The 2026 IHSAA girls soccer season is set to open on August 15, ushering in a fresh wave of sophomore talent across Indiana’s high school fields.
Defensive Pillars
At Westfield, Kate Berzai logged 1,464 minutes a year ago and was part of a defense that recorded five shutouts, establishing herself as a reliable anchor between the posts.
Anna Livingston served as a key defender for the Wildcats, contributing three assists and a goal while helping the side to seven shutouts.
Jillian Martin broke into the varsity lineup late in the 2025 regular season and held her spot, adding stability to the back line.
Midfield Maestros
Lynley DeHerdt paced the Wildcats with 17 assists last season and also scored four goals, driving the team’s offensive rhythm.
Evynn Rudolph dished out nine assists while chipping in five goals for Ben Davis, showcasing her playmaking ability.
Charlotte Tran emerged as a dual threat, recording 15 assists and 14 goals for the Wildcats, a rare combination for a sophomore.
Scorers and Front‑Line Threats
Adriana Benitez, an ECNL player with Indy Eleven, led her junior varsity side in scoring as a freshman and now looks to translate that offensive spark to the varsity level.
Jocelyn Franklin, a freshman sensation, contributed 10 goals and seven assists, key pieces in the Trojans’ 19‑3 campaign.
Kinley Tolbert found the net 13 times and added seven assists, contributions that helped Center Grove reach the state semifinals.
Saige Usher led the Fighting Irish with 14 goals and seven assists, amassing 35 points and anchoring the attack.
Gwyneth Provost turned in 37 saves for Carmel, allowing just six goals over 22 games and guiding the team to the Class 3A state title match.
The breadth of talent extends beyond the highlighted names, with players such as Emme Bukovac, Sophia Cera, Kelsey Nehrling, Selah Roach, Aleah Robinson and others drawing attention from coaches and teammates.
With such a deep pool of emerging stars, the upcoming season promises competitive matchups, unexpected breakthroughs, and the chance for several sophomores to cement their status as future leaders.