Players to Watch: ECNL Girls Phoenix Spring 2024 National Event
(Pictured Above: Class of 2025 LA Breakers 07 ECNL midfielder and SoccerWire Featured Player Gemma Ozturk.)
The fourth ECNL Girls National Event of 2024, ECNL Phoenix, is taking place from April 5-7 in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ. (College Coaches)
ECNL Phoenix will feature 286 teams from across the league’s U12-U17 age groups. To view the schedule for ECNL Phoenix, click here.
Ahead of the weekend’s action, here are some players to know from this year’s event. Players are listed according to their graduation year.
You can nominate also nominate a player who has stood out this season that will be attending the event through the following link.
2030
Emilia Lekousis | Goalkeeper
Pateadores 11 (CA)
A superb communicator, Lekousis provides a calming presence inside of Pateadores’ defensive third. From a technical and tactical standpoint, she possesses excellent instincts and makes sound decisions on the ball and in organizing their defense.
2029
Emma Esterbrook | Goalkeeper
Pateadores SC 11 (CA)
A calming presence on the field, Esterbrook is a proven shot-stopper and potent presence in the air. Skilled with her feet and calm under pressure, the Pats #99 has command of her area and the presence of mind to find the right pass at the right time, and the distance to put it where she wants.
2028
Jenna Bartlett | Midfielder
Eagles SC 08 (CA)
The recent USYNT U14 call-up leads a talented Eagles attack that has scored 30 goals in conference play this season, the most among all 08 teams in the Mojave Division. Bartlett’s speed and pacey movement make her highly difficult to break down and a threat on any attacking play.
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Asha Kikama | Midfielder-Defender
Eclipse Select 10 (IL)
A leader on the pitch, Kikama’s strong defensive work helped push Eclipse to a Midwest Conference Championship last season and an Elite Eight appearance. At the center-back position she can make the tough track backs to stem goal-scoring chances while also providing her team shape from the back as they organize the attack.
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Evangeline Reid | Forward
Placer United 09 East (CA)
A member of the CalNorth State ODP team, Reid has recently been selected for the Western regional camp in Salt Lake City this summer. She has also had multiple goals and assists this year along with a hat trick her first game of the year in a tournament. Reid also plays semi professional soccer for Racing Sacramento.
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Alexandra Bartee | Forward
Tulsa SC 09 (OK)
Currently leads her team goals with 15, leading Tulsa in a tough Texas Conference. She is highly effective at creating space between herself and the defense, using her speed and agility to her advantage. Inside and outside of the eighteen, she can hit accurate shots on target when facing multiple defenders.
2027
A USYNT Talent ID Center call-up last November, Selvaggio is coming into the Phoenix in excellent form, leading Legends FC’s 09s to an 8-4-2 record on 26 points in Northwest Conference play. Selvaggio excels at making small tactical adjustments throughout the match, working with her defense to shore up gaps and mark opponents. Thanks in part to her work between the posts, Legends have earned six shutouts across all ECNL competitions this season.
Returning from an ACL injury last week, Glover made an immediate impact to the San Juan attack leading them to a 4-0 win over Pleasanton RAGE in Northern California conference play. Whether making runs off of the ball or driving directly at defenders, Glover is an attacking force for San Juan and was an integral part of their ECNL National Playoff run last season. San Juan already has an attack that has scored 49 goals this season (most in the ECNL 08 Northern California conference). But with a healthy Glover it gives San Juan’s coaching staff more flexibility up top , making them highly difficult to break down.
Leads a high octane Koge attack that has outscored opponents 16-6 in the Northern California conference their last six games, leading her team to a 5-1-0 record during that same time frame. Cook has excellent vision on the pitch and can find the gaps necessary to help move Koge into an attacking position. Cook’s strong understanding of passing lanes and how to time her service to teammates is a testament to her work as a member of the USA Junior Women’s American Football Team. She is also a three-time USA Track and Field All-American.
Between the posts, McBride always seems up for making the difficult save against opponents. When under pressure, McBride can make the decisive stop and then start possession with either a quick throw or long punt. McBride has been selected to six USYNT ID Center events in the past and is having a strong season for San Juan, going 11-1-1 in ECNL Conference play.
Led the Scorpions to back-to-back victories over World Class FC (2-0) and FSA FC (3-1), sending them to Phoenix on a high note. Inside of the eighteen, Nassiff dominates attackers using her height and strength to win difficult balls and make key saves. The dual sport athlete is an ace also on the basketball court, having just helped Moses Brown’s varsity program to a state championship.
Marie-Kristine Djacga | Outside back- Winger
De Anza Force 08 (CA)
Provides De Anza with limitless speed and pace down the flank and can use her strong first touch to break through any defense. When defending counter-attacks, Djacga times her runs perfectly so that she can strip opponent’s cleanly and give her the best chance at retaining possession. On the attacking end, she can deliver quality service into the box for her teammates to capitalize on. Thanks to her efforts on both sides of the pitch, De Anza have yet to lose in Northern Cal conference play this season (11-0-2, 35 points).
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Ma’Lia Patolo | Midfielder-Defender
MVLA 08 (CA)
Selected to El Salvador’s under-17 Youth National Team this winter, Patolo has a had strong season anchoring the MVLA defensive midfield this season. Thanks to her efforts in closing passing lanes and forcing opponents out of the center of the pitch, MVLA have allowed just nine goals this season in ECNL play. Late in matches, Patolo can slow down or speed up possession and can stretch out plays with a clear pass to the outside. For Crystal Springs Uplands school she was named the WBAL Skyline Soccer Midfielder of the Year.
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Bridget Kopmeyer | Midfielder
Internationals SC 09 (OH)
Runs the ISC midfield and helps move the team from a defensive posture to an attacking one. Her slick passing and tight, consistent ball control helps the team retain their shape while also giving her teammates up top time to get open. ISC are currently at the top of the Ohio Valley Conference-North Division (7-0-0, 21 points).
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Natalie Gram | Goalkeeper
Eastside FC 08 (WA)
Earned seven clean sheets for Eastside in ECNL play this season, including back-to-back 1-0 victories over PacNW SC and Boise Thorns. A USYS National Team invitee earlier this winter, Gram has shown a knack for making long throws and booming punts out to her teammates to start possession. She is also more than willing to take on attackers in one-on-one situations.
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Hayley Kase | Midfielder
Beach FC 09 (CA)
Pieces together long, sustained possessions through the midfield for Beach FC, helping form their shape and identity. Her passes and strong defensive skills make her formidable midfielder whose athleticism sets her apart. As a striker, she’s known for her versatility and ability to use both feet to maneuver and score with finesse.
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Alexa Newman | Forward
Eastside FC 08 (WA)
The two-time USYNT ID Center invitee is coming off of a strong high school season in which she earned First Team 4A All-State honors with Mount Si High School. In club play, she is coming off of a multi-goal performance in Eastside’s 4-1 win over Seattle United.
goals this week against Seattle United 08 ECNL. @PrepSoccer @TopDrawerSoccer @ImYouthSoccer @ECNLgirls @TheECNL pic.twitter.com/39f7yylTEs
— •Alexa Newman• ECNL• 2027 • ?⚽️ (@alexanewman22) March 26, 2024
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Rhea Moore | Forward
San Juan SC 09 (CA)
Selected to the USYS ODP National Team and the USYNT ID Center events this winter Moore provides her ECNL team with dynamic attack from any forward position. Moore finds her teammates in the box to create scoring opportunities and can put the ball in the back of the net with speed and power.
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Addyson Dickey | Forward
Washington Premier FC 08 (WA)
Dickey enters the Phoenix Showcase on a scoring tear, scoring eleven goals in twelve games. She has also proven herself already this year at the ECNL National Event level, playing up with Washington’s 05/06s in Florida, scoring three goals.
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Jordyn Laris | Defender
Arizona Arsenal 09 (AZ)
Leads an Arizona defense that has allowed just eight goals this season in Southwest Conference play, the lowest among all teams. Laris never lets an attacker out of her sight and can limit their passing lanes with small adjustments to her positioning. She is also more than willing to roll her sleeves up and dig in, making clean, professional tackles and challenges.
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Yasmine Diaz | Defender
FC Stars Blue 08 (MA)
The El Salvador U17 defender is a shifty left or right back that is always quick to make a tackle and jumpstart the counter attack. She work at limiting an opponent’s number nine helps slow down attacks and gives her teammates time to organize. With El Salvador she featured in ten of their under-17 World Cup Qualifiers helping them reach the final round in CONCACAF. For Lawrence Academy High School she has earned Defensive Player of the Year and NEPSCAC First Team honors.
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Savannah Jackson | Defender
Slammers HB Koge 09 (CA)
The five-time USYNT ID Center invitee has had an exemplary start to the season for Slammers, leading their backline that has allowed just 12 goals in Conference play this season. She has also been an integral part of their attack, providing three goals and four assists.
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Berkley Stein | Midfielder
La Roca FC 09 (UT)
Possesses superior organization in the midfield and can pick out teammates with clean passes anywhere on the pitch. Leading the La Roca midfield out of the back, she helps create long, sustained possessions with her passing and dribbling skills. Her work in setting up the attack helped La Roca’s 09s earn a 6-2-2 record in Northwest Conference play on 20 points.
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Bria Moriarty | Forward
Beach FC ECRL 08 (CA)
Bria has scored 21 goals in the 14 games her team has played the ECRL season. Shes an athletic center forward who earned All-Regional League Team honors in the 2022-2023 season as she lead her to team to Nationals in Virginia last summer.
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Malia Kelley | Defender
Washington Premier FC 08 (WA)
Dominated high school play last year for Roosevelt, helping the team win the 3A State Championship while earning First Team All-Division honors. Kelley is a leader for Premier at the center-back position, able to use her strong right foot to clear out dangerous balls in the box. She is a two-time USYNT ID Center invitee and can also play outside back.
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Kennedy Jackson | Goalkeeper
Washington Premier FC 08 (WA)
The two-time USYNT ID Center selection earned a ECNL Conference Cup call-up last summer for her excellent work between the posts for Premier last season. She has followed up her strong 2022-2023 campaign with an equally impressive effort this season, leading the team to a 6-3-3 record on 21 points. For Sumner High School, she has earned First Team All-League and All-Area honors as well as Second Team All-State. A consummate shot stopper with superior glove work, she will be highly difficult for attackers to break down in Phoenix.
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Ella Coates | Winger-Forward
Washington Premier FC 08 (WA)
Whether playing as a winger or at the traditional forward position, Coates causes major problems for defenders using her speed and quick thinking to create goal-scoring opportunities. The Peninsula High Schooler is coming off of a strong campaign in which she was selected for the state’s 3A All-State Team. She has also participated in multiple ODP camps throughout her career.
2026
Spearheads a Beach FC attack that has scored 50 goals this season in Southwest Conference play this season, leading them to the top of the Mojave division (13-1-0, 39 points). Mills can make the tough diagonal runs that give defenders nightmares. Her subtle touches can also make them miss, giving her space to either hammer a shot from distance or find an open teammate.
Slotting in as either a defender or winger, Pfeiffer helps open up play for LAFC So Cal. She is coming off of a strong high school season with Oaks Christian High School, helping them clinch their league title. In the defensive third, Pfeiffer closely marks her target giving them little space to link up with teammates.
One of the top left backs out of Dallas, Texas Dowdle returns to Sting after coming off of a strong week with her high school team Sachse High School. Thanks to her stellar defensive work and tight, consistent marking Dowdle helped lead the Lady Mustangs to an Area and Bi-District Championship.
Started her spring ECNL season in fine form, making 13 saves on 14 shots in their 1-1 draw against Bay Area Surf. McLin has played for multiple Davis teams in ECNL Showcase play this year and has excelled at every task thrown at her. Her superior glove work and ability to time her dives to make the necessary stop has given her team’s confidence as they set up possession.
Mia Villalpando | Midfielder-Defender
San Diego Surf 08 (CA)
Sliding in at the midfield or in defense, Villalpando is instrumental in setting up Surf’s shape and building plays out of the pack. Her crisp passes and long crosses are always on point, giving teammates quality service to work with on the attack (51 goals scored this season). She can also make the track back on defense and impede opponent’s efforts at goal (seven goals allowed). Villalpando was recently called up to Mexico’s under-17 Youth National Team earlier this month.
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Peyton Marinos | Forward
SoCal Blues 08 (CA)
Serving as SoCal’s number nine Marinos has led a SoCal attack that have scored 30 goals in Southwest Conference-Sonoran Division play this season. In addition to having a thunderous shot, Marinos can also lay off and work as a holding forward for her teammates. Last season, she received ECNL All-American First Team honors and was called into the USWYNT U-16 camp last September.
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Madi Holly | Defender
La Breakers 07 (CA)
Holly is a dynamic outside back who can make the quick stop and immediately transition into the attack. On either side of the ball, she is a difference-maker in one-on-one situations. The Breakers enter the ECNL Phoenix event having earned two strong recent shutouts over ECNL Southwest competition (4-0 over Sporting California and 0-0 against Utah Royals AZ-FC).
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Ella Kelley | Midfielder
Sting Royal 07 (TX)
Coming off of a strong Dallas Cup in which she scored twice and added an assist (with one of their victories coming while playing with just nine players) Kelley will look to continue to play at a high level in Phoenix. In the midfield, she can control the pace of the match with the slightest of movements forcing defenders to miss and opening up space inside of Sting’s attacking third.
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Sienna Respicio | Midfielder-Forward
Rebels SC 07 (CA)
Operating on the outside as either a defender or midfielder, Respicio is a constant threat to opponents. Her electric pace, and consistent dribbling gives opponents fits and hampers their ability to create attacking chances from the outside. For her high school this season, she was named to the Metropolitan Mesa League’s All-League First Team.
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Madalynn Putnam | Midfielder
Sting Royal 07 (TX)
Madalynn is coming off a great sophomore high school season with 31 goals and 20 assists thus far for Forney High School this season (they are entering the third round of playoffs this week). Putnam provides speed and great ball control along with her shooting and crossing ability, that helped her get two goals and two assists in the Dallas ECNL Showcase. She is a versatile outside midfielder that is able to win balls defensively and then transition with crisp threatening passes to her teammates in the offensive end.
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Chloe Edwards | Midfielder
Tennessee SC 08 (TN)
Edwards has scored three goals and tallied two assists thus far for Tennessee this season. She is coming off of a strong high school season in which she earned Division II All-State and All-Region honors while being named the team MVP and Offensive MVP.
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Kassy Uzelman | Midfielder
Tennessee SC 08 (TN)
Uzelman leads a Tennessee team that enter ECNL Phoenix having won their last two consecutive matches in Ohio Valley Conference play. The 2022-2023 Ohio Valley U15 All-Conference First Team member was an integral part of their Conference Championship last year and is a three-time USYNT Regional ID Center invitee.
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Reese Van Hoozer | Defender
Tennessee SC 08 (TN)
Provides tight, consistent marking in the defensive third for TSC and has been instrumental in the team’s recent victories over FC Pride (4-2) and Indy Eleven (1-0). In close situations, Van Hoozer always maintains her composure and can make the difficult tackles and clearances necessary to preserve results. At the high school level, she has won two state championships for Page.
2025
A Columbia verbal commit, Hawkins anchors a San Juan defense that have allowed eight goals in conference play this season which is the lowest among all teams. Hawkins’ consistency and calm under pressure has helped San Juan maintain their shape in one of the most difficult conferences in the country. At the high school level, she led Del Oro to the CIF Nor Cal Division 1 Championship game and earned First Team All-League honors.
Operating out of the outside back position, McCleery has been effective this season at halting opponent’s advances and immediately starting the Thunder attack. Her precise passes and clear, direct runs into the midfield has also been instrumental in Minnesota opening up play this season and retaining possession for long periods of time. Thanks to her efforts on the defense, the Thunder earned their third ECNL National Playoff appearance in four years and a top three finish in the Midwest Conference (10-1-2, 32 points).
The 5-11 Santa Clara commit has long been a force in net, keeping games close with her front foot approach to the position, her ability to make shooters uncomfortable, and her unique propensity toward big saves. Heading into Phoenix, Oregon Surf 07G is on a 6-2-1 run behind 22 goals scored and a +15 differential. Anderson has compiled a 93.6 save percentage while earning six clean sheets during this stretch. In each game, she has contributed huge saves in crucial situations that leave opponents deflated and susceptible to Oregon’s newly overwhelming counter.
Making her return after a stellar high school season which saw her lead her team in goals (8) and assists (6). The Viewpoint varsity captained earned First Team All-League honors during her high school campaign and will undoubtedly look to use her experience to help Eagles with their playoff push.
Commands attacker’s attention at the center-back position, providing stifling marking while closing gaps in their passing lanes. The two-year captain at Agoura High School can anticipate what opponents are thinking and provide an immediate counter, giving her team’s an edge late in matches. She can also play up top and has given LAFC a spark at times as an attacker.
The Arizona 5A state champion is a box-to-box defender that is also an asset on the attacking end for Arsenal. The left-footed defender helps speed up transition play for Arizona and can deliver quality service into her teammates with clever crosses and diagonal passes. Her ability to read plays and anticipate movements helps Arizona maintain possession while also running a compact defense.
A set piece specialist, Ozturk helped Harvard-Westlake win the Mission League Championship in February with a brilliant corner kick that her Breakers teammate Kaia Santomarco-King headed home. A versatile midfielder, Ozturk can play at either the ten, eight, or six positions and make an impact on the pitch. She is also a leader (for her high school she is the captain) and is constantly providing her teammates with strategy and advice based off of her experience and what she is seeing. In addition to her club and high school exploits, Ozturk has received call-ups for the Turkish U-17 Youth National Team.
Corner kick and assist to secure our spot as Mission League Champions!!!!
So proud of my teammates
?⚫️⚪️@hwathletics @CIFSS @hwgirlssoccer @latsondheimer @PrepSoccer @ImYouthSoccer @SoccerMomInt @TopDrawerSoccer @TheSoccerWire @MilliTakimlar @ncdemirbag pic.twitter.com/afWlQSZmCG— Gemma Ozturk (2025) ??????????? (@gemmaozturkk) February 2, 2024
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Jocelyn Travers | Midfielder-Defender
Bay Area Surf 07 (CA)
The Duke verbal commit is coming off of a strong performance at the CONCACAF under-17 Championship for the United States, where she helped the team earn top honors. In the defense for Surf, Travers can anticipate what attackers are planning and provide an immediate counter to their advances. She also helps build possession through the midfield and works seamlessly with her teammates to maintain their shape and form.
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Tessa Knapp | Forward
Internationals SC 07 (OH)
Leads a high press ISC attack that has already scored 32 goals in Ohio Valley conference playing, leading her team to the top of the North Division standings (5-1-1, 16 points). Against multiple defenders, Knapp always seems able to break free and create goal-scoring opportunities. She has verbally committed to Notre Dame in 2025 and was part of the 36 player USWYNT U17 training camp back in January.
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Alexandra Tay | Defender
Seattle United 07 (WA)
Holds down the Seattle United defense at the center-back position, making decisive clearances and passes out of the back. Thanks to her efforts Seattle have allowed just five goals in Northwest Conference play. Tay has verbally committed to playing college soccer in 2025 at Stanford and was selected to the Northwest All-Conference First Team last season.
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Ava Gardner | Midfielder
Pateadores 07 (CA)
The Pateadores striker can break through defenses with ease and uses her strong powerful right foot to hammer shots from both short and long range. In addition to her exemplary work for her club team, she has had a standout career with St. Margaret’s varsity team, becoming a two-time First Team All-League member as well as the Rookie of the Year.
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Brenna Kelleher | Goalkeeper
DMCV Sharks 07 (CA)
Sitting in 3rd place in the highly competitive ECNL Southwest Conference, Brenna’s team is coming off an undefeated ‘Battle of the Southwest’ run last weekend. Brenna brings a competitive presence in the goal that transcends as a leader who can positively direct her team.
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Ellison Korman | Midfielder
LAFC So Cal 07 (CA)
A composed technician in the midfield, Korman consistently disrupts opponents’ play and uses her excellent touch and quick one-touch passes to skillfully move the ball up the field. A regular starter for both her LAFC and Oaks Christian teams, she’s earned ODP and PDP recognition, helped her team clinch two consecutive league championships, qualify for this year’s inaugural Open Division as one of the top eight teams in the CIF-SS, and earned Second Team honors over the past two consecutive years.
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Paulina Campos | Defender
Rebels SC 07 (CA)
Operating out of the wingback position, Campos is effective on both ends of the pitch for Rebels. On the defensive end, she can shut down opponents on the edges with a clean tackle and can time her runs so that she can make quick interceptions. When on the attack, she can use her blistering speeds to make dangerous runs on the outside and open up play in the middle.
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