28th All-Area Girls Soccer Team Unveiled
The News-Gazette has revealed its 28th annual All-Area girls' soccer team for the 2026 season, recognizing the standout performers from across the region. The selections are divided into a first team, a second team, and a list of honorable mentions, highlighting the depth of talent in central Illinois high school soccer.
Players earn spots based on performance, impact, and skill demonstrated throughout the season, with representation from a wide array of schools including Champaign Central, St. Thomas More, Uni High, Centennial, Monticello, Mahomet-Seymour, Rantoul, Arthur Christian, Danville, and Urbana.
First Team Highlights
The first team features a blend of seasoned leaders and emerging stars. Notable names include Caroline Blount and Rylie Schulze from Champaign Central, Leighton Clark and Chloe Sikora also from the same squad, as well as Cali Cooper representing Uni High. From St. Thomas More, Leighton Clark and Emerson Clark make the cut, while Alicia Fernandez, Alaina Kimble, and Kate Pitcher represent Centennial. Lauren Good and Madeline Saiger bring their talents from Monticello, while Lainey Jacobs and Paislee Welge shine for Mahomet-Seymour.
Additional first-team honorees include Ella Walk, another Mahomet-Seymour standout, and Alicia Trimble from Centennial, alongside Evie O'Brien and Kate Pitcher, who continue to demonstrate why they are among the best. The diverse roster underscores the competitive balance across the different programs.
The second team also showcases impressive talent, with Jennavieve Baker and Emerson Clark leading the list, alongside Hannah Creel, Kallyn Elliott, Addison Finet, Mailyn Hernandez, Isabel Lietz, and Eulalia Martin-Domingo. Honorable mentions round out the recognition, featuring players from Arthur Christian, Danville, and other participating schools, ensuring that emerging talent is also celebrated.
Beyond the individual accolades, the announcement reflects a broader celebration of high school soccer in the region, emphasizing community support, school pride, and the growing popularity of the sport among young athletes. The News-Gazette's All-Area team continues to set a benchmark for recognizing excellence on and off the field.