A Season of Stars
The 2026 all‑area girls soccer team for the Midlands was revealed this week, spotlighting the region’s most dynamic performers and the athletes who earned both editorial and reader acclaim. From Lexington to Chapin, the honorees represent a blend of scoring prowess, defensive reliability and emerging freshman talent, each accompanied by a glimpse of their next academic chapter.
Adriana Dunat from Lexington High School was crowned The State’s Player of the Year after a season that saw her net 25 goals and add 11 assists while committing to Davidson College. Her impact resonated throughout the squad, setting a benchmark for offensive excellence.
Avery Stoner of Chapin High School captured the readers’ choice honor, a testament to her consistent contributions that helped the Eagles clinch the Class 5A Division II championship. Lila Bowers, also from Chapin, contributed 26 goals and eight assists, underscoring the team’s depth.
Victoria Coleman of Gray Collegiate posted a staggering 35 goals and 11 assists, sealing her future with South Carolina State University. Freshman Lydia Kiker added 33 goals and 11 assists, signaling a bright outlook for the next generation.
Marta Llorca from Camden led her side with 34 goals and five assists, while Kennedy Bagley of AC Flora earned All‑State recognition and played a pivotal role in the Falcons’ second straight Class 4A championship.
Between the scorers, goalkeeper Ruth Ann McCarty of Gray Collegiate recorded 21 shutouts, anchoring a defense that proved difficult to breach. The breadth of talent extended to players such as Laura Boggs, Rachel Britt, Juliette Carmona, Madeline Gerland, Mary Grace Gabriel, Hailey Jimenez Cortez, Claire Kaminski, Jillian Muir, Brooke Ogorek, Mia Reilly, Angie Rios, Shaelyn Smith, Sydney Stoner and Tessa Walck, each of whom left a measurable mark on their respective teams.
Beyond individual statistics, the season was punctuated by college commitments that charted the next phase of these athletes’ careers. Adriana Dunat will join Davidson, Victoria Coleman heads to South Carolina State, while other standouts signed with institutions including Winthrop University, Presbyterian College, Lander University and Austin Peay State University.