Rising Stars of Southwest Michigan
The Battle Creek Enquirer has unveiled its 2026 All‑Enquirer Girls Soccer Team, a roster that celebrates the elite talent emerging from the region’s high school programs. Coaches, senior players and the newspaper’s sports editors combined their votes to assemble a squad that reflects both on‑field excellence and community impact.
Forward Ali Bates of Gull Lake led her team to a Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference title, finishing with 16 goals and 10 assists. Her combination of speed, vision and finishing ability made her one of the most feared attackers in the area.
Midfielder Kilee Halladay from the same Gull Lake squad contributed 15 goals and 10 assists, while Bella Carr backstopped the defense with 10 shutouts and only seven goals allowed in 18 games. Their complementary skills helped the team maintain a balanced attack and a stingy defense.
Lilamae Frank of Lakeview will continue her career at Ball State University next season. She topped her team with 18 goals and 11 assists, earning all‑conference honors and a reputation as a clutch scorer.
Goalkeepers such as Lauren Niemann of Marshall and Bella Carr of Gull Lake turned the net into a fortress. Niemann’s breakout season featured a high save percentage that helped Marshall claim an outright Interstate 8 Conference title, while Carr’s 55 saves kept Gull Lake competitive throughout a demanding schedule.
Defensive standouts like Danika Rothchild of Pennfield recorded 180 saves, anchoring a backline that limited opponents to few scoring chances. Her reliability allowed the team to play with confidence and mount counter‑attacks.
Several captains were recognized for their leadership. Addison Burkett of Olivet, Addison Mitchell of Harper Creek and Rylee Zumer of Harper Creek each guided their squads through challenging seasons, helping their teams contend for conference titles and deep playoff runs.
The roster also showcases versatile talents such as Aivry Chavez of Coldwater, who posted 14 goals and nine assists while earning all‑conference honors in the Interstate 8, and Tessa Cothron of Gull Lake, who contributed 10 goals and seven assists from midfield. Their ability to influence the game in multiple ways underscores the depth of talent in the region.
With commitments to collegiate programs, including Lilamae Frank’s upcoming stint at Ball State, the 2026 All‑Enquirer team not only honors past achievements but also looks ahead to the next chapter of these athletes’ careers. Their stories reflect a vibrant soccer culture that continues to grow across southwest Michigan.