USA Today Co. has released its preseason Top 25 rankings for Ohio girls soccer, spotlighting the elite high school athletes who are set to shape the 2026 season. The list, compiled from accolades, statistics and coach input, excludes club players and non‑OHSAA teams, aiming to provide a fair comparison across the state.
Rising Stars of Ohio
Kyla Brinton of Lake Brinton earned Federal League Player of the Year honors and set a new career goal record, while Addy Zawaly from Mariemont led her team to a 16‑4 season and secured a commitment to the University of Wisconsin. Delaney Marshall anchored Chippewa’s defense en route to a 22‑2 record, and Ivy Miller of Granville powered her squad to a Division III state semifinal with 33 goals and 12 assists. Hailey Fashinpaur of Revere, after impressive showcase performances, pledged to Michigan State, and Emma McTigue transformed from a center back to a prolific midfielder/forward at Medina, emerging as one of Ohio’s most feared offensive weapons. Kara Buck in goal for Seton posted a 94% save rate, allowing just nine goals, while Lou Guidugli, also from Seton, contributed nine goals and seven assists as a freshman before committing to Alabama.
The rankings also recognize defensive mastery and versatility. Kaylee Morris of Bloom‑Carroll helped her team concede only 13 goals while adding nine goals and three assists, earning first‑team All‑Ohio honors. Abigayle Penote of Summit Country Day played a pivotal role in a Division IV state title run, committing to Cincinnati, and Madelyn Yost of Niles McKinley anchored a backline that reached the state tournament, pledging to Kent State. Blake Sobczak of Dublin Jerome captured Ohio Capital Conference‑Cardinal Player of the Year, scoring 15 goals and five assists, and Ava Bush of Ross earned a spot in the U.S. Soccer Talent ID Center after netting 18 goals and 11 assists as a freshman.
Beyond individual statistics, the list reflects a deep pool of talent that extends to every corner of the state. Cami Moore of Cambridge rewrote OHSAA records with nine goals against Magnolia and eight against Harrison Central, finishing with 47 goals and seven assists and earning all‑district and all‑conference first‑team honors. Kellyn Miller of Medina committed to Kent State after a strong season with Internationals Soccer Club, while Macy Mueller of Madeira contributed two goals and five assists in a Division V state championship effort. Charli Murphy of Millersburg West Holmes scored an area‑best 51 goals, and Hannah Gorman of Hudson, who replaced Addie Frank in goal, trained with the U16 Women’s National Team and participated in international friendlies.
The preseason rankings also highlight future collegiate destinations, with commitments ranging from the University of Wisconsin and Michigan State to the University of Alabama and Kent State. As the 2026 season approaches, these athletes are poised to influence not only their high school teams but also the broader landscape of girls soccer in Ohio, promising a year filled with high‑impact performances and breakthrough moments.