The fourth annual TST 7v7 soccer tournament is set to light up the fields of Cary, North Carolina, this summer, offering a $1 million prize purse that has drawn the nation’s most promising college talent.
A Million-Dollar Showcase in Cary
Among the standout names on the roster are Summer Denigan, who transferred from Georgia to UNC for the 2026 season, and Paige Kalal, a 2024 All‑Big Ten Second Team selection, as well as Bella Gaetino, the 2024 All‑ACC Freshman Team honoree.
The women's competition will also feature Bella Najera, the 2023 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, and Samantha Erbach, who netted 29 goals and added 21 assists over two seasons at Xavier. In the men's bracket, Cardinal Legacy, a squad built around Stanford alumni, will square off against Hoosier Army, the Indiana alumni team that includes current IU players.
The tournament’s reach extends beyond college fields, with several prospects already making waves in professional drafts. Isaac Emojong, drafted by DC United in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, and Harrison Bertos, the 31st overall pick by San Diego FC in 2025, are among those expected to attract scout attention.
Other notable transfers and achievements include Kai Tsakiris, a two‑time All‑SEC selection, and Tate Lorentz, the 63rd overall pick by CF Montreal who will return for his senior year, while David Ajagbe earned a spot on the All‑Big Ten Freshman Team after a strong debut.
With a lineup that reads like a who’s who of recent all‑conference teams — Kayla Briggs, Sam Courtwright, Joschi Schelb, and Tate Lampman among them — the event promises high‑stakes matches and a showcase for the next generation of soccer leaders.
Organizers say the prize money reflects a growing investment in the 7v7 format, which bridges the gap between collegiate play and professional opportunities.
United Soccer Coaches and Top Drawer Soccer have partnered with the event, providing ranking expertise and promotional support, while Major League Soccer’s official presence underscores the tournament’s alignment with the sport’s elite pathways.
Fans can expect a weekend of fast‑paced, small‑sided games that highlight technical skill and tactical intelligence, a format that has been credited with accelerating player development.
As the tournament approaches, the excitement is palpable across campuses from North Carolina to Minnesota, from Florida to Michigan State, and from Stanford to Indiana, as each school sends its brightest talents to compete on the national stage.