Scout’s View: Class of 2028 Standouts from the ECNL Girls Florida National Event

The ECNL Girls Florida National Event took place from January 11-13, as some of the top teams in the nation gathered for the event.

ECNL Florida marked the first ECNL National Event of the 2025 calendar year, as college recruiting ramps back up following the dead period. A total of 230 teams across the U16-U18/19 age groups competed in the showcase. (COLLEGE COACHES)

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. To view Penkala’s Top Class of 2027 Standouts, click here.

(+Players That Impressed: ECNL Girls Florida National Event)

See below for Penkala’s top performers from the Class of 2028.

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Alice Rieger – Goalkeeper
Pipeline SC 09 – Jersey #1

The first time I saw Alice play last summer, I immediately thought she could end up as the overall best 2028 keeper in the entire ECNL. All she did in Florida was confirm that possibility. She’s an outstanding shot blocker, controls her entire 18 at all times, tracks the ball well on crosses, has incredible instincts and is quick off of her line. Alice is exceptional at 1v1 breakaway saves, has a strong, directional goal kick (and can pound it to midfield), and is extremely focused on every small detail of her skillset.

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Adelyn Medina – Midfielder
Northern Virginia Alliance 09 – Jersey #5

Adelyn made a huge impact in the game I saw in the midfield. She was a true link between the back line and the front, completing 98% of her passes. She was great on counter attack opportunities (was easily the fastest player on the field, even with the ball at her feet), and had great field vision and creativity.

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Taylor Shape – Right Back
Ohio Premier 09 – Jersey #38

Taylor was one of the best 2028 1v1 shut down defenders at this event. Great size, tough, had great instincts on when to step in to tackle (cleanly completed all 1v1 tackle opportunities), had a great work rate, and basically shut down her entire side of the field all game.

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Brooks Hamilton – Center Back
FC Alliance 09 – Jersey #8

Tall, physical, tough always immediately helped outside backs when needed, and did not allow a shot in the center of the field in the 18 all game. Brooks displayed great closing speed on shots, along with great communication and leadership.

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Tatum Hartshorn – Forward
Tennessee SC 09 – Jersey #14

Tatum was an offensive terror all game and was probably the best forward I saw from her class. She drove at defenders at the right time to create space, as well as made the proper read when she was getting double teamed, and dished to her teammates perfectly. Intense, did a good job at causing havoc when she high pressed, and had a knack for the goal, as well as a rocket shot from distance.

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Berklee McCombs – Midfielder
DKSC 09 – Jersey #9

While most holding mids typically get overlooked, Berklee had a huge impact. She has great size and toughness, allowing her to clog up the defensive midfield from 20 yards out. She was able to switch immediately to an offensive mindset when her teammates got possession and quickly started a number of counter attacks. McCombs is smart, smooth on the ball and technically sound, both offensively and defensively.

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Addison Cheney – Right Winger / Forward
Scorpions SC 09 – Jersey #21

Extremely fast in open space, very offensive minded, can whip a ball into the box on a spot, and can win the end line and make the perfect negative service. Strong work rate and athletically-gifted, Cheney is one of the better flank players I saw all weekend.

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Amelia Woo – Forward / Midfielder
Rockford Raptors 09 – Jersey #9

Amelia is one of those players with endless energy, always wreaking havoc on opposing defenders when she pressed, and just in general all over the field, the type of player you just don’t want to go against because she never quits. Woo puts forward incredible effort and has a tough mindset. She’s also comfortable on the ball, and a good decision maker with a strong service and shot.

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Raygan Szczech – Right Back
Cleveland Force 09 – Jersey #18

One of the more technical players both on the ball, defensively and positioning-wise, she was a gritty defender with high intensity. Szczech was always a trusted outlet pass that could get the ball upfield quickly, making accurate passes to get out of trouble when the back line was getting pressed. She had a good work rate and was flying around the field defensively when the situation called for it.

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Ainsley Krebsbach – Forward
Minnesota Thunder Academy 09 – Jersey #25

This kid was instant offense when she got into the match, and was an offensive terror for the entire time she was on the field. A born finisher with great instincts, Krebsbach knew how to be in the exact right place at the right time, and became the top priority of the opposing defense as game went on. Another gritty, hard working offensive impact player.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Sophia Scott – Ohio Premier 09 (Holding Midfielder) – As offensively gifted as defensively. All over the field.
• Reese Kolshor – Cleveland Force 09 (Defender) – Athletic, feisty, patient but physical when needed.
• Leana Maier – FC Alliance 09 (Center Back) – Strength, toughness, huge soccer IQ and clean mean streak.