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.
2031
Olivia Podgwaite | Midfielder
Indy Premier 2013 (IN)
Representing Indy Premier United, the Overall Club Champion of the 2025-26 GA Champions Cup, Podgwaite did her part with a big time performance for her team in the tournament. She scored an impressive goal against Virginia Revolution, before delivering a hat trick in Game 3 against FRAM SC. She will aim to continue her strong play in tournament competition in the GA Playoffs.
2030
Dinerman is a highly-technical, dual-footed midfielder for Charlotte Development Academy who brings elite soccer IQ and exceptional composure to the center of the pitch. Showcasing her tactical versatility across both the U15 and U16 GA teams for the Summer Showcase, Dinerman shines as a press-resistant #6 and #8 who specializes in breaking lines with multi-faceted distribution. Her high-level pedigree, including two USYNT ID Center invitations, a US Club Soccer id2 East Region selection, and a GA Conference Talent ID invitation marks her as a premier midfield playmaker in the 2030 class who consistently dictates the tempo under pressure.
Jarrett is developing into a promising prospect for Tophat Navy 2011, as she continues to refine her game as a playmaking midfielder with strong field vision and passing prowess. She earned a spot on the 2011 roster for this season’s GA Southeast Talent ID Event, and she’s ranked as a Top 20 prospect for the Class of 2030 by Prep Soccer.
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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.
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Abryanna Rivera | Midfielder
San Antonio City SC 2011 (TX)
Rivera is a Class of 2029 left-footed player for SA City Soccer Club and Pieper High School who excels as a left winger and left wing back, known for her speed, strong crosses, attacking play, and lockdown defense.
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Obriella Ojeda | Forward
ALBION SC Las Vegas 2010 (NV)
A Class of 2030 forward who plays up with the ALBION SC Las Vegas 2010 squad, Ojeda has also gotten opportunities as a Discovery Player with the Legends FC ECNL program. She was called up to the Philippines U-15 Girls National Team this spring, scoring a goal and an assist during a set of friendlies.
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.
Ava was selected for the Frontier Talent ID this spring. Her team went 18-0 in the Frontier Conference with her and her defensive teammates only allowing 5 goals. She was part of a strong defensive stand at Champions Cup where they allowed only 2 goals and took home the championship.
Smuckler is a standout, technical midfielder for Beadling SC 2011 who was recognized for her achievements with a spot on the GA Mid-America Talent ID roster. She has an extensive futsal background, representing the US Youth Futsal National Team and the Maccabi USA U17 Women’s squad.
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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.
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Tenley Fry | Defender
Beadling SC 2010 (PA)
One of the top-rated Class of 2028 defenders in the state of Pennsylvania and in the entire nation, Fry is a vital member of a Beadling SC 2010 back line which saw only 18 goals scored against their team over the course of 16 games in the U16 Mid-America Conference, while posting a 12-4-0 record an placing 2nd overall. She was one of the top performers at the GA Champions Cup this season, and has an opportunity for another big time performance in the postseason.
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Elise Faix | Forward
RNY FC 2010 (NY)
Elise Faix is known as a big time playmaker on offense for her RNY FC 2010 team. She has an extremely high soccer iq, and her ability to win the ball is top notch. She had an outstanding run in her high school postseason, where she helped guide Churchville-Chili Senior High School to their first ever State Championship match. She had a strong season with her club, and continues to earn selections in the GA circuit as well, being named to the National Talent ID roster for the past two years.
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Avery Clelan | Defender
Baltimore Armour 2010 (MD)
Clelan is a 3-time GA Mid-Atlantic Talent ID selectee while playing for Baltimore Armour 2010. She was also named to a GA All-Star Team roster for this season’s Generation adidas Cup. Avery was a standout freshman on her Glenelg High School team, earning Second Team All-Howard County honors.
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Harper Stokes | Defender
Galaxy SC 2011 (IL)
An important contributor for the 3-time GA Midwest Conference Champion Galaxy SC 2011 squad, Stokes is a versatile, ball‑winning defender who combines tight, disciplined marking with a high-level passing range for her position. She excels in 1v1 isolation defending, staying balanced and reading attackers early, which allows her to shut down dribblers without over‑committing. Her timing in tackles is clean, and she consistently disrupts play by stepping into passing lanes or forcing opponents backward.
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.
Olivia Leddy is a 2028 outside back who recently transitioned from ECNL to Atlético Dallas GA. She is coming off a Texas state championship season with Celina High School and has earned the opportunity to play up with the Atlético Dallas U17 GA team.
Leddy is a versatile defender known for her soccer IQ, positional awareness, clean distribution, and ability to impact both sides of the ball. She consistently competes well against older players and continues to prove herself in high-level environments.
A dynamic Class of 2028 attacking midfielder, Atkiss has been turning heads of top Power 4 and Ivy League programs throughout the spring season, including recently at the PDA Showcase against top ECNL opponents. With 34 goals and 14 assists this season, she has consistently impacted games as a goal-scoring midfielder who can create chances, threaten from distance with both feet, break lines off the dribble, and press to win the ball back in dangerous areas. Her combination of technical quality, vision, physicality, work rate, and versatility across the midfield and front line makes her a player to watch heading into the GA Summer Playoffs.
Rojas stood on her head at the March Champions Cup Finals — locking down a 0–0 shutout against Midwest United FC and racking up 10+ saves against Virginia Revolution. Her performance was highlighted by a phenomenal stop that Taka noted as a Top 5 save of the tournament, drawing heavy scout attention for her elite 1v1 shot-stopping, box command, and the vocal leadership needed to organize a defense under intense pressure.
East brings a heavy dose of speed, strength and overall athleticism to the San Antonio City SC 2010 front line. She’s a multi-sport athlete who also competes in multiple track and field events for Smithson Valley High School, while also starring on their undefeated (29-0) Texas State Champion soccer team. On the club side, East is a GA Frontier Talent ID Event selection and she has experience in US Youth Soccer’s South Texas ODP roster pool.
Lou Fusz Athletic GA defender Alyssah Alvarado has been a key piece of one of the nation’s top-performing teams, helping lead the squad to a Frontier Conference championship and an undefeated conference campaign. Known for her speed, physicality, and strong defensive awareness, Alvarado consistently shuts down opposing attacks while providing leadership along the back line. The Class of 2028 defender combines a high soccer IQ with relentless work ethic, making her an important contributor to Lou Fusz’s continued success.
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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.
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Rosie Kiely | Goalkeeper
Lou Fusz SC 2011 (MO)
An established star goalkeeper for Lou Fusz SC 2011, Kiely took home Golden Glove honors at the 2025 GA Finals, after she finished the event without allowing a single goal during her time between the posts. She also helped her team win their second consecutive GA Champions Cup title, continuing their dominant multi-season run.
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Lizette Castellanos | Defender
ALBION SC San Diego 2009 (CA)
One of the premier defensive prospects in the entire country from the Class of 2028, Castellanos brings U.S. Girls National Team experience to her ALBION SC San Diego 2009 back line. She’s a force on the defensive side and she’s lauded as a two-way player who can quickly create dangerous possessions the other way, often forcing turnovers and making opponents pay in the transition game. Castellanos has been recognized by the GA as a member of the All-Star roster for the Generation adidas Cup, in addition to the 2025 GA National Talent ID Camp.
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Skylar Mueller | Forward
Indy Premier 2010 (IN)
The sky’s the limit for Mueller in her promising career, as she and her Indy Premier teammates continue to ascend to new heights. Mueller leads Indy Premier’s 2010 squad in both goals and assists this season as they secured the No. 1 overall seed in the GA Playoffs. She’s a USYNT caliber player with a previous U.S. U-14 Girls National Camp call-up, and has been a mainstay in the GA’s most prestigious events, including the Generation adidas Cup All-Star Teams and the GA National Talent ID Events.
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Leah Bray | Winger
Syracuse Development Academy 2010 (NY)
Leah Bray, the dynamic left wing for the SDA 2010 team, netted 16 goals over 16 GA matches this spring in the Northeast Conference. Highlights include the lone goal over then No. 1 ranked CSA-Monmouth, a hat trick in a 3-1 win against Long Island SC, and 2 goals to help the team to a 3-1 early season win over RNY. She’s a scoring threat every time she steps on the field, and has a big opportunity to continue her production for SDA in the postseason.
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Ava Hidalgo | Forward
Tophat 2009 Gold (GA)
Playing on an absolutely loaded Tophat 2009 Gold team, Hidalgo has established herself in a nice role, contributing 6 goals and 7 assists in the regular season. The team has won five GA Southeast Conference titles and a pair of GA Champions Cup titles, and is hungry for more this postseason. Hidalgo thrives in a supporting role for a national powerhouse Tophat side, while also starring for her high school team at Whitefield Academy, earning Player of the Year honors with 19 goals and 15 assists this past season.
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Emma Varbanov | Forward
West Coast FC 2010 (CA)
Varbanov is a technical and creative center forward who’s an excellent finisher, who can also create scoring chances for her teammates. She plays in the Girls Academy for West Coast FC, where she has scored 64 goals and assisted 15 times in 60 games since she joined in 2024. Emma has been part of the USYS ODP program since 2023, helping the Cal South ODP Team win the USYS ODP Far West Region Championships back-to-back in ’25 and ’26. She has been invited twice to the U.S. Soccer Talent ID Training Centers and the Girls Academy Southwest Talent ID Events. Emma has been playing for the Bulgarian Youth National Teams since 2024, scoring 4 goals in 9 international games for Bulgaria, the most prominent of which against Spain in the 2026 UEFA Women’s U17 Euro Championship Qualifiers.
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Lily Larnerd | Forward
Beadling SC 2010 (PA)
Larnerd was recognized in SoccerWire’s Players That Impressed feature following her standout performance at the 2026 GA Champions Cup Finals, where she scored in all 4 matches for Beadling SC 2010. She put constant pressure on opposing back lines, proving herself as one of the fastest forwards at the event. Larnered helped guide Beadling SC 2010 to a 2nd place finish in the GA’s Mid-America Conference this season.
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Ellieanna Arnold | Defender
Beadling SC 2010 (PA)
Widely recognized as an elite level prospect from the Class of 2028, Arnold was selected to the GA Mid-America Talent ID Event and she’s at the top of the US Youth Soccer ODP roster pool, earning the prestigious honor of making the ODP National Select Team. She brings a wide array of skills to the Beadling SC 2010 back line, serving as both a lockdown defender and as a two-way threat.
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Catherine Jackson | Goalkeeper
Charlotte Development Academy 2009 (NC)
Charlotte Development Academy 2009 goalkeeper Catherine Jackson has been highly productive throughout the 2025-26 campaign, earning a spot on the GA Mid-Atlantic Talent ID roster while also being named All-State in South Carolina’s 5A division on the high school side. Jackson shined at the GA Spring Showcase, recording 5 straight clean sheet appearances, and she’ll aim to continue that dominance in Norco, CA.
2027
A 5-foot-10 midfielder from the Class of 2027, Lopez is an uncommitted prospect who plays for Atlético Dallas 2009 GA (#27) and Sachse High School (#21). She’s a technically-sound midfielder with strong vision, composure under pressure, and playmaking ability, contributing 5 goals and 6 assists in Girls Academy play.
A versatile attacking player who thrives both in the midfield and at forward, Spears serves as team captain for both her Hoover-Vestavia Soccer GA team and for Homewood High School. She’s coming off an outstanding high school season in which she racked up a litany of individual accolades, while leading Homewood to Alabama’s Class 6A State Final, finishing 2nd in the state.
Duraski is a dynamic, left-footed left back who brings energy and aggression on both sides of the ball, consistently looking to impact the game in every third of the field. She’s comfortable taking players on 1v1, using pace, confidence, and technical ability to break lines and create attacking opportunities from wide areas. She’s had a strong 2025-26 season for both Galaxy SC 2009 and St. Francis High School (IL), racking up numerous individual accolades.
Jimeson is a dynamic two-way defender and one of the top uncommitted outside backs in the 2027 class. Her game is built around lockdown 1v1 defending, recovery speed, and the ability to impact both sides of the ball. A SoccerWire Featured Player and Nike Indoor Nationals 60m qualifier, she trains under former MLS player and USSF A coach Carlos Parra while regularly competing in MLS Next training environments. Comfortable defending in space and joining the attack from wide areas, Jimeson brings a rare combination of athleticism, competitiveness, and defensive reliability to the outside back position.
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.
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