CLASS 5A GIRLS SOCCER PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2026
 
 

ANAIDY AGUIRRE, SUMNER ACADEMY

Aguirre returns after a breakout 2025 campaign in which she tallied 17 goals and 16 assists. A first-team All-Meadowlark League selection and second-team all-state honoree, she has been one of the Jaguars’ most consistent and dynamic playmakers. Already with 45 career goals and 32 assists, Aguirre’s experience and vision in the midfield will again be key for a Sumner squad coming off a dominant 17-1 season. The Sabres piled up 115 goals while allowing just 13 and captured their sixth straight league title before falling to St. Thomas Aquinas in the regional championship. 
 

 
ALEXA AYLWARD, ST. JAMES ACADEMY

Aylward returns for her final season as one of the most decorated and dangerous attackers in school history. The Drake signee is coming off a dominant 2025 campaign in which she scored 24 goals and added four assists, leading the Thunder to a 19-2 record, an EKL championship and a Class 5A state runner-up finish. Aylward has already cemented her place in program history as the school’s all-time leading scorer and single-season goal record holder. With 38 career goals and counting, she has been the centerpiece of St. James Academy’s attack. A first team All-EKL and all-state selection a year ago, Aylward will be one of the focal points once again for a Thunder team with championship aspirations. 
 

BRYNN BACHURA, ANDOVER CENTRAL
 
While Bachura possesses the skills to aid the Jaguars’ offense, it’s at center back where she’s made her mark for Central. Bachura was voted to the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail II first team and received All-5A honorable mention at defender last season after helping the Jaguars post a 12-6 record. A second-year team captain, Central coach Stephanie Garcia says Bachura is the Jags’ strongest player. “She has a competitive drive and I can push her up to score goals when needed.” Bachura had a goal and two assists last season.
 

ELLE BARTH, SALINA SOUTH
 
Barth, a three-year starter for the Cougars, is the leader of South’s back line at center back. The senior team captain is a communicator and organizer. Barth helped South post five shutouts in its 9-9 season a year ago. She also moved up to help in games in which the Cougars fell behind, scoring three goals with one assist. Barth earned honorable mention on the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I and Class 5A all-state teams.
 
 

MERIDITH BILLINGS, BONNER SPRINGS

Bonner Springs will once again lean on Billings, a senior goalie, as one of the top returning shot-stoppers in the Frontier League. A first-team all-league and second-team all-state selection a year ago, Billings anchored the Braves with 91 saves and seven clean sheets, consistently coming up with big moments in net. Her presence gives Bonner Springs a steady backbone defensively after an 8-6-3 season that ended in the regional semifinals against Shawnee Heights. 
 

NINA BOLANOS, SHAWNEE HEIGHTS
 
A junior midfielder for the T-Birds, Bolanos led Shawnee Heights with 21 assists last year on her way to earning first-team All-United Kansas Conference honors. She also added eight goals in helping Heights post an 11-6-1 record. She is Heights’ lone returning first-team all-leaguer this season.
 

SYDNEY CINOTTO, DE SOTO

Cinotto may not fill up the stat sheet, but her impact is felt in every phase of the game for the Wildcats. Anchoring the defensive midfield, Cinotto is the engine that keeps De Soto balanced. A second team all-state and All-United Kansas Conference selection, Cinotto finished with five goals and five assists last season, but those numbers only scratch the surface of her value. Regarded as one of the top midfielders in the state, she plays a pivotal role in De Soto’s success after a 17-4 season that included a UKC title and a fourth-place finish at the Class 5A state tournament. 
 

GABBY COWAN, BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST

A midfielder/defender hybrid, Cowan tallied two goals and three assists last season, but her value extends far beyond the stat sheet. Whether lining up as an attacking midfielder, holding mid, or in the back line, Cowan consistently makes key plays on both ends. Her ability to transition between defense and offense, combined with her vision and composure, helps stabilize the Timberwolves in crucial moments. Coming off an honorable mention all-state and all-league season, Cowan will once again be a central piece for Blue Valley Southwest 
 

LAUREN CROW, SALINA SOUTH
 
Crow, a senior attacking midfielder, has started every game of her career for the Cougars. She led South in assists each of the last two years, and is within reach of the school’s career-best mark in that category. Her communication skills on the field have been an asset and are a key to success for a team coming off a 9-9 campaign in which Crow scored two goals and delivered seven assists. She has been an All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I second-team midfielder the last two seasons, and received All-5A honorable mention last spring. 
 

KAI DESHLER, BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST

Deshler returns as one of the Timberwolves’ most experienced and versatile playmakers, bringing a steady presence to the midfield as a four-year varsity contributor and team captain. Deshler recorded four goals and three assists last season, but her impact goes well beyond the stat sheet. Primarily an attacking midfielder, Deshler’s ability to shift into a holding role or push forward as an offensive option gives Southwest valuable flexibility. An honorable mention all-state and All-Eastern Kansas League selection a year ago, Deshler will be counted on to anchor the Timberwolves’ midfield and serve as a leader as Southwest looks to build on last season. 
 

ANGELINA DICOLA, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

DiCola emerged as one of the Saints’ top attacking threats a season ago and will look to take another step forward in 2026. DiCola tallied 10 goals and two assists during the 2025 campaign, helping Aquinas to an 11-7 record, a third-place finish in the Eastern Kansas League and a trip to the Class 5A state quarterfinals. A second-team All-EKL and all-state selection, DiCola has already built a strong résumé with 19 career goals and eight assists entering her junior season. With her ability to find space in the final third and finish chances, she will once again be a focal point of the Saints’ offense. Committed to Miami (Ohio), DiCola is poised to build off her double-digit goal season. 
 

 
LIZA DUGAN, BISHOP CARROLL
 
Dugan’s play at outside back last season helped Carroll reach a long-awaited summit in Class 5A, as the Golden Eagles went unbeaten in winning their first state title. The Carroll senior scored 10 goals and added 12 assists to earn All-Greater Wichita Athletic League first-team defender and All-5A second team in the midfield. Dugan scored seven goals and had 12 assists as a sophomore, landing all-state and all-league second-team honors. The Eagles will continue to rely on Dugan, a Central Arkansas signee, to generate attacks from the back line.
 

 
KAMBREE DUKER, ST. JAMES ACADEMY

A first team All-Eastern Kansas League and first team all-state selection, Duker made a major impact on the back line in 2025, finishing with six goals from her center back position. She showcased her ability to contribute on both ends of the field helping lead St.  James Academy to a 19-2 record, EKL title and a Class 5A state runner-up finish a season ago. Now shifting into a midfield role for her senior season, Duker brings experience, physicality and a high soccer IQ that should elevate the Thunder in all phases. With nine career goals and a commitment to the Air Force Academy, Duker provides both leadership and playmaking ability for a Thunder squad with state title aspirations once again. 
  

AVERY FELLOWS, MAIZE SOUTH
 
While Fellows’ selflessness earned the admiration of Mavericks coach Rey Ramirez, she also ramped up her production last year for Maize South, scoring seven goals and adding 12 assists. That helped the Mavs finish 16-3 and reach the 5A quarterfinals, where they fell to eventual champion Bishop Carroll. Her ability to control the midfield will continue to factor in to the Mavs’ success. Fellows, a senior center mid and three-year starter, was voted to the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I first team and All-5A second team last season.
 

KEYLA FERNANDEZ, HUTCHINSON
 
Fernandez is charged with keeping the Salthawks organized on the back line with her presence and communication prowess. Now in her fourth year as a starter, Fernandez is a team captain whose leadership is recognized on and off the field. She scored one goal and helped Hutch finish 11-7 last season. Fernandez received honorable mention on the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I and All-5A teams. 
 

ADELYNN FORGE, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

After a strong debut season in net, Forge returns as a key piece for the Saints’ defense heading into 2026. Forge made an immediate impact as a freshman, recording 90 saves while helping Aquinas to an 11-7 record, a third-place finish in the Eastern Kansas League and a trip to the Class 5A state quarterfinals. Her performance earned her honorable mention All-EKL honors along with second team all-state recognition. Now with a full season of varsity experience under her belt, Forge will look to take another step forward as the Saints aim to build on last year’s postseason success. 
 

KENNADI FUHRMAN, DE SOTO

Fuhrman is back as one of the anchors of a Wildcat back line that was among the best in Class 5A a season ago. A two-year starting center back, Fuhrman has been a key piece in De Soto’s defensive dominance, helping the Wildcats record 23 shutouts during her tenure. Fuhrman earned second team all-state and first team All-United Kansas Conference honors after guiding De Soto to a 17-4 record, a UKC championship and a fourth-place finish at the state tournament in 2025. While her impact is felt most on the defensive end, she has also contributed offensively with three goals and an assist last season. Fuhrman will once again be a central figure as the Wildcats look to build on last year’s deep postseason run.
 

 
STELLA FURY, KAPAUN MT. CARMEL
 
Fury, a junior, gives Kapaun options as a wide midfielder or outside back. She scored a goal and added four assists last season as the Crusaders knocked off unbeaten Eisenhower in the state quarterfinals and went on to finish third in Class 5A. Fury earned All-Greater Wichita Athletic League honorable mention for the second straight year as well as All-5A honorable mention at midfielder. Her all-league recognition as a freshman came at forward.
 

RHYAN GALYON, HUTCHINSON
 
Galyon entered her senior season as a reigning Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I co-player of the year after sharing the honor with former Maize South standout Geni LaMarche. Galyon scored 26 goals and added six assists to lead Hutchinson to an 11-7 record. A four-year starter, Galyon occupies a leadership role as a team captain, while her skills at forward make her an effective finisher and creator. “Her relentless work ethic sets the tone for our team,” Hutch coach Jordan Proffitt said.
 

 
AVA GOLIGHTLEY, SEAMAN
 
Golightley is a three-year starter at the forward position for the Vikings and helped them to a 13-6-0 record last spring as they reached the Class 5A state quarterfinals before falling 1-0 to United Kansas League rival De Soto. Golightley earned first-team All-UKC and All-City honors after recording 17 goals and 7 assists. Her physical style and goal-scoring mentality will be an even bigger key to Seaman’s attack this year after the graduation of first-team All-Class 5A midfielder Anna Becker and loss of fellow senior forward Ryin Miller, who will concentrate on track this year as she returns from a leg injury that cost her virtually the entire cross country season. 
 

ELLA GRAF, BASEHOR-LINWOOD

A true two-way midfielder, Graf impacts the game in every phase with a combination of toughness, intelligence and skill. Defensively, she brings a physical presence, while on the offensive end she serves as a catalyst.  A two-time All-United Kansas Conference first-team selection, Graf has also taken on a leadership role as a three-year co-captain and is ready to lead the Bobcats to an improvement of their 6-11 season a year ago. 
 

 
ABBY GRISIER, ANDOVER CENTRAL
 
Described by her coach as Central’s hustler, Grisier creates offense and solidifies the defense for the Jaguars as a defensive mid. A senior and two-year starter, Grisier serves as a captain who is known for her cool demeanor. Grisier scored three goals and added a team-leading 10 assists last year as the Jags finished 12-6. She was selected to the Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail II second team and received All-5A honorable mention at midfielder. 
 
 

TAYLOR HINES, SPRING HILL

Spring Hill will once again lean on the dynamic playmaking ability of Hines, who returns as one of the top attacking threats in the Frontier League. Hines is coming off a standout 2025 campaign in which she recorded 16 goals and 13 assists, showcasing her versatility and importance in the Broncos’ attack. Already with 21 career goals and 17 assists, she has proven to be both a consistent scorer and a facilitator. A second-team all-state selection and first-team All-Frontier League honoree, Hines played a key role in helping Spring Hill to an 11-5 record, a Frontier League title, and a run to the regional championship match, where the Broncos fell to eventual state fourth-place finisher De Soto. 
 

JANE HUGHES, SPRING HILL

Hughes returns as one of the Broncos’ most dangerous attacking threats after a breakout 2025 campaign. A striker/left wing with a natural scoring instinct, she found the back of the net 21 times last season while adding two assists. Hughes, a first team All-Frontier League and second team all-state selection, has 25 career goals already. She will once again be a focal point of a Spring Hill attack that helped lead the Broncos to an 11-5 record, a Frontier League title, and a regional runner-up finish to eventual state fourth-place finisher De Soto. 

 
BROOKLYN JORDAN, SALINA SOUTH
 
Jordan is transitioning from defender to forward this season for the Cougars to capitalize on her ability in open space. A senior who has started since her freshman year, Jordan scored three goals and had two assists last season. Jordan’s good health is an X-factor for the Cougars, as she has battled through concussions due to her physical play. She earned All-Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I first-team honors as a junior and second team as a sophomore to go with All-5A honorable mention at defender a year ago. 
 

MAURA MAHER, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

A three-year starter on the Saints’ back line and team captain, Maher has been a steady presence anchoring a defense that helped Aquinas to an 11-7 record, a third-place finish in the Eastern Kansas League and a trip to the Class 5A state quarterfinals last season. She earned second team all-state honors along with honorable mention All-EKL recognition for her efforts. Now entering her senior season, Maher will once again serve as the backbone of the Saints’ defense as they look to make another deep postseason push. Following her high school career, she is set to continue playing at Benedictine College. 
 

NAOMI MATHIS, BONNER SPRINGS

Mathis proved to be one of Bonner Springs’ most reliable attacking options a season ago, and the junior forward is poised to take on an even bigger role this spring. A second-team All-Frontier League selection and all-state honorable mention, Mathis tallied five goals and five assists while helping the Braves to an 8-6-3 record and a trip to the regional semifinals. Now stepping into a leadership role as team captain, Mathis brings both production and presence to the Bonner Springs attack. 
 

 
AVERY MCCORRY, BISHOP CARROLL
 
McCorry’s primary sport is basketball, which she’ll play collegiately next year at Washburn. But the senior wing attacker is back as the lone returner from a prolific front line that helped fuel a Class 5A title run. McCorry scored 19 goals and added 13 assists as Carroll went 21-0 en route to its first state championship. Her athleticism and refined skills make her dangerous on perimeter attacks. McCorry was an All-Greater Wichita Athletic League second-team forward last season.
  

SARA CLAIRE MICHAELIS, KAPAUN MT. CARMEL
 
Michaelis has been one of Class 5A’s most dangerous scoring threats, netting 33 goals with 12 assists last season to boost the Crusaders to a third-place finish at state. The Kapaun junior has the versatility to play any attacking position but will primarily be used as a forward or wing. She scored two goals, including an overtime game-winner, in Kapaun’s 4-3 victory over reigning 6A champion Washburn Rural last month. A three-year starter and Oklahoma State commit, Michaelis earned All-5A and All-Greater Wichita Athletic League first-team honors last season, and was second-team all-league as a freshman. 
 

KENNEDY MILLER, ST. THOMAS AQUINAS

Miller is set for a return to familiar territory — and it could pay big dividends for the Saints’ attack. After spending much of last season anchoring the back line at center back, the K-State signee moves back up top this spring, where she has been a proven scoring threat throughout her career. Miller tallied four goals and six assists in 2025 despite the positional shift, and owns 11 goals and 11 assists for her career. Her versatility was on full display during Aquinas’ 11-7 campaign a year ago, when the Saints finished third in the Eastern Kansas League and advanced to the Class 5A state quarterfinals. A second-team all-EKL and all-state selection, Miller’s return to the attacking third gives Aquinas another experienced weapon as it looks to build on last season’s postseason run. 
 

MARIN MORRIS, SALINA SOUTH
 
It’s little secret Morris possesses a huge share of South’s offensive firepower, but that hasn’t made it easier for Cougar opponents to stop her. Last season, Morris scored 25 goals and added three assists as South finished 9-9. The Cougars are looking for her to continue that type of production and possibly become the program’s career goal-scoring leader in her junior season. Morris was an All-5A second-team selection last year and earned Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail I first-team honors for the second straight season.  
 

CHLOE PALMER, BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST

Blue Valley Southwest will lean on Palmer to power its attack this season after a strong all-around junior campaign. Palmer tallied 13 goals and eight assists a year ago, proving to be both a consistent finisher and a playmaker in the Timberwolves’ front line. A second-team all-state and All-Eastern Kansas League selection, Palmer brings experience and versatility to an offense looking to build off an 8-6 season that ended against eventual regional champion St. Thomas Aquinas.  Alongside her twin sister, Laney, Palmer will continue her career at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, but first she’ll look to help guide Blue Valley Southwest back into postseason contention. 
 

LANEY PALMER, BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST

Palmer returns as one of the top attacking threats in the Eastern Kansas League after a strong junior campaign. A first team all-state and all-EKL selection, Palmer led the Timberwolves with 16 goals to go along with four assists. Palmer played a key role in guiding Southwest to an 8-6 record last season before the Timberwolves ran into eventual regional champion St. Thomas Aquinas in postseason play. After her senior season, Palmer will continue her soccer career at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock alongside her twin sister, Chloe, giving the Timberwolves two proven, high-level scorers leading the way in 2026. 
  

MORGAN ROBINSON, SHAWNEE HEIGHTS
 
After a stellar freshman season in which she scored 12 goals and added 10 assists, Robinson sat out all of last season. Her return will give the T-Birds some much-needed scoring punch after graduation claimed first-team All-United Kansas Conference selections Izzy Van Zant and Lailah Benz. Robinson was a first-team all-league pick her freshman season and will team with returning all-leaguer Nina Bolanos to give the T-Birds a strong duo leading the attack. 
 

 
ANNABELLE SCHAEFER, KAPAUN MT. CARMEL
 
Few back-line defenders can match the experience Schaefer brings to the center back position. A four-year starter, Schaefer is also a vital weapon for Kapaun on set pieces and corner kicks. She scored three goals and added two assists last season, and helped the Crusaders neutralize unbeaten Eisenhower on their way to the state semifinals. Once again a team captain, Schaefer is a three-time Greater Wichita Athletic League first-team selection, and earned All-Class 5A first team a year ago after receiving second-team accolades as a sophomore.
 

 
ADDYSON SHIPP, SEAMAN
 
Shipp moved into a starting role last year at the center back position and became a lead of a Viking defense that was among the best in Class 5A last year. Shipp earned honorable mention All-Class 5A honors and was a first-team All-United Kansas Conference selection and will be a team captain this year as a senior. She scored three goals off set pieces, but is better suited as a tenacious shut-down defender for the Vikings.
 

RILYNN SIMMONS, KAPAUN MT. CARMEL
 
Simmons, a junior, gives Kapaun a solid back-line defender who can contribute to an offensive attack. A two-year starter, Simmons plays outside back for a Crusader unit that posted its first shutout this season in a 4-0 victory over Wichita North. Simmons, who had two assists last spring, earned All-Class 5A and All-Greater Wichita Athletic League second-team honors. 
  

 
EMMA SMITH, ST. JAMES ACADEMY

Smith enters her final high school season as one of the most accomplished keepers in Kansas, and she isn’t done adding to her legacy. A key piece of the Thunder’s run to the Class 5A state runner-up finish a year ago, Smith anchored a dominant defense that also captured the Eastern Kansas League title. Smith’s numbers speak for themselves. She posted 19 wins with 14 shutouts last season, allowing just 10 goals while recording 48 saves. Over her career, she has compiled 30 wins, 22 shutouts and 90 saves, putting her within reach of the program’s all-time records in both wins and shutouts. A Class 5A Goalkeeper of the Year and EKL Goalkeeper of the Year selection, Smith has consistently delivered in the biggest moments. As she prepares to continue her career at Benedictine College, Smith will look to help the Thunder to another deep postseason journey.

 

MIA TERRAZAS, SUMNER ACADEMY

Terrazas returns as one of the most impactful players in the Meadowlark League. The junior was a key piece of the Sabres’ dominant 17-1 campaign a year ago, using her vision and playmaking ability to rack up 16 assists while also adding eight goals. A first team All-Meadowlark League selection and second team all-state honoree, Terrazas consistently dictated tempo and helped connect Sumner’s high-powered attack that produced 115 goals on the season. With 20 career goals and 19 assists already to her name, Terrazas will again be at the center of Sumner’s push for a seventh straight league title.
 

FLOR VIDAL, SUMNER ACADEMY

After a historic freshman season, Sumner Academy’s Flor Vidal enters her sophomore campaign as one of the most dangerous midfielders in Kansas. Vidal was nothing short of dominant in 2025, piling up 39 goals and 10 assists while leading the Sabres to a 17-1 record. Sumner overwhelmed opponents all season, scoring 115 goals and allowing just 13, while capturing its sixth straight Meadowlark League title. Her breakout year earned her Meadowlark player of the year honors, and she made history as the first female soccer player in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools to be named first team all-state. Despite a strong run that ended in the regional championship against St. Thomas Aquinas, Vidal and the Sabres return with high expectations.  
 

 
ANDREA VIELMAS, BISHOP CARROLL
 
Vielmas made a big impact as a freshman last season for the state-champion Golden Eagles, teaming with Itzelle Lumbreras as catalysts for Carroll’s creative offensive play and crisp ball movement. A center midfielder, Vielmas scored 13 goals and dished out 17 assists during Carroll’s 21-0 run to the Class 5A crown. Vielmas earned first-team All-5A and All-Greater Wichita Athletic League honors. “Dre has vision and soccer IQ far beyond her years,” Carroll coach Greg Rauch said. 
 

COLBIE WARNE, DE SOTO

After bursting onto the scene as a freshman, Warne enters her sophomore season as one of the most dangerous attacking threats in Class 5A. Warne put together a remarkable debut campaign, scoring 45 goals with four assists while setting a new school record for goals in a season. The dynamic midfielder/forward played a pivotal role in leading the Wildcats to a 17-4 record, a United Kansas Conference championship and a fourth-place finish at the Class 5A state tournament. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed as Warne earned Class 5A Forward of the Year honors along with first-team all-UKC recognition. Warne will once again be the centerpiece of De Soto’s attack as the Wildcats look to build on last year’s success. 
 

 
MADELINE WEED, BISHOP CARROLL
 
Weed, a junior, brings unique intangibles to the center-back position, including a fearless approach to tackling along with sound technical skills on the ball. A versatile player capable of playing numerous roles, she works in tandem with Rachel Hawkins to control the back line for Carroll. Weed, a three-year starter, had a goal and eight assists last season, earning All-Class 5A second-team recognition along with All-Greater Wichita Athletic League first-team honors at defender for the second straight year.
 

 
MICAH WILLIAMS, TOPEKA WEST
 
Williams established herself as arguably the most prolific goal-scorer in the state over her fist two seasons at Highland Park, bursting on the scene as a freshman with 23 goals. Last year, she nearly doubled that total and led the state with a whopping 41 goals, earning her player of the year honors in the Meadowlark Conference. Williams has transferred to Topeka West for her junior season and immediately gives the Chargers a big-time scorer. The junior forward has already committed to Northern Iowa in mid-February.