Scout’s View: Class of 2029 and 2030 Standouts from the Girls Academy Finals

The 2026 Girls Academy National Finals recently took place in Richmond, VA featuring top teams across the U13-U17 age groups.

High-level prospects from all over the country shined at the GA Finals, stepping up on the national stage and providing college scouts with a glimpse at their ability to set up for their teams in big game situations. From U.S. Youth National Team players doing what they do best, to some uncommitted hidden gems, the GA Finals provided something for every college program to watch with interest.

Longtime scout Jerry Penkala ([email protected]), owner and operator of JTF Academy, was on hand for the tournament, and compiled a list of some of the top players that he watched from the Class of 2029 and Class of 2030.

See below for Penkala’s top performers.

Nina Shupak | Forward/Winger
Cedar Stars Academy – Monmouth 2010 (NJ)

Nina was one of my favorite players to watch all weekend. She brought endless energy, relentless work rate, high soccer IQ, and consistent offensive impact. Playing up on a very talented 2010 team, she remained a dangerous threat every single game.

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Brooke Loudermilk | Forward
Galaxy SC 2010 (IL)

Brooke, another 2029 playing up on a 2010 team, was easily the most impactful offensive player for Galaxy. Strong and physical, she could hold the ball with her back to goal and distribute or drive at defenders to create space. A well-rounded forward with real presence.

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Emilia Sousa | Forward
NEFC Red 2011 (MA)

A dynamic left-footed forward who can change games with her pace, creativity, and elite 1v1 skills. Emilia combines tremendous work rate with the ability to both score and create. She showed her playmaking quality by assisting the game-winning goal in the National Final.

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Gabriella Hollins | Attacking Midfielder
STA Soccer 2011 (NJ)

Gabriella is the type of player who can make the entire game flow through her. Highly technical, brave on the ball under pressure, and very creative, she has the vision and confidence to dictate the tempo and change the outcome of matches

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Anna Schaedler | Attacking Midfielder
Keystone FC 2011 (PA)

One of the most impressive 2029 attacking mids I saw all weekend. Calm and composed on the ball with excellent field vision and pinpoint accuracy on her passes — even under heavy pressure. She showed a fantastic work rate, recovering defensively while constantly finding space to influence the attack.

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Julia Maiers | Outside Back
Sporting Nebraska 2010 (NE)

Playing up on a strong 2010 team, Julia came off the bench and immediately transformed the game. She pushed forward effectively, held possession, and delivered dangerous crosses — either cutting back on the end line or whipping in early balls for her forwards to run onto.

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Darrah Ostrander | Attacking Midfielder
Real Futbol Academy 2011 (NJ)

A standout 2030 playing up who showed elite intensity and maturity. She pressed high, created havoc, and displayed excellent field vision and game understanding well beyond her age. One of the best young 2030s I saw all weekend.

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Audrey Guskey | Forward
Galaxy SC 2010 (IL)

A physical, athletic, and tough forward who frequently drew double teams but still found ways to link play and create chances for teammates. She kept opposing defenses off balance all game and was the ideal focal point up top.

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Kacey Costello | Midfielder
NEFC Red 2011 (MA)

Kacey was one of the top prospects I’ve seen all year in the 2029 class. A complete midfielder with elite technical ability, athleticism, power, and pace. She creates separation in 1v1s, breaks lines with her passing range, and is a serious goal threat from distance. She scored in the National Final and earned MVP honors with a dominant performance. The most impressive 2029 I’ve seen in either ECNL or GA this season.

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Gianna Grosso | Forward
STA Soccer 2011 (NJ)

A natural goal scorer with nonstop energy and incredible competitiveness. Gianna leaves everything on the field and rises to the biggest moments — scoring two crucial goals when her team needed her most. The kind of born finisher college coaches dream of finding.

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Brooklyn Fankam | Forward
New Mexico SA 2009 (NM)

Another talented 2029 playing up with the 2010s, Brooklyn was one of the most impactful attackers on the field. Strong, fast, athletic, and with a very high ceiling.