Rising Talent in Columbia Soccer
The 2026 Tennessee high school girls soccer season is set to begin on August 17, bringing fresh hope to programs across the Columbia area. After a year of standout performances, a core group of returning players is poised to shape the competitive landscape.
Summer Riley, the 2025 Girls Soccer Player of the Year, headlines the group. Her record‑breaking 43 goals for the season, coupled with nine assists, earned her the honor from The Tennessean and a commitment to Florida University after stints at Mississippi State.
Ashlan Alexander returns to lead the Battle Creek Grizzlies after a senior campaign that produced 24 goals and ten assists, a performance that secured her a spot on The Daily Herald’s All‑Area team.
Savannah Evans, another Battle Creek standout, was named to the All‑District 8‑AA first team after contributing 17 goals and five assists, underscoring her growing influence.
Midfield dynamo Marley Ayers, an All‑Area selection, will again combine 11 goals with 11 assists from an attacking midfield role, while Grace Charley, the DII‑A District 3 Defensive Player of the Year, anchors a defense that kept six clean sheets and added nine goals with seven assists.
Sydney Bratton, the District 9‑AAA Offensive Player of the Year, returns with 17 goals and six assists, and will share the front line with Vannya Mejia, a two‑time all‑district honoree who leads the Columbia Central Lions’ attack.
Verenise Tovar is slated to drive the Lions’ midfield in her senior year, providing creativity and control, while Emerson Massey, an eighth‑grader who earned All‑District 10‑A honors with 19 goals and five assists, adds youthful firepower for Culleoka.
Peyton Shimatsu, the District 10‑A MVP as a freshman, contributed ten goals and six assists from midfield, and Ava Sweere earned district goalkeeper of the year honors with seven shutouts and just 18 goals conceded in 18 games.
The collective talent spans programs in Battle Creek, Columbia Academy, Columbia Central and Culleoka, promising a season filled with high‑level competition and local pride as the new campaign kicks off on August 17.