Players To Watch: Girls Academy 2023 Winter Showcase and Champions Cup
(Pictured Above: Class of 2025 TSJ FC Virginia goalkeeper and SoccerWire Featured Player Lillian Mitchell has continued her stellar play between the posts this season.)
The Girls Academy National Events calendar is set to begin with the GA Winter Combine and Champions Cup from November 30 – December 4 at the Silver Lakes Sports Complex in Norco, California. (College Coaches)
The GA Winter Combine and Champions Cup will feature teams from across the league’s U13-U18/U19 age groups. To view the schedule, 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.
2028
Liliana Rubio | Forward
Lamorinda SC 08 (CA)
Recently called up to the Mexican U17 Youth National Team for their friendlies against Guatemala and Costa Rica, she was called up for the USYNT U15 ID Camp in late October. Although for both countries she typically plays as an outside for Lamorinda she features at the winger position. No matter where she is on the pitch she has a dynamic first touch and electric speed.
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Emma Terrell | Forward
Lonestar SC Red 10 (TX)
One of the top goal scorers from Lonestar’s 2010 GA Red team, Emma can disrupt a defenses rhythm playing at either center forward or winger. Her vision for the field, speed and ability to get in behind the defense and create havoc makes her a dangerous player up top.
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Ashlyn Bazile | Midfielder
CUP 09 (OH)
A two-time USYNT ID Center invitee and a member of the GA’s Mid-America Regional Talent ID event this year, Bazile is a major cog in the CUP attack. Last season, she contributed seven goals down the stretch en route to her team winning the GA National Championship.
2027
Ties up attackers with providing them with little space to operate and can make the challenge to dispossess them on goal-scoring opportunities. The four-time USYNT ID Camp invitee has led LA Surf once again to the top of the Southwest Conference standings (7-0-1, 22 points). Their defense has allowed just four goals in league play this season and includes a five game shutout streak to start the season.
A leader in Lou Fusz’s defensive third, Douglas has earned seven clean sheets this season. Her acrobatic saves and strong throws to the outside has helped them to a 10-3-4 record on 31 points. This summer she toured with Dutch Soccer Holland Tour Team this summer in Europe, making 94 saves over 7 games.
A newcomer to the Wisconsin club, Libby has established herself in the SC Wave midfield this season. She’s scored 2 goals and earned 8 assists with first place, undefeated Wave SC 07 ahead of the Champions Cup. A tireless box to box midfielder, Libby is tenacious on defense, stays composed on the ball, and has great vision finding passes and space for her teammates.
Highly technical defender capable of stopping runs, dispossessing opponents and then transitioning effectively to attack Rand can do it all in the defense for NYSC. Her accurate passing from the wing and excellent service on corners and set pieces also makes her an asset on the attack as well.
Remy Brawner | Forward
Lou Fusz Athletic 09 (MO)
A two-footed forward with a nose for goal, Brawner has a 1.1 goal per game average in her fall 2023 Girls Academy Frontier Conference games. Remy’s speed and movement on and off the ball make her an impactful player on the front line against any defense.
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Peyton Nordby| Midfielder
Kansas Rush 08 (MO)
New to Kansas Rush 08 this season, Nordby has provided a spark in the midfield this season for the team. On a tactical level, her anticipation of the game and vision allows her to create space for her teammates and give opponents headaches is a headache. As for her technique, she can quickly change directions and switch the field of play with a long cross or pass.
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Kalyn Savage | Defender
SD SC Surf 08 (CA)
Team Captain that anchors the SDSC Surf defense, Savage can play multiple positions along the backline and help her defensive line mates out in an emergency. She currently leads the team in minutes played and creates numerous scoring opportunities from the defensive position.
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Lily Jeakle | Forward
Nationals SC Blue 08 (MI)
The reigning Golden Boot winner from last season’s national playoffs is looking to help Nationals defend their Champions Cup title. Nationals is off to another strong start this season, in part, led by Jeakle’s combination play and relentless dashes at opposing back lines.
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Maci Martinez | Midfielder
Colorado Rush Academy 08 (CO)
Recently selected to represent the United States at the 2023 Soccer.com Club Partner XI trip down in New Zealand, Martinez has made her mark as a USYNT ID Camp Participant as well as a member of Colorado’s ODP program. In addition, she also has experience having participated in the ECNL playoffs as well as having been invited to the Cal North Mini Camp.
2026
Captained Galaxy’s 07s to US Youth Soccer Nationals and has helped them in their transition to GA, where they sit securely in 2nd place in the Midwest. A quick and versatile athlete, Wigfield can play all three midfield positions at a high level. She is a true two-way player with a high work rate that allows her to dominate in aerial battles.
After making the move from Legends FC in the ECNL in the offseason, Sloane has made an immediate impact for her new team City SC in the GA. In City’s midfield, she has helped lead the team to the top of the Southwest Conference (6-0-2, 20 points). On both sides of the pitch, Phillips is the consummate playmaker, able to both make a difference in the attack and on the defense. With Legends, she helped lead the team to back-to-back ECNL National Finals appearances.
Crabb has had a strong 2023 with both KC and her high school Bentonville. With BHS, she helped the team earn the Arkansas Women’s Soccer 6A West State Championship while picking up West All-Conference First Team honors. With Rush she serves as Team Captain and is the Club’s GA Advisor Representative. At the center-back position, she stifles opponents work in the center of the pitch and can help set up the team’s shape.
Sydney Snow | Midfielder
Tophat SC Gold 08 (GA)
Last year’s Most Valuable Player in the U15 GA National Championship, Snow has continued her strong form scoring 13 goals and adding 9 assists. Snow can hit a shot on target from anywhere inside the eighteen yard box and is also more than capable of creating a goal-scoring opportunity for her teammates.
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AvaLee Pomper | Midfielder
Nationals SC Gray 08 (MI)
A box-to-box midfielder with a knack for scoring goals, Pomper led Nationals in goals scored last season. In even the toughest of situations she can maintain her composure and keep her focus at the task at hand. Pomper was invited to participate in the GA’s Mid-America Talent ID Roster event last June.
Won the ball, saw the slide tackle coming, pulled back and turned to survive it with the ball still at my foot, pass and move to space @NationalsGA @GAcademyLeague @CoachDR7 @pkepler2 @TheSoccerWire @TopDrawerSoccer @PrepSoccer pic.twitter.com/cNij5jeUEA
— AvaLee Pomper (@Avalee_Pomper) November 16, 2023
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Lily Selvy | Goalkeeper
Lou Fusz Athletic 08 and 07 (MO)
Playing with both the 2008 and reigning national champions 2007 Lou Fusz teams, Selvy was selected for her 5th USYNT Talent ID Center in September. Anchoring the 2008 team defense with center backs Gracie Milam and Parker Dieck, she has only conceded two goals across all competitions this fall.
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Kyleigh Wilson | Midfielder
Kansas Rush 07 (MO)
Leads Rush in goals this season from the wing position, using her speed to stretch the field. Her confidence down the wing allows for her to create goal-scoring opportunities for both herself and her teammates, as evidenced by her brace and an assist in their 2-2 draw with Sporting Nebraska.
Had a great weekend at home with my @KSRushGA07 team!
Scored two goals with the assist of @AlyssaHsoccer22 and throw in from @GordoIsabelle19 @maareeeow @KSRGirlsAcademy @ImYouthSoccer pic.twitter.com/GWpi1sPUgj
— Kyleigh Wilson (@kyleigh_wilso11) October 31, 2023
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Keeley Niehues | Forward-Midfielder
Kansas Rush 07 (MO)
At 6’0″ Niehues’ is a highly athletic forward that can also play operate in the midfield. Her formidable strength allows for her to hold off defenses and maintain possession. Her confidence to dribble out of tight spaces and use her skills to find space impresses, as well as her speed to beat the opposing team in a foot race. In addition to her work in the GA, Niehues is a three-time USYS Kansas State Cup Champion.
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Avery Papania | Goalkeeper
Louisiana TDP Elite 08 (LA)
With selections to the 2022 USYNT ID Camp and 2023 GA Frontier Conference Talent ID under her belt, Avery has made her presence known in the highly competitive ‘08 division. She is an athletic shot stopper who doesn’t shy away from attackers in one-on-one situations. Her communication and leadership helped lead TDP to six shutouts in league play this fall.
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Sienna Jenson | Defender
Utah Celtic FC 08 (UT)
A GA Mountain West Talent ID roster Invitee last spring, Jenson was part of a Celtic defense that allowed just two goals in the GA Playoffs. Celtic will be starting up league play in January and will be looking to use this event to get ready for the campaign ahead.
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Kaitlyn Brownlie| Defender
Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 08 (PA)
A fast, strong player who excels defensively in one-on-one situations, Brownlie dominates the opposition from the centerback position. On the ball, she has a fantastic ability to break lines by either passing or dribbling. Predominantly a center back but she’s more than comfortable playing in more advanced positions on the field.
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Lia D’Afonseca | Midfielder
St. Louis Development Academy 08 (MO)
Selected to multiple USYNT ID Center camps over the past two years (including in April 2023 in Kentucky), D’Afonseca currently leads her team in goals with eleven. A team captain and a natural leader, Lia is always talking to her teammates during games to make sure that everyone knows what needs to be done.
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Chloe Bunton | Midfielder
Louisiana TDP Elite 08 (LA)
A GA Frontier Conference talent ID selection, Bunton has been an USYS ODP pool player for the Southern Region for three straight years. With TDP, she has captained the team to an 8-4-3 record 27 points putting them near the top of their conference. She has also been on point for her high school Ben Franklin scoring a hat trick.
Hat trick for my high school before heading out to @GAcademyLeague Winter Showcase in Norco, CA @ImYouthSoccer @PrepSoccer @TopDrawerSoccer @LATDPElite pic.twitter.com/Dh9dyq974G
— Chloe Bunton (@ChloBoSoccerTCB) November 29, 2023
2025
Off to a strong start in the 2023-2024 season for TSJ FC Virginia, allowing just three goals in nine matches. The 2022 GA Golden Glove winner can parry shots over the bar with relative ease and make the decisive diving stop in traffic. Mitchell has participated in USYNT ID Camps in 2021 and 2022 and is a three-time GA Talent ID Camp invitee.
Finished off the fall break for Florida United with two strong defensive performances over South Carolina Surf (5-1) and Wake FC (2-1). Graham alternates between the defense and midfield but no matter where she is on the pitch she brings tight, consistent marking and a willingness to make the tough, professional tackle.
Started the 2023 GA season strong, leading the Nationals backline to three consecutive shutouts in league play (4-2-0, 12 points). The right footed defender is calm and consistent in her passing and in her clearances, providing support to her teammates when necessary. Enwright was selected to participate in the GA’ Mid-America Talent ID Camp this summer.
Recently selected to the Cal South Pro+ ODP Winter Pool, Shenbaum and the Fram SC defense have limited teams to just 11 goals this season in Southwest Conference play. Using her strong left foot, Shenbaum can make the difficult clear when called upon. She also has a strong motor and clean her team on the counter-attack.
An Ohio State verbal commit, Lijewski has led Salvo SC ’07 in goals the last three years. At 6 feet tall, she is lethal with both feet and is a factor setting people up and shooting from anywhere. Her ability on set pieces to create goal scoring opportunities free kicks and corner kicks makes her a strong attacking weapon in the midfield for Salvo.
A Louisiana Tech 2025 verbal commit, Woodward is a perennial standout for Kansas Rush GA 07. Woodward’s fast feet, savvy game play, and ability to find space as the center forward makes her a dangerous playmaker.
Between the posts for Renegades this season Jeffers has provided strong communication and served as a leader against tough competition in the GA Frontier Conference. Her distribution and physical play between the posts continues to help get her team out of tough situations. A standout in one on one situations, her consistency has been the difference in multiple conference games this year.
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Jaimaris Diaz | Forward
Palm Beach Garden Predators 07 (FL)
Leads an attacking unit that scores on average 1.71 goals per game in the GA Southeast Conference. Diaz off of her first touch can either immediately drive at the defense or hit one of her teammates with a well-placed ball into space. She has represented the Dominican Republic at the under-20 level during World Cup Qualification.
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Lily Kiliski | Midfielder
New York Soccer Club 07 (NY)
A highly technical midfielder, Kiliski can also make a difference on the attack, evidenced by her game-winning in last year’s GA Playoffs. Her sharp accurate passing and ability to see open spaces led to many game-changing assists during the season. Lily also holds the position on the the GA Advisory Panel as the Club Representative.
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Olivia Wade | Midfielder
Ukrainian Nationals 07 (PA)
Anchors the middle of the field for the Ukrainian squad with her physical play, passing ability, and energy. The consistent performer defends with tenacity and grit and is a major force on the defensive side of the ball for the top squad in the Mid-Atlantic Division the last two years.
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Alyssa Carlson | Midfielder
Lonestar SC 06 (TX)
Led the Lonestar 06 team to their second final four in a row last season by leading them in both assists and goals at playoffs and finals. She has started this season off strong scoring in almost evenly match. She’s a dynamic midfielder who has incredible vision, is rarely displaced, and is overall fun to watch.
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Caitlyn Peace | Forward
Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 05/06 (PA)
Accumulated 32 goals and 26 assists combined from her 2023 club season, and her high school career. She capped off her junior year with Pennridge High School by winning the State Championship title In addition to her exploits on the soccer pitch, Peace is also a sprinter on Pennridge’s track & field team and has qualified for the District Championships in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay.
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Lola Pena | Midfielder
Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 05/06 (PA)
As an attacking midfielder, Lola’s excellent field vision, crafty footwork, and touch on the ball breaks down defenders and opens up opportunities for the Philadelphia offense. She’s a major asset on set pieces, delivering accurate service into the box. At the high school level, Lola was an All-Delco and All-Mainline selection as a sophomore and was recently named Athlete of the Week for her contributions to her team’s PAISSA quarter-final win.
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Gracyn Lee-Torchiana | Goalkeeper
Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals 05/06 (PA)
A member of the Pennsylvania East Regional ODP Pool from 2018-2021, Lee Torchiana has firmly established herself as one of the top goalkeepers in PA. In addition to her strong work with Philadelphia, she has also been a member of the Springdale Chestnut Hill Academy girls varsity soccer team since her freshman year.
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Kylie Wilkins | Forward
Murrieta Soccer Academy 07 (CA)
Recently selected for the Game Changer Award for her standout performance at the Silver Lakes Fall Showcase, Kylie has also earned invitations to PDP and ODP teams and the GA’s Southwest Talent ID event last season. For Temecula Valley High School last season, she earned second team all-league honors as well as the Offensive MVP and Newcomer of the Year awards.
2024
Earned three consecutive shutouts between the posts for West Coast FC to cap her team’s fall portion of their season (5-3-1, 16 points). Reis can make the difficult stop in one-on-one situations with attackers. Her left foot can hammer out punts to teammates on the counter-attack or make a short pass to the outside to build up play from the back.
Claire Casey | Forward
Michigan Jaguars 06/05 (MI)
A strong, smart, and technical center back Casey has captained the Jaguars to an undefeated record in Mid-America Conference play (5-0-2, 17 points). Her athleticism as a dual sport athlete (she is also a member of the WHS Varsity Basketball team) is evident in her ability to defend and consistently win aerial balls. Claire’s positioning and composure both on and off the ball showcase her ability to lead the team.
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