The 2026 Indiana High School Athletic Association girls soccer season will kick off on August 15, marking the start of a new chapter for the state’s rising underclassmen.
Coaches across Indiana have been busy evaluating freshman performances from the previous campaign, and their input has helped shape a list of sophomore players who are expected to make a significant impact this fall.
Emerging Talent Across Indiana
Among the names generating early buzz is Adriana Benitez of Westfield, an ECNL alum who topped her junior varsity side in scoring as a freshman, and Kate Berzai from Bishop Chatard, who logged over 1,400 minutes of varsity play last year. Emme Bukovac, who transferred from Carmel, already holds two wins and a save in just ten appearances, while Sophia Cera has shown versatility by thriving in multiple attacking positions.
Defensive standouts such as Jillian Martin from Brownsburg bring a blue‑collar work ethic and strong ball‑winning skills, whereas Lynley DeHerdt of Lawrence North paced her team with 17 assists last season. In goal, Iris Jones of Avon posted 151 saves and averaged 7.9 per game, and Gwyneth Provost of Carmel posted a 37‑save, six‑goal record over 22 appearances.
Other notable sophomores include Jocelyn Franklin of Center Grove, who recorded ten goals and seven assists, and Selah Roach from Roncalli, who led her squad with eleven goals. The list also features attackers like Kelsey Nehrling of Park Tudor, who netted fourteen goals and added five assists, and Aleah Robinson of Pendleton Heights, who topped her team with thirteen scores. These players, selected alphabetically by last name, represent a blend of scoring prowess, playmaking ability, and defensive reliability that promises to shape the competitive landscape of Indiana high school soccer.
The compilation of talent underscores the depth of the 2026 class and reflects the growing emphasis on holistic development within the state’s soccer ecosystem. With the season just around the corner, coaches and fans alike are eager to see how these emerging stars will translate their offseason promise into on‑field success.