A Celebration of Excellence
Gatorade has named its 2025‑26 Girls Soccer State Players of the Year, a distinction that marks the 41st edition of the program. The honor spotlights high school athletes who have demonstrated not only skill on the pitch but also academic dedication and strong character.
Among the honorees are several members of the U.S. Youth National Team, including Gianna Hanf of New Jersey, Taylor Morrell of Virginia, Maddie Di Maria from Missouri, Felicity Nguyen of California, Chloe Sadler of Utah and Carolina Reyna of Texas. Each player was selected for embodying the competition’s core values.
All of the state winners now move into the pool of finalists for the Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year award, a accolade that will be announced later this year. The national honor adds an extra layer of excitement, as the finalists will be evaluated on a broader set of criteria.
The recognition extends beyond individual achievement; it underscores the growing visibility of girls’ soccer across the country and highlights the importance of holistic development in high school sports.
National Spotlight
The national finalist round will feature a deeper dive into each candidate’s impact, with a panel of experts weighing performance, leadership and community involvement. The eventual Player of the Year will be celebrated at a ceremony that brings together coaches, families and sponsors.
For the athletes and their schools, the distinction offers both prestige and opportunities, from scholarship considerations to increased recruitment attention. As the soccer season progresses, the spotlight on these young stars continues to grow.