Rising Stars Set to Shape the 2026 Season
The 2026 high school soccer season in the Greater Cincinnati region is poised to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory, as a wave of senior talent prepares to lead their teams after a period of rebuilding.
Among the standout defenders, Aubrey Baker of West Clermont has already drawn attention after a second‑place finish in the Eastern Cincinnati Conference and a first‑team all‑district selection, having posted seven shutouts while allowing just 25 goals.
Lilah Beers from Madeira continues to dominate between the posts, having helped her squad capture the Division V state championship with a remarkable 16 shutouts and only 14 goals conceded, earning all‑district honors in the process.
Ava Bergman of Anderson brings a potent offensive spark, having recorded 11 goals and 14 assists in 2025 while guiding her team to a 14‑5‑4 record and garnering all‑district recognition.
Ella Cook of Little Miami was honored as the ECC Defensive Player of the Year and secured an all‑district berth after leading her side to the conference championship with 13 shutouts.
Parker Evans from Mason anchored a defense that posted 13 shutouts, a performance that helped the team capture the Greater Miami Conference title and earned her first‑team All‑Southwest District honors.
Kendall Hanlon of Western Brown emerged as the top scorer in the Southern Buckeye Athletic and Academic Conference, steering her team to an American Division co‑title with a 15‑game winning streak.
Jada Kassner of Fayetteville‑Perry earned all‑district accolades with 96 saves and four shutouts, playing a key role in her team’s conference‑title run.
Averie Layman from Batavia was named the SBAAC‑American Player of the Year, contributing 30 goals and 12 assists as Batavia claimed an American Division co‑title.
Macy Mueller of Madeira added to the region’s defensive depth, receiving selections to both the All‑Central Region and All‑Ohio teams while helping the team force 16 shutouts during a state‑championship run.
Abigayle Penote of Summit Country Day contributed 10 goals and six assists, earned all‑district honors and was part of a Summit squad that captured the 2025 state championship.
Poppy Wakefield from Springboro capped a standout season with a 16‑3‑1 record, first‑team all‑league honors and participation with the Panama national youth side in international competition.
Midfielder Lou Giudugli of Badin, Kentucky, is poised to add creativity to his team's attack, while Bella Heile from Cincinnati Country Day, McKenna Hughes of Beechwood, Ohio, Josie Hyden of Cooper, Kentucky, Allie McCauley from Indian Hill, Ohio, Reagan Nieman of Cincinnati Country Day, Emma O'Brien of Notre Dame, Ohio, Elle Speelman from Mariemont, Ohio, Julia Stegman of Walnut Hills, Ohio, Lauren Vaughn of Seton, Ohio, Macy Yelton of Springboro, Ohio and Addy Zawaly of Walnut Hills, Ohio are also expected to make significant contributions as they transition to the next level, with several already committed to Division I programs including Robert Morris, the University of Alabama and Wright State.
Coaches and analysts alike predict that the blend of elite defense, dynamic attacking talent and reliable goalkeeping will make the upcoming season a showcase of the region’s growing soccer pedigree.