Rising Stars of the South Shore
The South Shore has long been a breeding ground for elite girls soccer talent, and this season the region’s finest have once again captured national attention. Based on a combination of high school accolades, collegiate performance and professional breakthroughs, a panel of local experts has compiled a list of the ten most impactful players.
At the forefront is Amy Caldwell, who earned Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Massachusetts for two consecutive years and guided Braintree High to multiple state championships. Her blend of vision and finishing has made her a standout even before stepping onto a college field.
Niki Cross, the first local Gatorade Player of the Year in 2001, took her game abroad, carving out a professional career that spanned Sweden, Australia and the NWSL, proving that the South Shore’s talent can thrive on the world stage.
Eve Hewins, the 2016 Gatorade Player of the Year, led Hingham to three straight EMass Division 2 crowns, a testament to her leadership and consistency that continued to shine during her collegiate years.
Sam Mewis and her sister Kristie Mewis represent a rare sibling duo that has each earned multiple Gatorade Player of the Year recognitions. Sam’s two‑time award, combined with a stint on the U.S. Women’s National Team and a pivotal role in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory, underscores the family’s deep soccer roots.
Lilly Reale, a 2018 high school All‑American, captured the Honda Sports Award as the nation’s top collegiate women’s soccer player in 2022, a accolade that followed a stellar run at the University of North Carolina and a professional debut with Gotham FC.
Alexis Rothmann’s two‑time All‑American status and her role in steering Norwell to a Division 3 state championship in 2018 highlighted a career that has since transitioned into a promising collegiate pathway at a leading university.
Jocelyn Savastano, a 2002 All‑American from Plymouth North, set scoring records both at the high school level and during her tenure at Saint Anselm College, where she continued to break new ground in offensive production.
Ally Sentnor, who spent two seasons at Thayer Academy before being named Sports Illustrated’s Sports Kid of the Year in 2019, has already begun to make waves in the professional arena, signaling a bright future ahead.
Caitlin Whelan, the 2004 Gatorade Player of the Year, concluded her high school career with a distinguished stint at the University of New Hampshire, where she amassed a strong record that paved the way for her ongoing development in the sport.
Beyond the High School Field
The transition from high school stardom to collegiate competition has seen these players join prestigious programs such as Boston College, UConn, Princeton and UCLA, each of which has a storied women’s soccer tradition. Their collegiate performances have not only earned them All‑American honors but also attracted the attention of professional clubs.
Professional opportunities have materialized across top leagues, with several alumni signing contracts in the NWSL and abroad. Notably, Sam Mewis’s contributions helped the United States Women’s National Team secure the 2019 World Cup, while Kristie Mewis’s career spanned from 2013 to 2025, leaving a lasting imprint on the sport.
As these athletes continue to evolve, their journeys reflect a broader narrative of the South Shore’s enduring influence on women’s soccer, a legacy that will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of talent.