Players to Watch: ECNL Girls Kansas City National Event (Fall 2025)
The 2025 ECNL Girls Kansas City National Event is coming up December 6-8, as 228 of the nation’s best teams in the country will compete in the U15-U18/19 age groups.
In one of the first major college recruiting events of the 2025-26 season, ECNL Kansas City will be played in the same city during the same weekend as the NCAA Women’s College Cup. Kansas City will serve as a hub for the highest level of college soccer and for scouting the next generation of NCAA athletes. (College Coach List)
Ahead of the ECNL Girls Kansas City National Event, here are some players to know for the tournament. Players are listed according to their graduation year.
You can also nominate a player that will be attending the event. To nominate a player for consideration, CLICK HERE.
2030
Khloe Smith | Defender
Virginia Development Academy 2011 (VA)
This Class of 2030 defender projects as one of best in her age group, certainly in the Mid-Atlantic region and nationally as well. Smith was one of 80 players selected for U.S. Soccer’s U-14 East Region Mini Camp in March 2025, and she was among just 60 players to get called up for the subsequent U.S. U-14 Girls National Talent ID Camp.
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Jocelyn Johnson | Defender
Virginia Development Academy 2011 (VA)
Another talented defensive player for this vaunted VDA 2011 team, Johnson was one of 80 players selected for U.S. Soccer’s U-14 Girls East Region Mini Camp in March 2025. She’s also a three-time U.S. Soccer Talent ID Center invitee.
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Kayleen Suarez | Defender
Chicago Inter 2011 (IL)
Suarez has already built an impressive soccer resume with standout accomplishments on the field, including helping lead the 2011 Chicago Inter team to the ECNL Playoffs in 2024. She also captained the U14 Puerto Rico National Team to a CFU Championship, leading with confidence and strong performances on the international stage.
2029
Coming off a recent call-up to the U.S. U-15 Girls National Team, Broad is blossoming into one of the country’s premier talents from the Class of 2029. Repping national powerhouse PDA Blue 2011 in the ECNL, she’s a dynamic attacking midfielder and winger who has also played among the top boys players in MLS NEXT. (WATCH)
Plerhoples is a standout striker and winger who has been invited to the U.S. Soccer Talent I.D. Center multiple times over the last year. She scored 5 goals at the 2025 Jefferson Cup and will be aiming for another big performance in KC, as she’s now repping VDA’ s 2011 squad after making the move from Fairfax Virginia Union. (SCHEDULE)
A member of the US Youth Soccer ODP National Team, Jallad is a promising midfield prospect from the Class of 2029. She will represent Liverpool FC Michigan’s 2011 team at ECNL Kansas City, and will be a name to watch for college coaches looking to the future for defensive midfielders. Jallad is an excellent weapon when it comes to forcing turnovers and the winning possession battle.
A high-energy and relentlessly driven goalkeeper for Richmond United’s U15 squad, Shifflett brings consistent intensity and focus. Known for her quick reactions and commanding presence in the box, she organizes her back line with confidence well beyond her age. Exceptionally coachable, she absorbs feedback quickly and shows constant growth in technique, positioning, and decision-making. (HIGHLIGHTS)
Leading in the midfield, Kylee Schumacher helped lead her Sting Royal ECNL team defense with only conceding 6 goals in the ECNL Texas Conference to date, one of the lowest goals against in the conference. Her work in making defensive plays and controlling the midfield has been integral with her team winning 8 games so far in the season, positioning the team within the top 6 out of 16 teams so far in the ECNL Texas Conference and one of the top defensive teams within the US. Kylee has been recognized by her coach and club as being team of the week.
An elusive attacker, Nouri uses her quick first step, speed and ball skills to create opportunities for herself and teammates on the powerhouse Arlington 2011 team. Excelling as a winger or striker, Nouri is currently the leading goal scorer for Arlington this season in their pursuit of a third straight conference championship. A high energy player, she is an excellent weapon in forcing turnovers that turn into opportunity.
A central midfielder for Richmond United, Rabideau is a technically dynamic player whose exceptional ball control, vision, and composure make her the core and heart of the midfield. Abby reads the game several steps ahead, combining an elite passing range with excellent positional awareness. She transitions effortlessly between defense and attack, breaks lines with incisive passes, and consistently controls the rhythm of play with intelligence and maturity. She’s is a difference maker and her influence elevates the success of her team as they head toward their third consecutive ECNL Playoff appearance.
A Class of 2029 goalkeeper for Tampa Bay United 2011, Martins made waves in 2024 when she earned Golden Glove honors at the USL Academy Cup. She’s also earned selections to the US Youth Soccer ODP South Regional Team, and profiles as a strong prospect for the future thanks to her quick feet and hands, overall athleticism and her strong instincts and anticipation. (HIGHLIGHTS)
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Giavanna Mizzo | Defender
Arlington Soccer 2011 (VA)
ECNL Kansas City will be another opportunity for this rising star to make her presence felt on the national stage. Mizzo had a massive season in 2024-25 at the U-14 level, and she’s followed that up by earning a call-up to the U.S. U-15 Girls National Team. Mizzo is a lockdown defender with elite speed, technical skills and a constant motor which allows her to contribute in a variety of ways.
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Olivia Winters | Midfielder
Eclipse Select SC 2011 (IL)
Coming off a stellar 2024-25 season in which she helped Eclipse Select 2011 secure a berth in the ECNL Finals, Winters is continuing to refine her game at the U-15 level. She earned one of just 60 spots on the U.S. U-14 Girls National Talent ID Camp last spring, after she emerged as a standout among the 80 players who participated in the Central Region Mini Camp.
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Lyla Charlet | Forward
Richmond United 2011 (VA)
One of the brightest attacking players in the Class of 2029 anywhere in the country, Charlet is now an established member of the U.S. Youth National Team roster pool, following her recent call-up to the U.S. U-15 GNT. She won the Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship as the only girl competing on the boys’ side on the US Youth Futsal circuit last year. Charlet’s futsal background pays dividends on the ECNL side with Richmond United 2011, where she brings a devastating blend of speed and technical precision.
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Kellyn Strickler | Goalkeeper
Sting Austin 2011 (TX)
After conceding only 1 goal in the U14 ECNL Playoffs Group Stage last summer and earning a Round of 16 appearance, Strickler has put up 7 clean sheets so far on her U15 Fall 2025 ECNL season, earning Player of the Week awards 3 times from her club. Prior to the upcoming ECNL Kansas City National Event, she began her high school soccer career as a freshman on varsity, having yet to concede a goal.
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Taylor Buttles | Forward
Wilmington Hammerheads 2010 (NC)
Normally a member of the Hammerheads’ 2011 ECNL squad, Buttles will be playing up with the 2010 team at ECNL Kansas City. A natural goal scorer, she leads her 2011 team in goals and will be have a great opportunity to test her skills against in the older age group. (HIGHLIGHTS)
2028
Baker is just coming off a strong showing in ECNL Phoenix, where she shut out both games played with MVLA and competed in the National Selection Game. Baker contributed towards MVLA’s defensive achievements this season, and she’ll look to extend her successes in Kansas City. She will be a top 2028 keeper to watch during this upcoming recruitment cycle.
A dynamic and creative attacking player, McNeely combines speed, technical skill and vision in the final third for Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 2009. She consistently creates scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates, and thrives under pressure in big-game moments. McNeely is coming off an outstanding sophomore season for Parkland High School, earning numerous individual accolades while helping lead her team to the PIAA 4A State Tournament.
This ascending Class of 2028 defensive midfielder will be suiting up for PDA White 2010, with three challenging matchups on tap in KC. Sinatra earned All-ECNL Regional League honors last season at the U15 in the North Atlantic, and has a great opportunity to continue her strong play on a big stage.
Primarily excelling as a right winger or striker for Tampa Bay United 2010, Edwards leverages her vision and precision to create scoring opportunities. Her standout skills in 1v1 situations showcase her confidence and technical prowess, while her intelligent runs and positioning make her a constant offensive threat. (HIGHLIGHTS)
Szczech is a really solid right back for Cleveland Force 2009, coming off a 2024-25 campaign in which she had a couple of impressive performances in ECNL National Events. She was noted as a standout at ECNL Florida in January 2025, and turned in some more strong play in the ECNL Showcase Cup as Cleveland Force earned a 2-1-0 record during the ECNL postseason event.
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Isabella Greenslade | Forward
Liverpool FC IA Michigan 2009 (MI)
One of the more talented Class of 2028 forwards who will be on hand in Kansas City, Greenslade is coming off a 2024-25 season in which she earned First Team All-Conference honors in the ECNL’s Midwest Conference, at the U16 level. She had a big performance last summer in San Diego at the ECNL Playoffs, and will have another chance to shine on the national stage this weekend. (HIGHLIGHTS)
2027
An uncommitted Class of 2027 goalkeeper for Tampa Bay United 2009, Catrone is looking ahead at a huge opportunity to showcase her skills in Kansas City. Catrone, who serves as team captain for TBU, is a two-time All-ECNL Southeast Conference honoree and a two-time All-State player on the high school side. The talented keeper has a US Club Soccer id2 National Training Camp invite under her belt as well.
A versatile and explosive playmaker, Bryuana Wells is known for impacting the game in multiple positions. With top-level speed, creativity on the ball, and relentless defense, she consistently creates scoring opportunities and disrupts opponents. Her ability to read the game and step into any role makes her a true utility player and a key difference-maker on the field.
A team captain for Florida Premier 2008/2007, Kirkley is an uncommitted Class of 2027 prospect who’s been in strong form this fall. Florida Premier’s defensive unit has conceded less than a goal per game, with just 7 goals conceded in 8 matches, including 4 clean sheets. (HIGHLIGHTS)
Playing up in ECNL with Missouri Rush 07/08s, Douglas has made standout saves against elite players, including top-ranked Maddie Di Maria from SLSG. Averaging over 10 saves per game, she allowed just one goal against in three games (splitting halves) at Phoenix ECNL Showcase, and her performance was impressive vs SLSG, keeping Di Maria from scoring in open play—her only goal came on a penalty kick. (WATCH)
Alexandra is a known finisher, strong at positioning herself in the box, finding space, and capitalizing on crosses or through balls. Known for her speed, agility, and composure under pressure, Merriam is a versatile player who’s currently uncommitted for 2027.
A versatile forward from the Class of 2027 for Slammers FC ECNL 2009, Jesse is known for her explosive speed, technical skill, and ability to strike with either foot. Her creativity in the attack and instinctive feel for the game make her a constant threat in front of goal. But beyond her athletic ability, what truly sets Jesse apart is her mindset — a mix of humility, discipline, and quiet determination.
An uncommitted Class of 2027 midfielder for Colorado Rush Academy ECNL, Martinez is one the most dynamic and intelligent center midfielders in her region. She enters the showcase in top form after scoring two goals in her latest ECNL win, showcasing her ability to impact games on both sides of the ball. Martinez has represented the US Youth Soccer ODP National Team and has earned multiple USYNT Talent ID invitations.
An uncommitted Class of 2027 player for FC Alliance ECNL 09, Bowlin enters the Kansas City showcase as one of the most versatile athletes in her age group. Known for her pace, toughness, and field intelligence, she excels both as a forward and defender, giving her team stability and impact on both sides of play. Serving as a team captain for her FC Alliance ECNL squad, Bowlin also earned 2025 All-Region and All-District honors in Tennessee Division I AAA.
After four years with PDA Legacy Blue, Cornell University commit Makena Lee makes her ECNL event debut with the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals at ECNL Kansas City. Makena has long been known as one of the most clutch attacking players in her age group, consistently elevating her play in the biggest moments and delivering goals when her team needs them most. Lee is a former ECNL National Champion with PDA Blue, and she has re-written the record book on the high school side for The Baldwin School in Pennsylvania.
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Mia Orso | Midfielder
Maryland United FC 2009 (MD)
Orso is an uncommitted Class of 2027 midfielder who’s coming off back-to-back ECNL All-Conference selections. She’s a powerful left-footed player who stands at 5′ 10″ and brings an imposing presence which serves her team well in a variety of ways. Orso has a big leg with excellent shooting range and the ability to connect on long passes. She uses her size to win balls in the air and she’s an elite weapon on set pieces.
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Madi Fernandez-Geddes | Defender
Florida Premier FC 2009 (FL)
This outside fullback for Florida Premier FC 2009 is one of the top-rated players at her position in the state of Florida, and she’s currently uncommitted for 2027. Fernandez-Geddes is a left-footed player with a lot of speed, who has a knack for getting up the field and starting jumpstarting the attack for her team.
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Gracen Hildebrand | Midfielder
Boise Thorns FC 2010 (ID)
Hildebrand is coming off a high school season in which she helped lead Timberline to a 16-1-4 record and capture the Idaho State 6A State Championship. She heads to ECNL KC looking to make another strong appearance at an ECNL National Event, after she provided a stellar performance at ECNL Phoenix last month. Holding down her left back position, she and the rest of the defense limited their 3 opponents to 1 total goal.
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Ava Delpino | Forward
South Carolina United FC 2009 (SC)
The leading scorer for South Carolina United FC 2009, Delpino is an effective attacking player who can line up as a striker, or by getting up and down the field as a winger. She has strong technical skills thanks to her background as a futsal standout, representing the US Youth Futsal National Team for multiple years.
2026
Missed the 2024/2025 season with an ACL injury — now back stronger, faster, and stepping into a forward role after last year at wing back. Cunningham has been in excellent form during her high school season, scoring goals in bunches during her senior campaign. She’ll be looking to continue that momentum with FC Pride Elite 07/08 at ECNL KC. (HIGHLIGHTS)
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Madeline Roder | Defender
Mustang SC 2008/2007 (CA)
Roder, a center back for Mustang SC 08/07 ECNL and Carondelet High School, was awarded Defensive MVP for the East Bay Athletic League in Nor Cal. At 5’9”, she is fierce in the air and commands the back line with authority. She reads the field exceptionally well and confidently uses space to push forward. Her distribution is clean, composed, and consistently effective.