Vermont’s emerging goal‑scoring talent
The Burlington Free Press’s seasonal preview series turns its spotlight to the girls soccer attackers who will shape the 2026 campaign. Across the state’s high school ranks, fifteen forwards have been identified as the players to watch, each bringing a blend of proven production and fresh potential.
The recognition stems from a 2025 season that saw a mix of all‑state selections, league honors and record‑setting performances. From the Division I powerhouses to the rising D‑III programs, the forwards represent a cross‑section of Vermont’s growing soccer talent.
Standout performances from a year ago
Teagan Boynton of Otter Valley earned a place on the Division III coaches’ all‑state team and the Southern Vermont League ‘B’ first team after a breakout year. Similarly, Sidney Burdick from Burlington secured a second‑team Metro Division nod, while Sophia Calcagni of Peoples led her D‑III runner‑up squad to the top of the Capital Division scoring charts.
Charlotte Clark of Champlain Valley added another layer of excitement by being named to the D‑I coaches’ all‑state first team and earning a spot on the BFP All‑State honorable‑mention list, a testament to her impact in helping the champions clinch the title.
The list also includes players returning from setbacks, such as Evie Keblin of Mount Mansfield, who missed much of the previous season with an ACL injury but is now poised to make an immediate impact. Leigha Kretzer of Fair Haven, already a D‑III coaches’ all‑state selection with 78 career goals, continues to rewrite the record books.
A glimpse across divisions
In the Metro Division, names like Penelope Cyr of Burr and Burton, Olivia Martel of Colchester and Lucy Moriarty of St. Johnsbury earned second‑team honors, while Ketila Selemani of Winooski collected all‑state accolades and a place on the BFP All‑State honorable‑mention list after guiding her team to a runner‑up finish.
Freshmen made early splashes as well; Rachel Scherer of North Country broke onto the Capital Division first team in her debut year, and Payton Shepard of Mount Abraham contributed to a strong Lake Division showing. The depth of talent across the state suggests a competitive landscape as the 2026 season approaches.
With the preview series extending beyond soccer to other fall sports, the spotlight on these forwards underscores a broader narrative of growth and ambition for Vermont high school athletics. Fans can expect a season filled with goal‑mouth excitement and emerging storylines.