Scout’s View: Class of 2026 Standouts from the NCFC Youth Girls College Showcase

The 2024 visitRaleigh Girls College Showcase took place over the weekend of December 6-8, as some of the top teams in the nation gathered for the event, hosted by NCFC Youth.

The showcase played host to over 600 teams from across the U15-U19 age groups. College coaches from throughout the country traveled to North Carolina to see some of the best players in the country go head-to-head. (COLLEGE COACH LIST)

Longtime scout Jerry Penkala, owner and operator of JTF Academy, was on hand for the tournament, and compiled a list of some of the top players that he watched from the Class of 2026. To view the top performers from the Classes of 2027 and 2028, click here.

See below for Penkala’s top performers from the Class of 2026

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Abby Sealy – Center Back
North Carolina FC Youth 08 ECNL – Jersey #14

Abby was the best defender I saw all weekend, as she was an absolute force at center back for the host club. Smooth and comfortable on the ball, she had complete control of the back line, and had outstanding field vision. She connected on all of her passes out of the back, and was sneaky tough. She’s an exceptional 1v1 defender who should have a future at an NCAA DI Power 4 program.

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Hawley Lynott – Attacking / Holding Midfielder
Lehigh Valley United Rush 08 ECNL RL – Jersey #7

Hawley was the best athlete I saw the entire weekend, and the most creative. Excellent control on the ball, great speed in open spaces and great foot speed in tight areas. She was as impactful defensively as she was offensively, and made that entire team go. She always made the correct pass based on the defensive pressure.

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Morgan May – Left Back
Coastal Rush 08 ECNL RL – Jersey #33

Morgan was impactful at left back the second she got in the game, and shut down her entire side of the field. Gritty, tough, smart, fast and completely neutralized a couple of very good PDA Blue offensive players.

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Jules Fulop – Forward
Richmond Kickers Youth 08 – Jersey #24

Possibly the best and most natural #9 I saw in North Carolina. Great size that she used to her advantage with her back to the goal, and distributed very accurately. She also could face up and drive at defenders as well and was a handful in the final third.

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Ellie Loffreno – Attacking Midfielder
PDA Blue 08 ECNL RL – Jersey #00

Ellie was the best player I saw on a strong PDA Blue 08 ECNL RL side. She had outstanding control on the ball and was the link between the back line and the front all game. Was excellent 1v1 offensively and broke down the defense multiple times, driving by players and finding teammates in the final third.

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Madison Martin – Left Back
North Carolina FC Youth 08 ECNL – Jersey #5

An outstanding left-footed left back that was one of the hardest workers I saw all weekend. She was tough, strong, fast, got forward at the right times and always got back to avoid exposing the back line. Went box-to-box all game, and got stronger as the game went on.

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Avril Clark – Left Winger / Forward
Coastal Rush 08 ECNL RL – Jersey #23

Left winger / forward with good size and a super high soccer IQ. Connected with her forward at the right times all game, won the endline and whipped in some dangerous crosses. Physical, fast and used her right and left foot equally well.

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Brynn Calendine – Center Midfielder / Center Back
South Carolina Surf 08 GA – Jersey #5

Best overall player at the showcase on a talented South Carolina Surf team. She had the entire game go through her when she played midfield and controlled the back line when she played more defensively. Quick, calm, found the open spaces and collected passes all game to help control possession. She had a mean, gritty defensive streak as well.

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Addie Crim – Left Winger
Richmond Kickers Youth 08 – Jersey #16

A pure, natural left winger that used the outside flank to be dangerous all game. Fast, great size and athleticism. Worked hard and did a great job of setting up the outside backs to overplay to one side, and took advantage of whatever space she was given.

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Abby Myers – Right Back
Richmond United 08 ECNL – Jersey #2

Another player that did not start in the game I saw, but when she got in, she was the best defender on the field. Tough, fearless, great timing on tackles. Stands out with her athleticism and her superior anticipation and high soccer IQ.

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Ava Villapano – Attacking Midfielder
MSA Rebels 08 – Jersey #17

A flexible, technically-sound midfielder that could easily play the #6 or #8 positions, Ava was highly impactful at the #10 spot. She moved well off-ball, completed a ton of passes and could put the ball on frame from 25, and anywhere near or inside the 18.