Player of the Year: Craig Huxtable
Craig Huxtable of Blacksburg was crowned the 2026 Class 4 All‑State Boys Soccer Player of the Year after a season that will be remembered as one of the most dominant in state history. The senior forward powered the Bruins to an unblemished 25‑0 record, netting 31 goals and adding 9 assists while playing every minute of the championship run. His career totals now stand at 72 goals and 35 assists, numbers that speak to a consistency that few high school athletes achieve.
Huxtable’s impact was felt in every knockout round. He struck the decisive game‑winning goal in the Region 4D quarterfinals, then followed with another strike in the regional championship that propelled the Bruins to the state tournament. In the state semifinals he contributed three goals and an assist, and he opened the state title match with the first goal before the team pulled away to a 4‑1 victory over Loudoun County High School. His three first‑team all‑region selections and two River Ridge District Player of the Year awards underscore a resume that blends skill, leadership, and clutch performance.
Coach of the Year: Shelley Blumenthal
Guiding the Bruins to this historic milestone is Coach Shelley Blumenthal, who earned Coach of the Year honors for the second time. Blumenthal’s tenure includes a career record of 637‑56‑25 over 33 seasons, a Hall of Fame induction, and a legacy of 13 state championships and 10 runner‑up finishes. The 2026 title marked the program’s 14th championship and completed a perfect season that featured a 64‑match unbeaten streak from 1998 through 2001. Blumenthal’s strategic acumen was evident in the team’s tactical flexibility, especially during the state semifinals where she orchestrated a midfield shift that created space for Huxtable’s final‑third runs.
A historic season for Blacksburg
Blacksburg’s dominance was reflected in the all‑state selections, with four players earning first‑team honors: Huxtable, Keanan Kopp, Ethan Eschenmann, and Nathan Pratt. The team’s depth was further highlighted by EC Glass’s Ebubenna Ogbu, who secured a spot on the second team, while Cooper Napior’s contributions helped Glass to another strong season. Beyond the individual accolades, the Bruins’ 25‑0 record stands as a testament to a culture of excellence fostered by Blumenthal and sustained by a pipeline of talent that includes alumni who return to mentor younger players. The Virginia High School League’s recognition of both player and coach underscores the symbiotic relationship between leadership and performance that defines the state’s soccer landscape.