The 2026 girls soccer season is set to begin on August 17, and the Columbia area is already buzzing with anticipation. Local programs are bringing back a core of standout athletes who helped shape the region’s recent successes, and their performances promise to raise the bar for high school soccer in Tennessee.
Summer Riley’s Record‑Setting Campaign
Summer Riley, a senior who will soon head to the University of Florida, capped her high school career with a program‑record 43 goals and earned District 10‑AAA Player of the Year honors. Her 2025 accolade as The Tennessean’s Girls Soccer Player of the Year underscores a season in which she turned the net into a constant threat.
Among the other offensive weapons, Ashlan Alexander led the Battle Creek Grizzlies with 24 goals and 10 assists, a combination that secured her a spot on the All‑Area team. Savannah Evans added 17 goals and five assists, earning first‑team All‑District 8‑AA recognition, while Sydney Bratton, also a district offensive player of the year, contributed 17 goals and six assists. Vannya Mejia, a two‑time all‑district honoree, will join Bratton up front for Columbia Central, giving the Lions a potent two‑pronged attack.
In midfield, Marley Ayers distinguished herself with 11 goals and 11 assists as a junior, showcasing a rare blend of scoring and playmaking. Freshman Peyton Shimatsu, the District 10‑A MVP, posted 10 goals and six assists from the center of the park, hinting at a bright future. Both players are expected to be pivotal in orchestrating their teams’ offensives.
Defensively, Grace Charley was named District 3 Defensive Player of the Year, helping Columbia Academy keep six clean sheets while also chipping in seven assists. Goalkeeper Ava Sweere earned district goalkeeper of the year honors, posting seven shutouts and allowing just 18 goals in 18 games for Summit. Megan Parkinson, a senior defensive midfielder, contributed six goals and three assists while anchoring the back line.
Emerging talent also surfaced, with eighth‑grader Emerson Massey earning All‑District 10‑A honors after delivering 19 goals and five assists for Culleoka. Her early impact suggests that the region’s talent pipeline remains deep.
The season’s opening date of August 17 will see these players take the field with high expectations, each aiming to build on their individual achievements and guide their teams toward deeper playoff runs. As the new campaign approaches, the blend of seasoned leaders and fresh faces promises a compelling narrative for fans across the state.