The Cincinnati Enquirer has unveiled an expanded watch list of sixteen high school girls soccer forwards who are expected to shape the 2026 season.
The roster stretches beyond the traditional ten names because the Greater Cincinnati area is brimming with talent, prompting the newspaper to recognize a broader set of standout athletes.
Spotlight on Top Performers
Ava Bergman of Anderson arrives after a 11‑goal, 14‑assist season and has pledged to play at Robert Morris University.
Aubrey Blakely from Summit Country Day burst onto the scene as a freshman, netting 18 goals and nine assists while guiding her squad to a Division IV state championship.
Kendall Hanlon of Western Brown, who tallied 31 goals last year and shared the SBAAC‑American league co‑championship, is another name drawing attention.
The list also includes players such as Ava Bush from Ross, who contributed 18 goals and 11 assists as a freshman to a league title, and Louise Guidugli of Seton, who returns after a club‑focused period and has committed to the University of Alabama.
Other notable mentions include Taylor Hamilton from Mount Notre Dame, who committed to the University of Missouri and helped her team reach the Division II regional finals, and Poppy Wakefield from Springboro, who has pledged to Kansas State and represented Panama on the national team.
The Enquirer is inviting readers to vote for their favorite forward in an online poll that closes at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 7, adding a community element to the selection.
With commitments to Power‑Four schools, state‑tournament appearances and all‑league honors, the featured forwards represent a deep pool of talent that promises an exciting future for girls soccer in the region.