Players to Watch: Girls Academy 2026 Champions Cup Finals

Representing one of the GA’s most dominant teams this season, Blatnik is a strong defensive player for Lou Fusz Athletic 2011. She earned a spot on the GA’s Frontier Conference Talent ID Event in January, as she’s helped Lou Fusz during their perfect 17-0-0 run on the season, as they’ve conceded only 5 total goals. They’re aiming for back-to-back GA Champions Cup titles.

One of the most decorated goalkeepers in the Class of 2028 anywhere in the country, Gjeldum is coming off a recent call-up and multiple appearances on the international stage with the U.S. U-16 Girls National Team. She’s a game-changer between the posts for Galaxy SC 2010, helping lead the team all the way to a 2nd place finish at the 2025 GA Finals.

Reed played an integral role in helping her Utah Celtic 2009 side qualify for the GA Champions Cup Finals. She notched a brace in the clinching game to book Celtic’s place in the Finals during the December 2025 Champions Cup event. Reed is an impactful forward who consistently puts up goals and assists playing up top or on the wing.

Rubio is a dynamic winger / center midfielder for Lamorinda SC 2009, who’s also a member of the Mexico Youth National Team roster pool. She’s one of the GA’s most technical players with the ball at her feet, often pulling off dazzling footwork and moves to create space in the open field. She’s earned numerous national honors in recent years, including with the GA National Talent ID pool and US Club Soccer’s id2 National Camp.

Raymundo is a true box-to-box midfielder with speed, technical ability, physicality, and vision. She has a long history of earning top national accolades, including competing for the US Youth Soccer ODP National Team and being selected for the GA National Talent ID Event. Raymundo is a key player for Lamorinda SC 2010, repping the Northern California club which has qualified for the GA Champions Cup in all six age groups.

McLean YS 2010 enters the GA Champions Cup unbeaten at 14–0, leading the South Atlantic Division, and Shepherd Atkiss has been a driving force with 20 goals and 9 assists through the end of 2025. A dynamic attacking center midfielder who can be deployed across the front line or deeper midfield based on matchups, she impacts games as both a creator and finisher, and is effective dropping in to win the ball and change momentum. Recently selected for the GA Mid-Atlantic South ID Camp, Shepherd is new to McLean this year after developing at Bethesda SC and Player Progression Academy.

This versatile defensive-minded player is an uncommitted Class of 2027 prospect who plays up on the IMG Academy 2008 squad. Boedefeld is a key member of the IMG back line which has consistently been one of the strongest in the GA’s Southeast Conference. She’s a strong contributor at virtually any position on the back line or on the wings.

An uncommitted Class of 2027 defensive player for Galaxy SC 2009, Duraski brings an aggressive presence to the back line and the defensive midfield. She often comes through with timely tackles and applies consistent pressure, reading the game well and stepping up in 1v1 situations. In addition to helping Galaxy SC advance to the GA Finals and the Champions Cup Finals, she’s an All-Conference player on the high school side with St. Francis (IL).

Lia Lopez (2027) is a 5’10” central midfielder for Atletico Dallas 2009 GA and Sachse High School. She sparked the Atletico Dallas offense at the GA Winter Showcase, scoring in two matches while demonstrating strong possession play and long-range scoring ability. A First Team All-District and Academic All-District selection, Lopez is known for her high soccer IQ, composure under pressure, and ability to control tempo while connecting play and creating attacking opportunities from midfield.

Dynamic player for Lamorinda SC 2009 who can impact the game at Center Forward, Center Mid, or Center Back. She’s dominant up top with powerful finishing, sharp vision, and high-level passing that allows her to control tempo and create chances, while also being comfortable organizing and protecting the back line with strong defensive instincts. She’s a member of the 2026 USYS ODP National Select Team, Alianza National Showcase 2025 (trial invites to Chivas, América, Tigres, Santos, Pachuca, and Monterrey), GA ID Selection, PDP Pool, AccessU recipient, and carries a 3.5 GPA.