Maddie DiMaria, a senior forward from Cor Jesu Academy in St. Louis, Missouri, has been crowned the 2025-26 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year, a honor that caps a high school career defined by relentless excellence.
She guided the Flyers to a flawless 25-0 record, securing the Class 4 state championship and etching her name into the school’s record books with 67 goals and 25 assists in her final season.
A season that rewrote the record books
DiMaria’s 67 goals not only topped the state leaderboard but also placed her among the most prolific scorers in recent Missouri history. Her 25 assists highlighted a rare blend of finishing and playmaking that left opponents scrambling.
The accolade marks her second national Gatorade honor; she had previously been named the 2023-24 Gatorade National Soccer Player of the Year, underscoring a consistency that few athletes achieve.
Beyond the high school stage, DiMaria was a key member of the U.S. Under-15 squad that captured a gold medal at the 2025 CONCACAF Championships, a testament to her impact on the international stage.
Looking ahead to Chapel Hill
Committed to the University of North Carolina, DiMaria will join a program that has long been a powerhouse in collegiate soccer. Ranked as the nation’s top recruit, she arrives with expectations to continue her winning trajectory at the next level.
Her decision reflects both the influence of her high school coaches and the allure of UNC’s storied soccer tradition, a partnership that could reshape the Tar Heels’ attack in the coming seasons.
The recognition also brings attention to the broader ecosystem that supported her rise, from the local clubs that nurtured her talent to the platforms like TopDrawerSoccer and Prep Soccer that tracked her progress.
As the soccer community celebrates her achievements, many will watch closely how DiMaria translates her high school dominance into collegiate success, potentially setting new benchmarks for future generations.