season yet last spring. She erupted for 21 goals, nearly half of her career total of 45 goals. Barnes earned first-team All-Centennial League and first-team All-City honors, helping Topeka High to the Class 6A state quarterfinals after the Trojans went into the postseason as the No. 14 seed before upsetting Garden City and Wichita Northwest. She has signed with St. Catharine University.
 

 
LAUREN BOOE, MANHATTAN
 
A junior forward, Booe led Manhattan in both goals and assists a year ago as the Indians posted a 9-9 record, losing in the Class 6A regional finals to Centennial League rival and eventual state champion Washburn Rural. Booe had a goal in five straight games in the middle of the season, including two against Emporia, and finished the season with 10 goals, double the next-highest Indian scorer. She also added seven assists, three coming in an early-season game against Junction City. Booe was a first-team All-Centennial League pick after being a second-team selection her freshman year when she scored eight goals.
 
 

JOSIE BURGE, SHAWNEE MISSION WEST 

The Vikings will lean on Burge, a junior forward, as a proven attacking presence this spring after a strong sophomore campaign. Burge earned first team All-Sunflower League honors and honorable mention all-state recognition a year ago while helping lead the Vikings’ offense. Burge finished the 2025 season with eight goals and four assists, showcasing her ability to both finish chances and create opportunities in the final third. Entering her junior year, she has totaled 12 career goals and six assists. A Newman University commit, Burge gives Shawnee Mission West a reliable scoring threat. 
 

AALIYAH CARTTAR, OLATHE EAST

Olathe East’s back line got an unexpected offensive boost a season ago, and Carttar is a big reason why. Primarily tasked with anchoring the Hawks’ defense, Carttar showed a knack for pushing forward and making an impact in the attacking third. She finished the 2025 season with eight goals — an impressive total for a defender — earning honorable mention All-Sunflower League and all-state recognition while helping Olathe East to an 8-9 record. Now entering her junior season with 15 career goals, Carttar returns as one of East’s most versatile and experienced players, giving the Hawks a reliable presence on the back line. 
 

ALEXIS COX, SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST

Shawnee Mission Northwest will lean on experience and leadership along its back line this spring, and Cox is right at the center of it. The senior defender was a first-team All-Sunflower League selection a year ago. Cox anchored a Cougar defense that helped guide Northwest to a 9-7 record and a trip to the regional championship match. Now entering her final season, she returns as one of the team’s most battle-tested players. While her primary role is to protect the net, she has also contributed offensively during her career with three goals and two assists. 
 

JOSLEN CRAIG, CAMPUS
 
Craig was the lone freshman and one of two Campus players on the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I all-league first team last season, scoring 16 goals and adding six assists as the Colts finished 6-11. She is back as a returning starter at forward and team captain whose leadership on and off the field has been established. Craig’s skillset elevates the play of her teammates, according to Campus coach Casey Reece. 
 

SOPHIE DANKER, SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

Shawnee Mission East’s back line will have a familiar anchor this season in senior defender Sophie Danker, a three-year starting center back and one of the Lancers’ most experienced returners. A two-year team captain and four-year varsity player, Danker brings both leadership and consistency to a defense looking to regroup after a 12-6 campaign that ended in a regional championship loss to Olathe Northwest. As one of three returning defenders, she will play a key role in organizing the Lancers on the back end and setting the tone defensively. Dankeer earned all-state honorable mention honors a season ago along with being named second team All-Sunflower League. 
 

TAYLOR DILL, MAIZE
 
Dill, a senior, is in her fourth year as a starter for the Eagles. She scored 10 goals and added 15 assists last season as Maize went 14-7 with a fourth-place finish in Class 6A. One of the Eagles’ team captains, Dill brings high energy to the forward position, pressuring defenders and creating scoring opportunities. After receiving All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I second-team honors as a freshman, Dill earned all-league honorable mention each of the last two seasons.

 

MARLEY EVERETT, OLATHE NORTHWEST

Postseason experience is something Olathe Northwest can lean on, and Everett is right at the center of it. A second-team All-Sunflower League and second-team all-state selection, Everett emerged as one of the Ravens’ most consistent and composed players in the midfield last season. She tallied four goals and five assists, while helping connect the attack and anchor possession. Everett played a key role in Olathe Northwest’s regional championship win over Shawnee Mission East and its run to the Class 6A state quarterfinals, where the Ravens were eliminated by eventual runner-up Mill Valley.  
 

LAUREN FREBERG, BLUE VALLEY NORTH

A first team all-state and All-EKL selection a year ago, Freberg put together a standout junior campaign, finishing with 14 goals and seven assists while helping lead the Mustangs to a 16-3 record and a trip to the Class 6A state tournament. North’s season came to a narrow end in the quarterfinals with a 3-2 loss to Blue Valley, a result that has only added motivation heading into Freberg’s senior year. With her experience and production, she will be a key piece as Blue Valley North looks to make another deep postseason run in 6A after earning all-state first team and Eastern Kansas League honors. 
 

 
PAIGE FROST, MILL VALLEY

Frost returns as one of the Jaguars’ most dangerous attacking weapons after playing a key role in the program’s run to the Class 6A state championship game a season ago. Frost tallied seven goals and 13 assists in 2025, showcasing her ability to both finish and create in the final third. A first team all-state and All-Sunflower League selection, Frost’s vision and playmaking make her a focal point in Mill Valley’s attack. She was instrumental in helping the Jaguars to a 17-3-1 record, a share of the Sunflower League title, a regional championship and a runner-up finish at state. She has committed to play at the University of Central Missouri. 
 

ESMERALDA GARCIA, WICHITA NORTH
 
Garcia is in her third year as a starter for the Redhawks, playing a holding central midfielder. An All-Greater Wichita Athletic League first-team pick last season, Garcia is adept at winning the ball through well-timed challenges and distributing to playmakers around her. “Her work rate is incredible for all 80 minutes,” North coach Curt Wullschleger said. Garcia scored four goals and added three assists as North finished 8-8-1 last spring.
 

TRINICIA GARCIA, GARDEN CITY 

Garcia was one of the top playmakers for the Buffaloes last season, tallying five goals and seven assists. The senior is one of three returning first-team All-Western Athletic Conference selections for Garden City. The Buffaloes are the reigning WAC champs after posting a 7-0-1 league record in 2025.
 

ISABELLE GORDON, SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH

Shawnee Mission South’s back line will once again be anchored by one of the Sunflower League’s most experienced and decorated defenders in Gordon. A four-year starter, Gordon has been a steady presence for the Raiders throughout her career at center back. Gordon, a two-time first team All-Sunflower League selection, including last season, helped guide South to a 10-7 record a year ago while consistently taking on the opposition’s top attacking threats. 
 

LILIANA GUY, LIBERAL

Guy delivered an outstanding freshman season for the Redskins, setting a school single-season scoring record with 31 goals while adding five assists. Her standout season earned her second-team All-6A honors along with first-team All-Western Athletic Conference recognition. Guy will look to build on that success and help Liberal improve on last year’s 9-7-1 record.
 

LOUISA HOLZBEIERLEIN, SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

After a strong junior campaign, Holzbeierlein is expected to be right at the center of it again for Shawnee Mission East. A four-year varsity player and team captain, Holzbeierlein brings both production and leadership to a Lancer squad coming off a postseason run that ended in the regional championship game against Olathe Northwest. She emerged as one of East’s top offensive threats last season, earning first team All-Sunflower League honors and second-team all-state recognition. At forward, Holzbeierlein put together a solid junior campaign with eight goals and five assists, showing an ability to both finish and create opportunities in the final third. Entering her senior season, she has totaled 10 career goals and six assists. 
 

JARICA HUTCHESON, GARDEN CITY 

Hutcheson enters the season as the reigning Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year after allowing just 1.56 goals per game as a sophomore. The Buffaloes finished 10-4 overall last season and posted a 7-0-1 mark in league play to claim the WAC title. Garden City returns a strong core from that squad, including four players who earned all-league recognition.
 

KAYLEE INGALLS, MAIZE

Maize’s midfield took a big hit early this season when Ingalls, a junior in her third year as a starter, went down with an ACL injury. Ingalls was an All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I first-team selection and All-6A honorable mention a year ago after scoring 10 goals and dishing out 10 assists in the Eagles’ run to the state semifinals. A creative playmaker, Ingalls is skilled at winning duels and connecting passes in transition to attacking areas of the field. Her absence leaves a key void for the Eagles to fill.
 

CATE JERNIGAN, BLUE VALLEY NORTH

Blue Valley North will once again lean on senior defender Cate Jernigan to anchor its back line as the Mustangs look to build off last season’s Class 6A state quarterfinal run. Jernigan, the team’s top returning defender, was a key piece of a North squad that advanced deep into the postseason before a narrow loss to Blue Valley. A steady presence in the back, she brings both experience and versatility, contributing offensively as well with two goals and seven assists a year ago as an honorable mention all-state and second All-Eastern Kansas League selection. Following her high school career, Jernigan is set to continue her soccer career at Missouri S&T. 
 

KYLIE JOHNSON, OLATHE EAST

Olathe East will lean on junior midfielder Kylie Johnson as a steady presence in the middle of the field this season, bringing experience and production back to a Hawk team looking to build off last year’s 8-9 campaign. Johnson earned second-team All-Sunflower League honors and honorable mention all-state recognition a year ago after finishing with three goals and two assists, impacting the game on both sides of the ball. A two-year contributor, she has already totaled 10 career goals and three assists, showing a knack for getting forward while maintaining her responsibilities in the midfield. 
 

EVIE KINCAID, BLUE VALLEY NORTH

Blue Valley North’s midfield won’t lack firepower this spring, especially with sophomore Evie Kincaid back in the fold after a breakout freshman campaign. Kincaid quickly established herself as one of the state’s top playmakers, piling up 20 goals and 10 assists while helping lead the Mustangs to a 16-3 record and a trip to the Class 6A state quarterfinals. Despite her youth, Kincaid already carries an impressive résumé, earning 6A Midfielder of the Year honors along with first-team all-state and All-Eastern Kansas League recognition. Her ability to control the tempo, create scoring chances and finish in the attack makes her a focal point for North’s offense. 
 

AMELIA LEGGETT, DERBY
 
Leggett’s versatility would allow her to play almost any position, but she has established herself as a standout defender for the Panthers, earning All-Class 6A second-team and All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I first-team honors a year ago as Derby won 15 games. Leggett flourished at center back with her speed and athleticism, and Panthers coach Paul Burke says she reads and understands the game well. The junior plans to graduate early and will play collegiately at Indiana State.
 

MIKAELA LLAMAS, MAIZE
 
Lllamas was an All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I first-team forward last spring, scoring a team-leading 18 goals to help the Eagles post a 14-7 record. Now in her third year as a starter, Llamas’ quick release is a key element of her tenacious offensive play. Llamas also led Maize in goals as a freshman, scoring 13 to earn all-league second-team recognition. An All-6A honorable mention choice last year, Llamas entered the season with nine career assists. 
 

 
JENNA LLOYD, MILL VALLEY

Mill Valley will once again lean on senior midfielder Jenna Lloyd as the Jaguars look to build on a state runner-up finish, and the Northwest Missouri State commit brings both production and leadership to the center of the pitch. Lloyd turned in an all-state campaign a year ago, tallying eight goals and eight assists while earning first team All-State and All-Eastern Kansas League honors. A steady presence in the midfield, she helped drive a Mill Valley squad that went 17-3-1, capturing a share of the Sunflower League title along with regional gold before advancing to the Class 6A state championship match. 
 

KATE LUCAS, SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

Shawnee Mission East’s back line will once again be anchored by one of the state’s top defenders in senior Kate Lucas, a four-year varsity starter and two-year captain who brings both experience and production to the Lancers. Lucas, a University of Nebraska Omaha commit, has been a steady force on a veteran East defense that continues to set the tone for the program. She helped guide the Lancers to a state runner-up finish in 2023 and returns as a first team all-state and All-Sunflower League selection from a year ago. While known for her defensive presence, Lucas has also made a major impact going forward. She recorded 5 goals and 10 assists last season and enters her senior year with 16 career goals and 20 assists. 
 

JOCELYN LUMBRERAS, DERBY
 
Lumbreras netted 11 goals last season to bring her career total to 15, and returns as one of the most dangerous attackers in Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I. Armed with a gifted left foot, Lumbreras, a junior winger/forward, can beat defenders with her foot skill, speed and creative finishing. Now in her third year as a starter, Lumbreras earned all-league second-team honors last season as Derby finished 15-3.
 

 
KAITLYN MARTINEZ, WICHITA NORTH
 
Martinez, a senior, earned All-Greater Wichita Athletic League first-team goalkeeper for the second straight season after posting six shutouts for the Redhawks . A three-year starter, Martinez’s exceptional foot skills complement her athleticism and positioning in the goal. “She’s comfortable bringing the ball up the field out of her box to distribute to her teammates,” North coach Curt Wullschleger said. Martinez also earned All-6A honorable mention last spring.
 
 

LUCIANA MENDY, SHAWNEE MISSION EAST

Mendy is just one of several pieces of a veteran Shawnee Mission East back line for the 2026 season. A four-year varsity player and two-year starting center back, Mendy has been a key piece of the Lancers’ defensive unit as they look to bounce back from last season’s regional championship loss to Olathe Northwest. Mendy earned honorable mention all-state honors and was a second team All-Sunflower League selection a year ago, anchoring a defense that returns multiple starters. Known for her positioning and composure, she will play a major role in leading a veteran back line that has the pieces in place to make another deep postseason run. 

  

JASLEEN ORTEGA, GARDEN CITY 

Ortega, a senior, returns as the Buffaloes’ top goal scorer after sharing the team lead with now-graduated Isabel Espino with six goals last season. She earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors for her efforts. Garden City will look to contend in Class 6A this season after finishing 10-4 overall and 7-0-1 in league play in 2025.
 

LILY POTEETE, LAWRENCE

Lawrence will lean heavily on one of the Sunflower League’s top returning goalkeepers in sophomore Lily Poteete, who burst onto the scene with an impressive freshman campaign. Poteete recorded 112 saves across 16 starts, showcasing both her consistency and ability to come up with big stops under pressure. Her efforts earned her first team All-Sunflower League honors — a rare accomplishment for a freshman — and quickly established her as a cornerstone of the Lions’ defense. 

 

ALEXA REGAS, OLATHE NORTHWEST

Olathe Northwest will lean on a strong defensive presence this season in Alexa Regas, who returns as the leader of the Ravens’ back line at center back. A first-team All-Sunflower League selection and honorable mention all-state performer, Regas anchored a defense that guided Northwest to a 12-5-2 record and a regional championship, highlighted by a win over Shawnee Mission East. Regas sets the tone defensively while also contributing to the attack with a goal and two assists last season. Her ability to organize the back line and control the tempo from the defensive third will be key as the Ravens look to build off a state quarterfinal appearance, where they fell to eventual runner-up Mill Valley. 
 

 
JAMIE RICKER, MILL VALLEY

Mill Valley will once again be strong between the posts thanks to Ricker, who returns as one of the top keepers in Class 6A. Ricker was a key piece of the Jaguars’ run to a 17-3-1 record last season, helping lead Mill Valley to a share of the Sunflower League title, a regional championship and a runner-up finish at the 6A state tournament. She anchored a defense that consistently shut down some of the state’s top offenses, recording 12 shutouts on the year. Ricker also had a big season as she was a first team all-state and All-Eastern Kansas League selection. With her commitment to the University of Central Missouri already secured, Ricker will look to cap her high school career by leading the Jaguars on another deep postseason run. 
 

KARIME RUEDA, DODGE CITY

Rueda provided solid offensive production for the Red Demons last season, recording nine goals and three assists. Dodge City coach Abraham Rosales expects those numbers to increase this year as Rueda shifts from midfield to a forward role. A three-year starter, Rueda earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors last season as a junior.
 

LEXEE SHIPP, MAIZE
 
Shipp, a team captain, provides a veteran presence on Maize’s back line. A senior who has started since her freshman year, Shipp has the ability to help build an attack that covers the length of the field. She scored three goals last season and earned All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I first team and All-6A honorable mention at defender. It marked Shipp’s third year on the all-league team after she received second-team honors as a freshman and honorable mention as a sophomore.
 

 
DAYNE SHRIVER, WASHBURN RURAL
 
Shriver was one of only a handful of underclassmen that starred on Rural’s senior-laden team that captured its first-ever state championship last year as the Junior Blues went 19-2-0 and won the title against Mill Valley on penalty kicks (4-1). Shriver converted one of those penalty kick goals, showing her ability for offense even as a top defender for the Junior Blues. She had just four goals and five assists last year but takes all of Rural’s free kicks and most corner and penalty kicks. The Washburn commit was first-team All-Centennial League and All-City and was second-team All-Class 6A. The three-year starter is a team captain this year and will be leaned on heavily as Rural reloads after graduating 11 seniors.
 

 
AUBREY SHURLEY, WICHITA NORTH
 
Shurley serves as the anchor for North’s back line at center back, possessing calm on the ball, good vision and the abilitly to win her share of balls. A senior who is in fourth year as a starter, Shurley has played every position except goalkeeper for the Redhawks. She scored six goals and had three assists last season, earning All-Greater Wichita Athletic League first team as a defender to go with All-6A honorable mention.
 
 

LYDIA SMITH, OLATHE EAST

Smith returns as one of the Hawks’ top attacking options after putting together a strong all-around junior campaign. Smith finished last season with seven goals and four assists, earning second-team All-Sunflower League honors for the second straight year while also picking up all-state honorable mention recognition. A consistent presence in the attack, Smith has totaled 11 career goals and 12 assists, showing her ability to both finish chances and create opportunities for teammates. Smith, who is signed to play at Rogers College next year, was a key piece of an Olathe East squad that went 8-9 a season ago and will be counted on to help the Hawks take a step forward this spring.  

 

 
HARPER WINTZ, DERBY
 
Wintz entered her senior season with 33 career goals, earning Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I and 6A honorable mention at forward a year ago. A Hutchinson Community College commit, she has grown into a leadership role with the Panthers. Her foot skill and speed make her a dangerous attacker, and Derby coach Paul Burke calls her “a player that girls look to help in tough situations and as an example of how to work hard every day.”
 

YAKELINE ZETINO, DODGE CITY

A four-year varsity letterman, Zetino has been a key contributor on defense for the Red Demons. As a senior, she will move to the center-midfield position to help Dodge City generate quality scoring opportunities. Zetino recorded two goals and five assists last season and earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors.