2026 Girls Soccer Players of the Year Honored by State Journal-Register
The annual recognition celebrates elite high school talent, highlighting record‑breaking scorers, dominant goalkeepers and future collegiate stars.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Bailey Leach across Soccer.
The annual recognition celebrates elite high school talent, highlighting record‑breaking scorers, dominant goalkeepers and future collegiate stars.
The newspaper has revealed five standout athletes who earned all‑state honors from the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association, setting the stage for a community‑driven selection of the state’s top player.
The Cardinals concluded a historic season as the Class 1A state runner‑up, highlighted by the performances of seniors Bailey Leach and Grace Sabatka and a strong showing in the championship match.

The Cardinals surged to a 5‑1 win over Johnsburg, with Leach delivering two goals and an assist, earning a spot in the 1A State Championship Game against Father McGivney on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at North Central College.
The Cardinals dominated their semifinal, scoring five first‑half goals, and now eye a historic championship against Glen Carbon Father McGivney.

Two McHenry County schools enter the IHSA state girls soccer tournament with championship aspirations.

Pleasant Plains girls' soccer team won their third sectional championship by defeating Williamsville 1-0. The Cardinals will now advance to the super sectionals, facing Alleman from Rock Island. The lone goal was scored by Raelynn Brammer in the first half. The team's defense, including goalkeeper Emma Sabatka, held on for the victory. Pleasant Plains aims to return to the state finals, while Williamsville's season ends with their most decorated class in program history.
Pleasant Plains secured a 1‑0 win in the Class 1A Rochester Sectional final, propelled by Raelyn Brammer’s free‑kick heroics. The Cardinals now await their supersectional opponent, as several key seniors prepare to move on.
Regional finals across Springfield and surrounding communities showcased dominant wins, hat tricks and a milestone for Kamryn Hoffman, setting the stage for sectional showdowns.