Players to Watch: Girls Academy 2024 Champions Cup and Winter Showcase

The Girls Academy 2024 Champions Cup and Winter Showcase is coming up December 5-9, as many of the GA’s top teams will go head-to-head at SilverLakes Sports Complex in Norco, CA.

This event will be the first Champions Cup event of the season with all qualifying teams from U13 to U19 facing off. The Showcase event will feature U15 through U19 teams who will play teams outside of their conference during the event weekend. (ATTENDING SCOUTS)

Ahead of the GA Champions Cup and Winter Showcase, here are some players to know for the showcase. Players are listed according to their graduation year.

You can nominate also nominate a player that will be attending the event. To nominate a player for consideration, CLICK HERE.

2028

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Dahlia Cryan | Defender
NEFC ’10 (MA)

A defensive player to keep an eye on from the Northeast region, Cryan helped lead NEFC to a GA postseason berth last season, while earning a spot on the GA National Talent ID Event roster. She is one of several NEFC players to have also received selections for U.S. Soccer Talent ID Center sessions.

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Kaylen Desmet-Girardi | Defender
Lou Fusz Athletic ’10 (MO)

The versatile defender is coming off a GA National Talent ID call-up after her standout 2023-24 campaign, and she has helped Lou Fusz Athletic get off to a dazzling start once again this fall. Her team’s defense has allowed less than a goal per game while winning 10 straight games to open the season.

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Paige Connelly | Forward
Galaxy SC ’09 (IL)

After a strong season in 2023-24 which resulted in a GA National Talent ID Event invite, Connelly has continued her success this fall for Galaxy SC. Connelly and the Galaxy SC attack are averaging nearly 3 goals per game, while accruing an 11-1-2 record as they sit atop the GA’s Midwest Conference.

A few clips of some of my goals⚽️ and assists🅰️ from this @GAcademyLeague season so far!!💪🏼👏🏼 Looking forward to this weekend in Minnesota🔜@GalaxySCIL @galaxy09GA @TopDrawerSoccer @PrepSoccer @JREskilson @mattsmithsoccer pic.twitter.com/sndRKWwKfL

— Paige Connelly (@paigeconnelly_7) November 19, 2024

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Gabby Beinecke | Forward
Beadling SC ’09 (PA)

Two-time GA Mid-Atlantic Talent ID selection and 2024 GA National Talent ID roster member Gabby Beinecke aided Beadling’s playoff run last summer, and will aim to build on that success this season. Beinecke has also received call-ups to a trio of USWYNT Talent ID events and a USWYNT East Region ID Camp.

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Gracie Lisak | Midfielder
City SC ’10 (CA)

Gracie is a three-time USYNT training center invitee and was invited to attend the Girls Academy Talent ID Event, representing the Southwest Region. She has been hitting her stride in GA league play once again this season, coming off a dominant performance in which she finished with a goal and an assist. (HIGHLIGHTS)

2027

Kendall Conway | Midfielder
Lamorinda SC ’08 (CA)

The star midfielder earned a call-up to the U.S. U-15 Women’s Youth National Team earlier this year, when she was one of the 20 players selected to travel to Europe for a set of June friendlies. Conway has been a longtime standout with the Cal North ODP program, and was named to the GA’s National Talent ID Event roster.

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Charlotte Wilson | Midfielder / Defender
St. Louis Development Academy ’09 (MO)

A key contributor on both sides of the ball for STL DA, Wilson has been an integral part of the team’s 8-2-0 start this fall as they’ve climbed to the top of the GA’s Frontier Conference. Wilson helped guide her team into the Playoffs last summer, and received an invite to the GA National Talent ID Event.

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Chloe Layfield | Forward
Tophat ’09 Gold (GA)

A Class of 2027 forward and a standout new addition to Tophat’s loaded roster, Layfield has made an immediate impact in her first season, netting 17 goals. As a dynamic #9, she plays a critical role in build-up play, linking with her wingers and midfield to create and finish scoring chances.

17 goals this fall with my TopHat 09 Gold team 🫶🏽 and looking forward to Champions Cup matches in Cali in a few weeks #ClassOf2027 @ImYouthSoccer @ImCollegeSoccer @JREskilson @mattsmithsoccer @VicOlorunfemi10 pic.twitter.com/TclGIBlm2U

— Chloe Layfield #10 (2027) (@chloesoccer09) November 18, 2024

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Nicole Sacek | Midfielder
Galaxy SC ’09 (IL)

As an attacking midfielder, Sacek is massively important for Galaxy 09’s success. She’s been a key contributor this fall with 9 goals, while also creating numerous scoring opportunities for her teammates. Her ball control allows her break past defenders in 1v1 situations, as well as creating space. Galaxy’s 09 team advanced to the GA National Finals last summer, and are at the top of the GA Midwest Conference table this fall.

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Keira McMahon | Defender
Galaxy SC ’09 (IL)

Keira is a starting outside back on the best defensive unit in the 2009 GA Midwest Conference, Galaxy SC. They have shored up 9 shutouts and have only allowed .64 goals per game. McMahon is also a set piece specialist and has several assists off corners and a game-winning goal over Kansas Rush. McMahon was recognized by TDS GA Playoff Group Stage Star ‘24, a Prep Soccer IL Standout and GA Final Player to Watch ‘24. She has great vision when playing the ball out of the back and demonstrates high soccer IQ when moving off the ball.

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Tia LaBrecque | Midfielder
NEFC ’09 Red (MA)

A dynamic center midfielder for NEFC, LaBrecque is a member of the U.S. Women’s Deaf National Team roster pool. She is also a standout at the high school level for one of the top-ranked teams in the Northeast, Bishop Feehan High School, which recently captured the Massachusetts D1 State Championship.

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Rylee Shields | Defender
Michigan Jaguars ’09 (MI)

Anchoring a stingy Jaguars defense, Shields has contributed significantly to the team’s 6-0 record with 5 clean sheets in 2024. Known for her versatility as a center back, she excels in 1v1 situations and is quick to join the Jaguars’ potent attack, with several assists and one goal on the season. A previous SoccerWire Player to Watch, Shields has been invited to multiple Midwest Regional and National Talent ID camps. Rylee is currently ranked 37th in the Great Lakes Region on Top Drawer. (HIGHLIGHTS)

2026

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Brooklyn Schiffrin | Forward
Pinecrest Premier ’08 (FL)

At 5-foot-9, Brooklyn uses her size and speed to create opportunities for herself and her teammates. She leads her Pinecrest team in goals coming into their first GA event of the season. She is coming off a hat trick in the Tampa Super Cup last week, rounding into top form as she continues to receive interest from NCAA D1 programs.