Players That Impressed: ECNL Girls Phoenix National Event (Spring 2026)

The Spring 2026 ECNL Girls Phoenix National Event recently took place in Arizona, featuring top teams across the U12-U17 age groups.

ECNL Phoenix served as one of the last remaining National Events of the 2025-26 regular season, providing a major opportunity for players to get seen by college coaches. The Class of 2028 is only a couple months out from entering their active recruiting window, while verbal commitments from the Class of 2027 continue to roll in, and younger players look to get on the radar for future years. (College Coaches)

Below are some of the top players from the showcase, sorted by graduation year. You can also nominate a player who stood out during the event through the following link.

2030

Kaylee Haney | Midfielder
Eclipse Select SC 2012 (IL)

Haney showed her impressive passing abilities during Eclipse Select SC 2012’s opening day victory over Placer United. She tallied a pair of assists in the match, using her playmaking skills to set up teammates Katie Stefanoski and Anna Ahitow for goals.

2029

Mia Bargfrede | Winger / Midfielder
Select SC 2011 (MA)

An exciting prospect from the Class of 2029, Bargfrede will be a name to know out of the Northeast region for next year’s recruiting cycle. She operates with game-breaking speed up and down the wing, creating separation with ease and using her strength to always get the inside position when taking on defenders. She has a huge leg and has a great sense for when to fire off shots, which was on full display in Phoenix as she scored multiple goals using her quick trigger. (HIGHLIGHTS)

2028

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Kendra Hansen | Midfielder
Pateadores 2009 (CA)

This U.S. U-17 Women’s National Team player was the star of the show in the ECNL National Selection Game, earning Player of the Match honors after leading the East Team to victory. Hansen has been extremely busy as of late, going from helping the USA book a spot in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to dominating in the midfield at ECNL Phoenix, both in the National Selection Game and for her club team.

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Amelia Barnes | Forward / Winger
Utah Royals Arizona 2010 (AZ)

Representing a Utah Royals Arizona 2010 squad that posted a perfect 3-0-0 weekend playing in their own backyard, Barnes scored a crucial goal in her team’s opening match, a narrow 2-1 victory over Davis Legacy SC. A New Mexico resident, Barnes has been building up her presence as a member of the Class of 2028, getting on the field for both ECNL and GA showcase action, with Royals FC ECNL and with New Mexico Rapids GA.

2027

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Kate Edrington | Defender
Utah Royals Arizona 2009 (AZ)

This future University of Akron defender shined while playing in her hometown at ECNL Phoenix, helping lead the team to a couple of dominant clean sheet victories. The Royals back line was outstanding throughout the showcase, as they held both Connecticut FC and La Roca FC off the scoreboard. Edrington’s technical skills and constant motor will make her a key asset at the college level for the Zips, as she excels both defensively and in the possession game.

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Kendyl Varnum | Midfielder
Cleveland Force 2009 (OH)

An uncommitted Class of 2027 prospect who can play virtually any position on the field, Varnum stepped up with a couple of timely goals for Cleveland Force 2009. She scored a goal on Day 1 to help lift her side to a 2-1 win, before following up with the game-winner on Day 2 during a 1-0 defensive battle, and then finishing off Day 3 with her third straight goal of the weekend.