The Citizen‑Times and Times‑News have released the All‑Western North Carolina girls soccer teams for the 2026 season, a showcase of the region’s rising stars and a testament to the growing competitiveness of high school soccer across western North Carolina.
Hendersonville High School led the charge, advancing to the NCHSAA 3A Western Regional Final, and senior forward Reagan Adams was crowned the overall Player of the Year after a staggering 37‑goal, seven‑assist campaign in just 21 appearances.
The honors continued with Grier Case of Asheville High earning the Mountain Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, while Gabby Savaia of Polk County was named the Western Highlands Conference Player of the Year after setting a school record with 26 assists. Reeve Carroll from Polk County added 31 goals and 15 assists, helping her squad reach the fourth round of the playoffs.
Midfield dynamo Katelynn Ciolek anchored Reynolds’ undefeated Mountain Athletic Conference title run, and Sadie Hambright of Asheville High steered her team to the fourth round of the 6A playoffs. Sam Maki of Roberson contributed 28 goals and 12 assists, while defensive pillars Rell Bound of Reynolds and Lila Laughridge of Brevard limited opponents to just 21 and 18 goals respectively.
In goal, Ella Collier of West Henderson posted 242 saves while allowing 42 goals over 22 games, a performance that underscored the depth of talent between the posts. The defensive excellence was complemented by the coaching prowess of Melissa Villars‑Nitsche, who was named Coach of the Year and guided Hendersonville to its first regional final appearance since 2017.
The recognition reflects not only individual brilliance but also the collaborative effort of coaches, teammates, and communities that have nurtured these athletes, promising an exciting future for soccer in western North Carolina.