Players to Watch: ECNL Girls North Carolina National Event (Spring 2025)

The ECNL Girls North Carolina National Event is coming up May 30 – June 1 as some of the nation’s best teams will go head-to-head in the final league event of the 2024-25 regular season.

ECNL North Carolina will feature 198 total teams across the U15-U17 age groups.

Ahead of ECNL North Carolina, 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.

2029

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Ryder White | Forward
Virginia Development Academy 2010 (VA)

Catalyst for a VDA 2010 attacking unit which has been dominant all season long, outscoring their opponents by a margin of 46-8. White is the type of forward who can take over any game at any time, whether she’s pushing the ball off the dribble and distributing to her teammates, or scoring goals herself. She’s deadly in tight spaces and in open space on breakaways. The do-it-all attacker is currently representing the U.S. U-15 Girls National Team at training camp in Georgia.

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Avellina Saunders | Goalkeeper
Utah Royals FC Arizona 2009 (AZ)

Competing in the ECNL’s Southwest Conference amidst the extremely deep talent pool of primarily Southern California clubs, Saunders has been the backstop of a tough Utah Royals Arizona defense which has only conceded 15 goals in 16 games. Thanks to some world class goalkeeping by Saunders, the Royals’ defense is tied for the best goals allowed total in the Southwest. The hard work has earned her a spot on this month’s U.S. U-15 Girls National Team roster.

2028

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Kelsey Feldman | Defender
FC Prime 2010 (FL)

Feldman is a versatile player and is a threat at any position on the field. She primarily anchors the defense at center back for FC Prime’s 2010 ECNL team. Feldman is a solid defender who also distributes the ball well and helps maintain possession from the back. She has helped her team finish ECNL conference play with an outstanding 11-2-2 record, while accumulating 10 clean sheets.

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Morgan Blelloch | Forward
Northern Virginia Alliance 2009 (VA)

It has been another impressive season for Blelloch, who earned ECNL All-American honors and was named ECNL Mid-Atlantic Conference Player of the Year following the 2023-24 campaign. Blelloch has breakaway speed, impressive creativity with the ball at her feet, and she possesses outstanding game awareness and field vision. She’s among the best in the entire ECNL at timing her runs to stay just onside while hitting top speed and breaking through the defensive line, and finishing her scoring chances at a high rate (HIGHLIGHTS)

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Gabby Beinecke | Forward
Riverhounds Development Academy 2009 (PA)

After leaving the GA League this fall, Gabby joined the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in January. Since then, she has scored 8 goals and contributed multiple assists, helping lead her team to the ECNL National Playoffs in San Diego this June. She has also been recognized at the national level with four USYNT Talent ID selections, an invitation to the USYNT East Region ID Camp, two Mid-Atlantic GA Talent ID Events, and the GA National Talent ID Event.

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Ramsee Jarman | Midfielder
Northern Virginia Alliance 2010 (VA)

A tactician on the ball, Jarman leads her team in goals and assists this year. She excels as an attacking midfielder, but is a versatile player that can adapt and play holding and defensive midfield when needed. She has a high-level understanding of the game, playing with a constant motor and possesses explosive breakaway speed.

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Samantha Cancellare | Forward
Arlington Soccer 2009 (VA)

Cancellare will look to continue her dominance as one of the best attacking wings in her graduating class. She was recently recognized for her outstanding play at ECNL Phoenix. She draws a ton of attention from opposing defenses, which often opens up more space for her teammates. Her elite speed, technical skills and finishing abilities create havoc in the attacking zone.

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Mia Gonzalez | Forward
Slammers FC HB Koge 2009 (CA)

Mia is a high IQ player who can play any position on the field with ease. She was named Offensive Player of the Year for the Century Conference League as well as her Villa Park High School team. She has participated in multiple U.S. Youth National Team ID camps, and is a staple in the highly-competitive Cal Youth ODP roster pool. The Class of 2028 attacker will be relied upon as Slammers HB Koge prepares for the postseason.

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Payton Thoune | Defender
Portland Thorns Academy 2010 (OR)

Payton is a dynamic and athletic center back whose speed and aerial dominance make her a commanding presence on the field. Her ability to read the game and execute timely challenges makes her difficult to beat in one-on-one situations. Payton’s defensive dominance and physical presence make her a standout player to watch at the upcoming ECNL event.

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Taylor Schreibman | Defender
FSA FC 2010 (CT)

Taylor is a poised, explosive center back for FSA FC 2010. She thrives at winning balls in the air, has high-end speed which she often uses to attack from the defensive third, and she leads FSA as a team captain. She defends with patience, is physical and composed under pressure. A National ID Camps selection in November 2024 and again in March 2025, Taylor’s consistency and work ethic make her a standout in the 2028 age group.

2027

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Evangelina Sturdifen | Defender
Orlando City Youth 2009 (FL)

Evangelina is known for her composure on and off the ball, creativity in connecting passes with midfielders and forwards, and vision in thinking multiple plays ahead. She is a versatile two-footed player that anticipates plays, intercepts opposition plays, and transitions into the attack, making her a solid defender. This has paved the way for her to create goal-scoring opportunities for her team.

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Lily Crist | Midfielder
Racing Louisville Academy 2009 Purple (KY)

Lily is a dynamic central midfielder whose energy, vision, and tactical awareness have made her a standout at both the club and high school levels. A two-year varsity starter and ODP National player, she has recently been named to the Racing Louisville USL W League team, a premier pre-professional women’s soccer circuit that features top collegiate and academy talent.

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Eleanor (Ella) Cohen | Forward
Portland Thorns Academy 2009 (OR)

One of the premier attacking players in the Northwest region for the Class of 2027, Cohen earned ECNL All-Conference honors last season, in addition to First Team All-State honors on the high school side. She also was named Portland Interscholastic League (PIL) Player of the Year in 2024. Cohen’s well-rounded offensive skillset will make her a player to keep an eye on as her active recruiting window begins next month.

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Julia Amireh | Midfielder
NC Courage Academy 2008 (NC)

A U.S. Women’s Youth National Team roster pool member, Amireh was called up to U-17 USWNT training camp earlier this year. The talented midfielder turned in an outstanding performance at ECNL St. Louis, scoring 2 goals and assisting another over 2 games (3rd game canceled because of weather). She is also representing the NC Courage U23 Team in the USL W League, and will be among the premier college prospects in the Mid-Atlantic from the Class of 2027.

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Shaylie Haij | Midfielder
Portland Thorns Academy 2008 (OR)

Shaylie Haij is a technically gifted midfielder for the Portland Thorns Academy, known for her crafty ball control, dynamic runs out of the midfield, and powerful shot. Her exceptional vision and precise execution allow her to create scoring opportunities and dictate the pace of play. As a Class of 2027 standout, Shaylie is poised to be a player to watch at the upcoming ECNL National event.

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Chloe Horton | Midfielder
Portland Thorns Academy 2009 (OR)

Horton is an attacking center midfielder whose exceptional technical ability and vision makes her a player to watch. Her relentless work rate and ability to play both sides of the ball have earned her a spot in the prestigious ECNL National Selection Game.

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Elle Hennes | Midfielder
World Class FC 2009 (NY)

Team captain and attacking midfielder for ECNL Playoff-bound side World Class FC 2009, Elle Hennes had 5 goals and 5 assists across just 8 ECNL league games. The 2027 midfielder has constantly found her teammates in the attack and helped generated 60% of her team’s goals. She has attended multiple U.S. Soccer Talent ID Camps, and led her high school team to an undefeated season and first NY State Championship in school history.

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Emily Krichbaum | Goalkeeper
Northern Virginia Alliance 2009 (VA)

Krichbaum has effectively directed the NVA 2009 defensive line throughout the season, ensuring proper coverage and coordination. She regularly initiates counterattacks through accurate distribution and quick decision-making, ensuring forward movement and positioning for potential scoring opportunities. She played in the ECNL Dallas 2025 National Selection Game and recently participated in a USYNT Talent ID Event.

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Melia Arreola | Defender
Utah Royals FC Arizona 2008 (AZ)

Melia Arreola is a strong 2027 center back for the Utah Royals FC AZ 2008 team, known for her aggressive defensive presence and ability to read the game with precision. She anchors the back line with strength, composure and leadership, consistently shutting down top attackers in high-level ECNL competition. Melia’s relentless work ethic and soccer IQ make her a key asset on the field and a rising talent to watch.

2026

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Zea Gonzalez | Forward
Sting Austin 2008 (TX)

Zea is one year post ACL and meniscus surgeries, and has been ramping up her goal-scoring throughout the year. She has led her club team in goals each of the last 4 years and holds her high school’s record for most goals and assists. She earned several accolades this year including, First Team All District, Offensive MVP, All Area Team, Academic All District, and finished her junior year in the top 5% of her class.