Rising Stars of Jackson Area Girls Soccer
The 2026 high school girls soccer season is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory for the Jackson area, with a crop of talent that has already left its mark on state tournaments and all‑district selections. From Class A to Division II‑A, teams are gearing up for another year of fierce competition, and the players who starred in 2025 are now the focal point of every coach’s strategy.
Among the standouts, Haddie Burks of Adamsville made headlines by scoring the decisive goal in the Cardinals’ Class A state quarterfinal run, while Claudia Bailey from Chester County earned District 12‑AA offensive player of the year after a 15‑goal campaign, and Rebecca Waddey of Crockett County combined 18 goals with 11 assists to earn all‑district honors.
Other players who have drawn attention include Haddy Manneh of Dyersburg, who surged to the Class AA state tournament with 57 goals, and GraceAnn Webb, also from Dyersburg, whose heroics helped the Trojans capture both district and regional titles.
In Madison, a cluster of elite performers — Yesmin Calitxo, Lola Greenway, Olivia Bynum, Leighton Kayal, Maria Saia, Rylee Hood, and Madison Czerniak — have each posted impressive statistics, from 174 saves and nine shutouts to double‑digit goal totals and defensive player of the year awards.
The private‑school scene adds another layer of competition, as USJ’s Lilly Teague, Reagan Whitledge and Leda Rose have each contributed 20‑plus goals, while Edie Montgomery anchored a defense that posted ten shutouts en route to a Division II‑A state tournament appearance.
Westview’s Chargers, meanwhile, have dominated the conversation with Ashlee Brent’s 30 goals and 22 assists leading to a Class A state championship, complemented by Cambry Hatler’s midfield creativity and Brea McGuffin’s clutch scoring in a 7‑0 semifinal victory.
With such a deep pool of talent, the upcoming season promises not only individual accolades but also the possibility of new state titles, as coaches and teammates alike watch closely how these rising stars will translate their 2025 successes into the next chapter of high school soccer.