Scout’s View: Class of 2026 and 2027 Standouts from the ECNL Girls Florida National Event

The ECNL Girls Florida National Event opened the New Year with a major opportunity for youth players looking to boost their college recruiting efforts, with 230 of the nation’s top teams playing in front of hundreds of college coaches.

Featuring teams across the U16-U18/19 age groups, ECNL Florida showcased players in several key recruiting classes, including the Class of 2025, 2026 and 2027. Longtime scout Jerry Penkala, owner and operator of JTF Academy, a well-known recruiting management service, provided SoccerWire with a rundown of players from the Classes of 2026 and 2027 who stood out the most during his time watching the action in Florida.

Continue reading for a look at Penkala’s top Class of 2026 and 2027 standouts. To view more top performers from ECNL Florida across all age groups, check out SoccerWire’s ‘Players That Impressed‘.

Class of 2026

Sydney Schmidt – Attacking Mid
Jacksonville FC ’07 – Jersey #14

Plays up on the ’07 team and was clearly the best, most impactful player on the entire field in both games seen. Outworked everyone on the field, had the entire game go through her even though she was man marked as both games went on, and still controlled the entire midfield, completed 99% of her passes (including line breaking longer passes) and never ran out of energy or intensity.

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Lydia Itzoe – Goalkeeper
Pipeline SC ’08 – Jersey #0

Clearly one of the best two 2026 keepers at the entire event. An amazing shot blocker, extremely athletic and made full extension, athletic saves look easy. Technically sound on all types of saves: low, mid and high. She was extremely quick off of her line, controlled her entire 18 and had outstanding foot and throw distribution.

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Camryn Zimmerman – Center Back
North Carolina FC Youth ’08 – Jersey #11

Great size and toughness, was impossible to get around 1v1 and completely controlled the middle of the field. She won every single tackle she stepped in for (outstanding natural instincts on timing for tackles), and controlled the entire back line with great communication and supporting/anticipating covering for the rest of the back line when needed.

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Leah Kuklick – Winger
NC Courage Academy ’07 – Jersey #29

Playing up, Leah was the best, hardest-working and most impactful 2026 winger seen at the event. She had insane speed in open spaces, plus some of the best foot speed in tight spaces. She was a fiercce defender, fought back and forced multiple turnovers in transition and was an overall game changer, no matter which flank she was playing.

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Kennedy Dade – Right Back
FC Alliance ’08 – Jersey #28

Kennedy went against two of the better right wingers in the ECNL and shut them both down completely. Calm, tough, fast, athletic and confident. Kennedy was incredible in 1v1 defending.  She shut down half of the field in back-to-back games.

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Keria Bartholet – Forward
SLSG Navy ’08 – Jersey #6

Keria was the other extremely impactful 2026 forward seen all weekend. Smooth on the ball, fast, smart and creative, Bartholet displayed great off-ball movement and is a natural born finisher.

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Kennady Steinagel – Goalkeeper
Michigan Hawks ’08 – Jersey #1

Starting keeper that led this loaded Hawks team to last year’s National Championship, Kennady was just as solid all event in Florida. Great size and length, her communication was absolutely on point. However, probably most impressive, with such a solid, talented back line in front of her (anchored by Brooklynn Schomaker), while she did not have a ton of action, her outstanding focus, incredibly quick natural side-to-side reflexes and ability to close space quickly if challenged 1v1 near the 18, made some very difficult counter attack moments look routine.

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Megan Goyette – Forward
World Class FC – Jersey #11

A converted center back still learning the front runner position, Megan caused more chaos and made it extremely difficult for the back line to get the ball out of the back, even through it was her pressuring all 4 defenders by herself. When her WCFC team possessed, she played extremely well with her back towards the goal, and could either turn and attack the goal or played off to her open teammates in and around the 18. She was the most defensively disruptive, overall most impactful forward at the entire event.

Class of 2027

Addie Fife – Winger/Forward
Michigan Hawks ’08 – Jersey #14

Addie was not just the best 2027 player at the showcase, she could have been the best overall offensive player at the entire event in ANY grad class. Great size, one of the most athletic players in the entire ECNL, easily the fastest offensive player at the showcase, (she has a burst of speed rarely seen in the past 10 years), plus a rocket shot from anywhere near or in the 18. She has the ability to play with her back to the goal in the final third then turn and burst towards goal and consistently finish, as well as being the best natural finisher in the entire country, with a knack for being in the perfect place in the final third.

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Jordyn Heathcock – Midfielder
Oklahoma Energy FC ’08 – Jersey #5

Jordyn was the other extremely talented 2027 seen in Florida. Her speed in open space and comfort on the ball was special, and her 55-yard assist (on a long free kick) was insane. Her work rate and hassling defensive pressure all over the flank created many transition opportunities.