Players to Watch: Girls Academy 2026 Playoffs and Summer Showcase
The Girls Academy’s 2026 Playoffs and Summer Showcase will be held at SilverLakes Sports Complex in Norco, CA from June 18-23.
Teams from the U13-U19 age groups will be competing in postseason action, and the first GA National Champion of the season will be crowned in the U19 division. Meanwhile, teams across the U13-U17 divisions will complete their Group Stage and initial Knockout Stage rounds, in order to decide which teams will be advancing to the GA National Finals.
Alongside the National Playoffs, the Summer Showcase will provide hundreds more GA teams with the opportunity to play in front of college coaches, in their final action of the 2025-26 season. (COLLEGE COACHES)
Ahead of the GA Playoffs and Summer Showcase, 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
Olivia Jones | Forward
Indy Premier 2011 (IN)
A member of the U.S. U-15 Girls National Team roster pool, Jones guided Indy Premier 2011 to an undefeated 15-0-1 regular season in the GA’s Mid-America Conference, and they’ll be one of the teams to beat in the U15 GA Playoffs. Jones has been unstoppable all season long for a team which racked up 71 goals, 23 more than the 2nd-highest total in their conference. She also had a stellar performance at the Generation adidas Cup, helping lead the GA Gray All-Star Team to the title.
2029
Makenzie is a dynamic defender for New York SC 2010, which will be playing in Group C of the U16 GA Playoffs. She brings a rare combination of elite speed and athleticism, patience and a relentless work ethic. An agile, disciplined and team-focused defender with exceptional game vision known for strong tackling, accurate crosses and the ability to shut down opposing wingers.
A versatile two-way contributor who plays up with the San Antonio City SC 2010 squad, Santana has been steadily growing her profile over the course of the last couple seasons. She has earned multiple international call-ups with the Dominican Republic Youth National Team program, and she was recently recognized by the Austin American Statesman among the top breakout players in Central Texas high school soccer. SA City SC 2010 will be playing in Group B of the GA U16 Showcase Division.
A longtime member of the STA Soccer program, Rowley represents STA’s 2011 GA squad, which will be competing in Group F of the U15 Playoffs. She’s a key member of the team, as both a defender and on the attacking side. She’s known for her creativity, excelling as a passer in transition, and contributes with pinpoint corner kicks which often generate goals for her side.
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Sydney Eaton | Defender / Midfielder
Tophat Gold 2011 (GA)
One of many elite level players for Tophat Gold 2011, Eaton is a U.S. U-15 Girls National Team roster pool member who will be a name to know for many years to come. With her leadership and dominance on the field week-in and week-out, Tophat’s defense conceded only 6 total goals over the course of 16 regular season games, as they posted an unbeaten 14-0-2 record in the GA’s Southeast Conference. They’re among the favorites to capture the U15 National Championship this summer.
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Brynn Buchanan | Defender
Tophat Gold 2011 (GA)
Another member of Tophat Gold 2011’s exceptional defensive unit, Buchanan is also a part of the U.S. U-15 Girls National Team roster pool, alongside Eaton. Buchanan is one of the toughest players in the entire country to try and match up against, due to her relentless motor, world class anticipation and soccer IQ, along with the speed and strength to neutralize almost any attacking player in a 1v1 situation. Tophat conceded only 6 goals in 16 GA Southeast Conference games, thanks in large part to her dominance.
2028
After guiding Galaxy SC 2010 to a 2nd place finish at the 2025 GA National Finals, Gjeldum and her teammates will be among the favorites to advance back to Richmond this season. One of the premier goalkeeper prospects in the entire country, this U.S. U-16 Girls National Team roster pool member brings an X-factor to her team in postseason play, as her leadership, clutch saves and PK prowess can swing the result of any game.
Known as a big-time playmaker both on offense and defense for Union KC 2009, Gossett is coming fresh off an outstanding run in the Missouri High School postseason, in which she helped guide St. Michael the Archangel Catholic High School all the way to the State Championship match. She has been strong once again this season for her club, school and continues to earn selections in the US Youth Soccer ODP circuit as well.
Raymundo, a GA National All-Star, scored the game-winning goal at the recent Generation Adidas Cup to send her team to the finals. An ODP National Team and GA National Talent ID selection, she is her team’s top scorer with 18 goals this season. Raymundo is currently competing in the WPSL and her high-level potential will continue to be on display at the GA Summer Playoffs and Showcase.
Ava Kiss is a 2028 CAM/CM for Oakwood Soccer Club 2010 GA and a long-time team captain known for her high soccer IQ, composure on the ball, and ability to control the midfield. She brings creativity, toughness, and a high work rate to the center of the field, with the ability to break lines off the dribble, create chances for teammates, and be dangerous on set pieces. Ava’s versatility, leadership, and consistency make her a player to watch at the GA Summer Showcase.
On the verge of entering her active college recruiting window, Truxillo will be representing Charlotte Development Academy’s 2009 squad in the GA National Playoffs. A talented midfielder who’s been playing up with her CDA side while also starting for Charlotte Catholic High School since her freshman year, Truxillo has racked up numerous individual accolades over the last several years, even while playing against older competition. She’s an excellent passer and two-way contributor in the midfield.
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Peyton Johnston | Midfielder
Sacramento United 2010 (CA)
Defensive midfielder Peyton Johnston continues to stand out for Sacramento United GA and as a Cal North ODP State Pool player. One of her biggest strengths is turning defense into attack. After winning possession, Peyton immediately drives forward, breaking the first line of pressure and creating space for her team in transition. Her awareness, composure, and ability to impact both sides of the ball make her a player to watch in the 2028 class.
2027
Emma Gilpin | Forward
NEFC Navy 2009 (MA)
Gilpin is a dynamic and versatile Class of 2027 attacking player for NEFC GA Navy and Pingree School (MA). Known for her explosive speed, high motor, and ability to impact games on both sides of the ball, Gilpin helped lead Pingree to an EIL Championship, while recording 14 goals and 5 assists this past season. This spring, she continued to stand out at major showcase events, including scoring 3 goals at the Girls Academy Spring Showcase in Greensboro.