A Season of Records
The 2026 girls soccer campaign in the Rockford region drew to a close with a series of memorable performances. Rockford Christian pushed deep into the postseason, while Belvidere North captured the NIC‑10 crown without a single defeat. Meanwhile, Byron secured the Big Northern Conference title, rounding out a year that blended tradition with emerging talent.
MVP and All‑State Honors
Haylee Gallas of Belvidere North emerged as the season’s most celebrated player, earning both Most Valuable Player and All‑State accolades. She finished with 35 goals and 13 assists, a combination that underscored her dual threat on the forward line. Ava Reese from Rockford Christian also received All‑State recognition after a 22‑goal season, while Berkeley Stenstrom of Guilford added her name to the All‑State list with 42 goals and 17 assists.
Goal‑Scoring Leaders
Ava Galluzzo of Boylan stood out with 46 goals, the second‑highest total in the area, while Delilah Hawley of Guilford contributed 23 goals and 14 assists. Stella Stubbe from Lutheran scored 39 goals in just 16 appearances, and Kendall Zanoni of Harlem found the net 47 times over 20 games, placing her ninth in the state rankings.
Playmaking and Goalkeeping
Boey Herren from Harlem distinguished herself with 32 assists, ranking 16th statewide, while Avery Malcolm anchored the Rockford Christian defense as one of the area’s top goalkeepers. The midfield and backline contributions were pivotal in shaping the teams’ overall balance and competitiveness.
Across the board, the 2026 season highlighted a depth of talent that extended beyond win‑loss records. From undefeated conference champions to players who topped state leaderboards, the narrative was one of sustained excellence and promising futures for the region’s high school soccer programs.