Harper Neace, a junior forward from Winneconne, capped a breakout season that saw her net 33 goals and add 14 assists, a performance that secured her the 2026 Oshkosh, Fond du Lac Girls Soccer Player of the Year award.
Coach Chris Guido praised Neace’s competitive mindset and her uncanny ability to read the field, noting that her versatility allowed her to score in 15 different games and to deliver a season‑high five goals in a victory over Shawano.
Neace’s impact extended beyond raw numbers; she repeatedly stepped up in pivotal moments, including a match against Marinette where she tallied two goals and three assists, a feat Guido likened to a thunderclap after a lightning strike.
A partnership that lights up the pitch
Playing alongside senior Suri Hottmann, Neace formed a dynamic duo that head coach described as the perfect blend of lightning and thunder. Hottmann finished the year with 30 goals and 11 assists, and together they propelled the team to a 19‑3 record and a sectional appearance.
The duo’s chemistry was evident in every contest, as Neace’s ability to find the back of the net in diverse scenarios complemented Hottmann’s playmaking prowess, creating a rhythm that opponents struggled to disrupt.
Beyond individual statistics, Neace’s leadership helped shape a culture of resilience. With one more year of high school soccer ahead, she aims to keep the Warriors on an upward trajectory, targeting deeper playoff runs and another coveted Player of the Year honor.
The recognition did not stop with Neace. Ripon’s Emerson Pier was named the Oshkosh, Fond du Lac Reader’s Choice Girls Soccer Player of the Year after garnering 8,365 votes, finishing the season with 21 goals and five assists, tying a school record.