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 also nominate a player that will be attending the event. To nominate a player for consideration, CLICK HERE.
2029
Ellie Lebe | Forward
Century United ’10 (PA)
A Player to Watch in the Class of 2029 out of the Pittsburgh area, Lebe was selected for U.S. Women’s Youth National Team ID Camp earlier this year. She was also named to the GA’s Mid-Atlantic Talent ID Camp last season. Lebe is a versatile attacking player, who can line up at the #8, #10 and #11 positions.
2028
Rubio has received opportunities to represent Mexico’s Youth National Team program, where she has competed with the U-15 side on the international stage. She has also been called up for a USWYNT Regional Camp, and recently played professionally in the USL Super League for Oakland Soul. Rubio is a creative playmaker and strong defensive player who has shown the ability to thrive in multiple versatile roles.
Sydney An is a skillful attacking player who was part of a National Champion 3v3 squad in 2022, and she has earned selections for US Youth Soccer ODP teams at both the State and Regional levels. She consistently beats opposing defenders with her quick pace and and creativity, creating runs both on and off the ball.
Alyssah is a speedy and physical defender that is consistently disrupting the opposition’s attack. She has a great read of the pitch anticipating build up and trends of the game. Alyssah makes calculated risks anticipating passes and is fast enough to get back in transition.
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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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Alison Stengel | Defender
Lou Fusz Athletic ’10 (MO)
Previously earned a GA National Talent ID Event invite as a full back. Stengel has helped keep Lou Fusz’s dominant defense during their undefeated 12-0 season so far this year in the GA Frontier Conference. She is a versatile player who can thrive at any position on the back line.
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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)
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Sherlyn Palos | Midfielder
City SC ’09 (CA)
Palos is another standout player in the midfield from the City SC GA program, who has garnered a selection in the U.S. Women’s Youth National Team roster pool. She has also earned a selection to the GA Southwest Conference Talent ID Event.
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Hannah Jachman | Defender
New York SC ’08 (NY)
The captain of the NYSC 2008 team for the past three years, Jachman has earned four USYNT Northeast ID Center invites, and was named to the GA National Talent ID Event roster this past summer. She has also earned GA Northeast Talent ID Event selections for each of the past two years. She’s one of the Top 10 ranked defenders in her class in the state of New York by Top Drawer Soccer, and she had a standout freshman season for Rye High School.
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Kira Lambin | Midfielder
Galaxy SC ’09 (IL)
Versatile two-footed midfielder that controls the field with her precise passes and game sense. She is able to score from inside and outside the box, and has contributed 3 goals and 3 assists so far this season for a Galaxy SC side which ranks 1st in the GA’s Midwest Conference.
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Keya Monserrate | Defender
Galaxy SC ’09 (IL)
One of the key defensive contributors and consistent performers in the best defensive units of the 2009 GA Midwest Conference. She is a consistent starter who demonstrates exceptional ball control, dribbling skills and precise and piercing passes. Primarily playing the outside back position, she has great field awareness and demonstrates high soccer IQ.
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Paige Jackson | Defender
Kansas Rush 09 (KS)
A technical and skillful attacking player for Kansas Rush, Jackson has multiple years of experience with the U.S. National Futsal Team program. She was honored as one of the top Girls Academy players in her region in 2023.
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Stella Zielinski | Goalkeeper
St. Louis Development Academy ’10 (MO)
Zielinski has established an exceptional goalkeeping partnership with Madison Shields, leading to an impressive record of 11 wins, 1 loss, and no ties. Their collaboration has resulted in the lowest goals against in the conference, highlighting their team’s defensive prowess. As Stella approaches the Winter Showcase, she boasts an outstanding average of just 0.16 goals allowed per game this season. Her remarkable technical skills and high game intelligence make her a formidable presence on the field.
2027
An outstanding defender for New York SC ’08 who can also play midfield or winger, Shira has excellent speed, technique and vision that enables her to stop opposing advances and effectively mount a counterattack. She is a highly effective two-way player whose left foot is capable of both accurate passing, set pieces and shooting.
Barriball continues to dominate the offensive line for Galaxy SC ’09 GA. She is a focal point on the Galaxy attack, contributing to a whopping 27 goals so far this season, for the top-ranked team in their conference.
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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 advanced to 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)
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Gabie Klaven | Defender
St. Louis Development Academy ’08 (MO)
A true dual threat out of the back, Gabie has the size, speed and strength to shut down the opposition’s top offensive players. Her speed and skill allow her to quickly flip the field and create offensive opportunities for her teammates. Her accuracy and touch on set pieces, and her ability to attack the ball in the air on corners make her a threat to score at any time.
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Rory Chiles | Midfielder
Michigan Jaguars ’08 (MI)
A 2-time GA ID Selection, Chiles has a strong defensive skill set, excelling in all three facets, which is challenging with a tackle, anticipating the passing lanes and winning aerial duels. Rory is strong on the ball, showing comfort with the ball at her feet. She breaks lines with her passing ability and will push up in attack. She is particularly dangerous is on set pieces, thanks to her size and vertical ability.
2026
One of the highest-ranked midfielders for the Class of 2026 in the South region, Bunton has shined for LA TDP Elite as both an attacking mid and a defensive mid. She’s been a standout in the South Region’s ODP roster pool for the last four years, and at the end of last season was named to the GA’s National Talent ID Event roster.
An uncommitted Class of 2026 attacking midfielder and winger for SC Wave 06/07, Leppla has been a strong contributor over the years for one of the best teams in the GA’s Midwest Conference. SC Wave is already off to a rousing start this fall, with a 12-1-3 record while reaching the top of the table. (FALL HIGHLIGHTS)
Crabb, a 2026 Middle Tennessee commit, is a formidable force on the back line as a center back for her Kansas Rush 06/07 team. She is an unyielding defender in 1-v-1 defensive situations and her quick decision-making and ability to read the game make her essential to the back line. Her accomplishments include being a GA Talent ID attendee, 2x Arkansas 6A State Champion, All-State and 2x All-Conference recipient.
Currently in the midst of a phenomenal fall season in GA action with the Kansas Rush U19 squad. Smith is one of the GA’s top-ranked goalkeepers in the Class of 2026, allowing just 0.63 goals per game, and racking up 4 clean sheets in just 8 Midwest Conference games.
In her first year with the Lou Fusz ’08 GA team, D’Afonseca has quickly became a starter and key contributor with 9 goals and 2 assists so far in the season. She’s a precise passer with both feet, and performs as a box-to-box midfielder that can attack and defend well, with plenty of creativity. (HIGHLIGHTS)
Representing the City SC 07/06 GA White squad, Gwynn is off to a great start in league play this season on the attacking side. She has racked up 3 goals and 4 assists during the fall season, leading into the first GA National Event. (HIGHLIGHTS)
Although Ava is a right footed player, she is able to play both sides of the back line effectively utilized from her tactical intelligence and versatility. Ava’s masterful art of slide tackling, man-marking skills, and ability to anticipate and intercept passes and chase down opponents is a key component to the success of her team’s defensive line.
The leading goal scorer for Cincinnati United Premier ’08 Gold, Reese Brown is a dynamic forward who is an exceptional finisher and distributor of the ball. Reese is a 2026 verbal commit to The Ohio State University.
Mckenna is a strong, quick and versatile athlete who is asked to play all three midfield positions and does so at a high level. She is a true two-way player with a high work rate that prides herself on winning 50/50 balls and aerial battles. Wigfield is a 2026 commit to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE).
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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.
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Avery Papania | Goalkeeper
Louisiana TDP Elite ’08 (LA)
In the tough Girls Academy Frontier Conference, Avery is a standout goalkeeper in command of her box. She displays strong athleticism and understanding of angles, especially when shutting down breakaways. She has the field awareness and vision of a midfielder, which is reflected in her decision-making, and allows her to start the counter attack quickly.
🚨 New Highlight Video 🚨 2024 Match Play #goalkeeper #2026recruit #uncommited @LATDPElite @GAcademyLeague @ImYouthSoccer @ImCollegeSoccer @TheSoccerWire @LSASoccer @TopDrawerSoccer
(Full 3 min video on YouTube) https://t.co/JDfUGcjE0n pic.twitter.com/SMWvTO4YEX
— Avery Papania GK (@PapaniaAvery) November 22, 2024
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Lauren Ricapito | Forward
Oakwood SC ’08 (CT)
Coming off multiple All-New England awards in the last 12-months for both club and high school, Lauren Ricapito joins a GA playoff team at Oakwood that was one game away from joining the GA National Finals last summer. A clever goal scorer and playmaker, Lauren is routinely first or second in both categories, and her addition turns this team into an even bigger threat this season.
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Sylvia Guarracino | Defender
NEFC ’08 Red (MA)
In 2023, Guarracino was selected to the US Youth Soccer ODP Girls East Regional Team and was named 1st Team All-State in New Hampshire. As a varsity track star, she broke the Portsmouth High School record in the indoor 4×400 meter event in 2023. She is a varsity starter in the attacking midfield for Philips Exeter Academy in 2024.
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Maddie Harmon | Defender
FRAM SC ’08 (CA)
Harmon is the anchor of this FRAM defense, earning a wildcard spot in the Champions Cup for the second year in a row. She has a knack for putting herself in the right position to win the ball, and her timing of tackles helps swing momentum in FRAM’s favor during key moments.
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Grayson Vacanti | Defender
Kansas Rush 06/07 (KS)
Grayson has had an outstanding 1st season for Kansas Rush 06/07 as the starting left back. She has been a lockdown defender, shutting down opponents’ fastest attacking players while using her athleticism and soccer IQ to win and quickly transition her team back into the attack. Grayson the Rush defensive unit have earned a 0.79 GAA, which is good for 6th in the GA nationally, among teams that have played 10 or more matches.
Just a few clips from our game vs the very talented @SCWAVEROC It’s always so fun for defenders to play such a talented attacking team.#ga #ruid #recruitmesoccer @ImYouthSoccer @ImCollegeSoccer @imwomenssoccer @KSRGirlsAcademy @RushSoccer @KS_RushSoccer @ksrushga0607… pic.twitter.com/3I9FJNWg8k
— Grayson Vacanti⎮2026⎮GA (@GraysonVacanti) November 25, 2024
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