Players to Watch: Girls Academy Playoffs and Summer Showcase 2025

Mao combines speed, technical skill, and a high soccer IQ to make a consistent impact on the field. As captain of Lamorinda SC’s 2011 team, she has led the team to 1st place in the GA Northwest Conference and 10th nationally. This season, despite rotating between six different goalkeepers, Mao’s leadership and consistency helped the team record 16 shutouts with a 0.87 Goals Against Average. Selected for the 2025 GA Northwest Talent ID Event, she contributes defensively and offensively, making key stops and creating scoring chances in transition. (HIGHLIGHTS)

A rising prospect for the So Cal Reds 2011 squad, Peña played a key part during her team’s journey to qualification for the GA Playoffs. She’s productive attacking player who can line up and forward or in the midfield. Her efforts got her called up to the GA Southwest Talent ID Event earlier this year.

Mazotas is a 2011 playing up on the New York SC 2010 GA team, where she a starting striker known for her speed, strength and ability to make quick decisions. Her standout play this season not only helped New York SC 2010 earn a spot in the GA U15 Playoffs (competing in Group C), she also was selected for the 2025 GA Northeast Talent ID Event.

Randall brings explosive power, speed and technical skills to a City SC 2011 White squad which will be playing in Group D of the GA U14 Playoffs. Known as a game-changer on the attacking side, Randall is a complete player who can line up at left or right wing, in addition to striker. She plays with high energy and has an ability to make her biggest plays when it matters most, illustrated by a 2 goal, 2 assist performance in the GA Champions Cup in March 2025, bringing her team back from a 3-1 deficit against NEFC in the quarterfinals.

Gulliford is the engine and calm leader of the 2010 West Florida Flames team. A holding midfielder constantly helping to organize the back line and provide directions to her team. A two-way player with her defensive work rate and creating chances from the run of play. Recent GA southeast selection, US id, and on the England National Team radar.

Versatile athlete for Lou Fusz Athletic 2010, who brings speed and physicality to the back line and the midfield. She’s a strong contributor to a Lou Fusz team which finds itself in the championship hunt once again, after another outstanding regular season in the Frontier Conference. (HIGHLIGHTS)

A talented defender for the FRAM SC 2010 team, Arimura has routinely been selected for the highly-competitive Cal South ODP rosters, and has received US Youth Soccer West Regional ODP call-ups as well. She was selected for the GA Southwest Talent ID Event this season as well, while helping lead FRAM SC into the GA Playoffs.

Alvarado is a dynamic and commanding presence on the back line for the Lou Fusz 2010 GA team. Known for her elite speed, physical style of play, and exceptional game intelligence, she consistently neutralizes top-tier attackers and turns defensive stops into attacking opportunities.

A SoccerWire Featured Player who represents Charlotte Development Academy 2010, Tess has been invited by Head Coach Phillip Poole to the Carolina Ascent Pro-pathway program as a 14-year old. She just completed her freshman year at Charlotte Catholic, leading them to the 4A NC Semi-finals, earning North Carolina 4A First Team All-Region, and 4A NC All-Conference First team as a midfielder.

Nesbit is a well-rounded defender who’s developed into an impressive player for her OneKnox 2009 GA team. She earned a spot on the GA South Central Talent ID Event roster this spring and has experience in US Club Soccer’s id2 program as well.

Lilly is the engine that keeps the Almaden FC 2009 squad running. Her ability to attach from the outside, as well as set up her teammates for goal-scoring opportunities is unmatched. Jones and her Almaden FC team have landed in Group A of the GA U16 Playoffs, which will put them against some of the league’s marquee teams.

A dynamic right and left winger who brings speed, creativity, and a strong team-first mindset to every match. McAndrew is known for her attacking runs, precise passing, sharp finishing, and ability to stretch defenses.

One of the first players to verbally commit from the Class of 2027, Rowley has announced her intention to join the Dartmouth women’s soccer program. She’s a creative and dynamic player who can score in a variety of ways, making her a dangerous player for opposing defensive to deal with, anytime the ball is in the final third. Rowley will be a key asset for STA 2008 as they compete in Group F of the GA U17 Playoffs.

Friedman is a box-to-box player who locks down the defensive midfield for IMG Academy 2008, while also contributing to the attack with her high work rate, impact passing and elite field vision. One of only five Class of 2027 players on this strong U17 team, Friedman has helped her IMG Academy team thrive as a perennial playoff contender. (HIGHLIGHTS)

A creative attacking midfielder with a deadly left foot, Christina will be dangerous for the deep Long Island SC GA 2009 team in the GA Summer Showcase. Christina’s stellar performance has led to her selection to the USYNT Talent ID Center, the GA Northeast Talent ID Event and the Gotham FC Centers of Excellence in 2025.

Barriball is an Illinois All-State honoree for the 2025 high school season with Plainfield North, after she racked up 33 goals and 4 assists. On her Galaxy SC 2009 GA team, she accumulated 12 goals and 12 assists in regular season games, leading the squad in both goals and assists. She’s also a two-time GA Midwest Talent ID Event selection.

Jimeson is a solid member of the Oakwood SC 2009 back line, who also helped her high school program, St. Joseph’s High School, capture a state championship while earning a Top 5 national ranking from United Soccer Coaches. (HIGHLIGHTS)

Shira earned a spot at the GA Northeast Talent ID Event this spring, as she turned in another rock solid season for New York SC on the back line. Shira is a physical and imposing outside back who often dominates in 1v1 encounters. She’s also highly technical and a great passer out of the back.