Players to Watch: Girls Academy 2026 Champions Cup Finals

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The 2026 Girls Academy Champions Cup Finals are coming up March 5-10 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL.

Qualifying teams from across the country have earned their spots over the last year of play, as the U13-U19 age groups will crown national champions for the GA’s cup competition. Ahead of the GA Champions Cup Finals, 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

Graduation: 2029

Ava Blatnik

Defender

Lou Fusz Athletic

Girls Academy

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.

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Kyann Craig | Forward
Lou Fusz Athletic 2011 (MO)

A highly-productive attacking player for the nationally-renowned Lou Fusz Athletic 2011 team, Craig has been one of several major contributors on an offense which has piled up 84 goals in 17 games this season. The Class of 2028 forward was selected for the Frontier Talent ID Event this winter, and she’s a member of Missouri’s ODP State Team.

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Elin Austin | Defender / Midfielder
Lou Fusz Athletic 2011 (MO)

Coming off an outstanding 2024-25 season in which she was selected for the GA National Talent ID Camp, Austin has been phenomenal once again this year, playing a major role in Lou Fusz Athletic 2011’s nearly impenetrable defense, which has only allowed 5 goals in 17 league games. Austin and her teammates are aiming for the second straight GA Champions Cup title. (HIGHLIGHTS)

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Isabelle “Izzy” York | Midfielder / Forward
Tophat Gold 2010 (GA)

York is one of the premier attacking players in the nation from the Class of 2029. She has helped lead Tophat Gold 2010 to a pair of GA National Championships, and she’s a member of the U.S. Youth National Team roster pool. York is an elite all-around player who is equally dominant with both feet, and constantly puts opposing defenders on their heels with explosive runs and creative passing.

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Anna Grace Richardson | Midfielder / Defender
Tophat Gold 2010 (GA)

Richardson is regarded as one of the best overall players in the Class of 2029 from the state of Georgia. She’s a tough, speedy defensive midfielder who plays with a constant motor, forcing turnovers and quickly jumpstarting Tophat’s offense with devastating counter-attacks. She has a futsal background which is readily apparent when watching her play, as she works exceptionally well in tight spaces and makes decisions with precision and quickness.

2028

Graduation: 2028

Gabby Gjeldum

Goalkeeper

Galaxy SC

Girls Academy

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.

Graduation: 2028

Dyllann Reed

Forward

Utah Celtic FC

Girls Academy

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.

Graduation: 2028

Liliana Rubio

Midfielder

Lamorinda Soccer Club

Girls Academy

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.

Graduation: 2028

Alena Raymundo

Midfielder

Lamorinda Soccer Club

Girls Academy

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.

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Shepherd Atkiss | Midfielder / Forward
McLean Youth Soccer 2010 (VA)

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.

2027

Graduation: 2027

Ella Boedefeld

Defender

IMG Academy

Girls 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.