Players That Impressed: Jefferson Cup 2024 Girls Showcase

The 2024 Jefferson Cup Girls Showcase Weekend was held March 15-17 in Richmond, Va., featuring many of the best teams in the country. (RECAP)

More than 350 college coaches attended the event hosted by the Richmond Strikers, which has been one of the nation’s top-ranked youth soccer tournaments for over four decades.

Below are some of the top players from the Jefferson Cup Girls Showcase sorted by graduation year. You can also nominate a player who stood out during the event through the following link.

2028

Ava Chincarini | Forward
Next Level Soccer Academy ECRL 09 (MD)

Provided a constant attacking presence for NLSA, who won their U15 Platinum White Group A bracket and made it to the Division’s Semifinals. In both of her group games, she netted a brace leading her team to a draw against Charlotte SA 09 White ECRL (2-2) and Loudoun SC (4-1). She added a fifth in their semifinal loss against NJ Crush 09 ECRL (3-4), a superb strike off of a corner.

2027

Ineza Ross-Riedel | Winger
Pipeline SC ECNL 08 (MD)

Dominated play on both sides of the pitch for Pipeline throughout the weekend. In their opening day match against SUSA FC, Ross-Riedel provided close, consistent marking against their outside midfielders giving them little space to work with. On the attack, she was equally impressive providing multiple high-quality crosses into the box for her teammates to capitalize on.

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Camryn George | Midfielder- Outside Back
Wake FC GA 08 (NC)

Stymied opponent’s attacking efforts on the outside flanks by tightly marking their wingers throughout the weekend. Her efforts paid off with Wake FC booking victories over FC PRIME (4-0) and Baltimore Celtic (3-1) and grinding out a 2-2 against CFC United ECNL RL.

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Noelle Clabaugh | Midfielder
Penn Fusion Soccer Academy ECNL 08 (PA)

Clabaugh was highly instrumental in PFSA’s 13 goal effort over the weekend, scoring two goals and tallying five assists. Operating out of the midfield, Clabaugh could pick out teammates in open space and time her passes to give them the highest chances of burying their shots into the back of the net.

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Caitlin Rouh | Forward
Sporting Athletic Club GA 09 (DE)

Assisted on the game-winning goal in overtime for Sporting Athletic in the U15 Classic Black Division Championship. On the weekend, she provided Sporting with two goals and two assists making her a part of 67% of Sporting’s total goals. Rouh had a strong season at Deptford High School where she played on the varsity roster as a freshman.

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Olivia Schmitt | Forward
NC Courage Academy ECNL 09 (NC)

On the opening drive of the first game of the weekend, Olivia connected with Kendall Watson for an assist from the left side to put the Courage ahead quickly against CFC Untied ECNL. With the game tied up 2-2 in the second half, Olivia scored on a left-footed shot from outside the 18 with 3 minutes left to secure the Courage win. She went on to record three more assists and two more goals throughout the weekend, including another assist to Kendall Watson for a header goal, to help the Courage land a spot as finalists in the Elite Orange division.

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Kendall Watson| Midfielder
NC Courage Academy ECNL 07 (NC)

Kendall scored a left footed goal off an assist from Olivia Schmidt in the opening minute versus Connecticut Football Club. She scored a header goal off another assist from Olivia Schmidt versus Hex FC. Made several tackles and connecting passes to help NC Courage reach the Finals in Elite Orange division.

2026

Mary Grusser | Winger
World Class FC ECNL 08 (NY)

Hammered home the game-winner for World Class FC in their 3-0 opening day win against TSJ FC Virginia. With the ball at her feet Grusser can make multiple defenders miss, providing pressure with both speed and pace. A two-time USYNT ID Center invitee, Grusser can spark the World Class attack with her long shots from distance or her precise passes into open space.

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Grace Saxton | Midfielder
World Class FC ECNL 08 (NY)

Sealed World Class’ win over TSJ FC Virginia with a darting low shot that went towards the far post. Off of the ball, Saxton used her strength to break through defenses and give her teammates a target up top. After collecting her passes, Saxton can hit shots from anywhere inside of the eighteen yard box.

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Danika Tidridge | Midfielder-Defender
SUSA FC ECNL 08 (NY)

Whether playing in the midfield or in the defense, Tidridge remained calm and cool under pressure for SUSA. Tidridge was highly effective in their match against Pipeline at making an immediate stop and then hitting the gas on the attack, pushing her teammates into an attacking posture. Having that confidence with the ball at her feet will undoubtedly aid SUSA’s efforts in ECNL play this season. Thanks to her persistent work in defense, SUSA would allow just two goals over the course of the weekend which was tied for second lowest in the U16 Championship Division.

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Ana Ramirez | Defender
Lou Fusz Athletic GA 08 (MO)

Despite having just played four games in the GA Champions Cup and having a tough task on matchday one at the Jefferson Cup against Northern Virginia Alliance, Lou Fusz proved that they were more than up for the task. Ramirez’s relentless drive through the middle of the pitch helped their team transition into the attack and gave their defense a breather while under significant pressure. In the 14th minute, she made a textbook box out of an Alliance winger and then went straight into the attack, catching her opponent’s off-guard. Although the 2-0 result did not go in their favor, the experience of playing under such conditions will help them in the GA Playoffs.

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Dylan Steinberg | Forward
Penn Fusion Soccer Academy ECNL 08 (PA)

Smashed a golazo from just inside of the NC Courage’s eighteen yard box at the end of the first half to give her team a 2-1 lead. Alongside Ava Pascarella on the opposition wing, Penn Fusion provided consistent pressure down the flanks, playing a key role in their 5-3 victory. Thanks in part to Steinberg’s work up top Penn Fusion would go on to score 13 goals in the Championship Division, which was the most among all teams in the flight.

Game one of Jeff Cup against NC Courage was a success! Here is my goal from our 5-3 win! Let’s go fusion!!!@ImYouthSoccer @PrepSoccer @TopDrawerSoccer @TheSoccerWire @ECNLgirls @PennFusion_SA pic.twitter.com/EUMofmzaQc

— Dylan Steinberg (@dylansteinberg_) March 15, 2024

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Ava Chun | Winger
STA Soccer GA 08 (NJ)

Helped secure STA’s perfect record in the U16 Championship (3-0-0, 27 points) by providing a needed spark in their 2-0 win over New England Surf State Navy. Late in the second half, Chun put on the captain’s armband and led multiple long possessions to preserve their advantage. When her passing lanes were blocked, Chun was more than comfortable at driving directly at the opposition, making multiple dangerous diagonal runs.

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Mackenzie Vanags | Defender-Midfielder
Richmond United ECNL 08 (VA)

Co-Captained United to an undefeated record in the U16 Elite Division, leading the team to victories over NJ Premier (1-0), PDA ECNL White Wildfire (2-0), and Match Fit Academy FC ECNL (4-2). Vanags is comfortable playing multiple positions in the defense and in the midfield and uses her experience and technical skills to help read what attackers are thinking. After a strong season with United, she will be returning to Deep Run High School this spring where she earned Second Team All-Region honors last year.

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Julianna Milward | Forward
FC Stars ECRL Blue 08 (MA)

Scored two of Stars’ four goals over the weekend and provided two assists on their remaining two goals. Using her speed and precise touches, Milward was able to open up space inside of opponent’s defensive thirds. She was also an asset on set pieces, with one of her two assists coming off of a corner kick.

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Chrissy Graves | Defender
Northern Virginia Alliance ECNL 07 (VA)

In one-on-one situations with attackers, Graves showed her mettle winning almost every duel she was engaged in and providing consistent work along the defensive line. Thanks to her work on the defense, NVA allowed just four goals over the course of three games.

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Abby DeSana | Forward
Baltimore Armour GA 08 (MD)

Lit up defenses all weekend in Richmond, burying six of Armour’s eleven including a hat trick in their 7-0 opening day victory over Match Fit Academy. DeSana serves as the team’s captain and when called upon can deliver in big moments. She helped set the tone for Armour’s undefeated weekend with a penalty kick strike against MFA to give her team the early advantage. She is a GA Mid-Atlantic Talent ID invitee and has previously participated in the ODP East Region ID Camp.

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Christina Festa | Midfielder-Defender
World Class FC ECNL 08 (NY)

Supplied World Class with their lone goal in a 1-1 draw with the NC Courage Academy. Her ability to shift between midfield and in the defense helped World Class’ coaching staff manage the rigors of playing three games in three days. Her ability to take on multiple tasks on the pitch and excel at each makes her a valuable asset for World Class. In addition to her club exploits, she is also the starting defender for Immaculate Heart Academy.

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Juliana Hartman | Midfielder
Next Level Soccer Academy ECRL 09 (NJ)

Scored two goals and added an assist to help NLSA finish second in the Classic Division. Whether it in tight or open spaces Hartman has a knack for finding goal-scoring opportunities and creating chances for her teammates.

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Brooke Jones | Defender
SJEB GA 07 (NJ)

Anchored an SJEB defense that held back a potent FC Prime attack on matchday two, earning the 3-2 win. Jones has a keen understanding for hold play down from the back and when to speed it up, using her strong field vision to pick teammates out throughout the pitch.

2025

Katherine Ovsievsky | Outside Back
NC Courage Academy ECNL 07 (NC)

Buried a brace in the Courage’s opening day 5-0 win over TSJ FC Virginia. The right-footed uncommitted playmaker worked effortlessly alongside Leah Kuklick (2026) to unlock Virginia’s high-press defense. It paid off with the duo combining for three of the Courage’s fine goals. Her second goal was a stroke of brilliance a long distance strike from just before halftime. Operating as an outside back, she led the Courage to three shutout victories and a top finish in the U17 Championship Division.

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Mary Del Vecchio | Defender
VA Union ECNL 06/05 (VA)

Clamped down on all goal-scoring opportunities for the Union on Friday, making multiple key tackles to help deliver a 5-0 shutout against New England Surf. The uncommitted defender helped create long possessions out of the back, using her sharp field vision to pick out teammates throughout the pitch.

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Ashley Ahn | Left Back-Right Back
Bethesda SC ECNL 06/05 (MD)

Buried the go-ahead goal on matchday one to lift BSC past Cleveland Force. The uncommitted outside back works seamlessly to provide Bethesda’s high-powered attack support while also holding opponent’s at bay on the flanks. Her runs off of the ball open up play through the middle, giving Riley DeMartino (2024-Notre Dame), McKinley Heaven (2024-Maryland), and Logan Tongberg (2024-North Carolina) acres of space to work with.

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Chelsea Leal | Midfielder
STA GA 07 (NJ)

While under heavy pressure early on from Virginia Union’s 2007s on Saturday, Leal pulled her team out of their defensive third and into the attack. Although a center midfielder, she focused heavily on Union’s right side making multiple key tackles and interceptions to slow their advances. After breaking possession, she led STA into the attack including a cracking effort in the 25th minute which saw her slide past her defender into a one-on-one opportunity with the goalkeeper. Her low, pacey shot had the goalkeeper beat but hit the post. Nonetheless, the effort sparked STA’s attack and gave them the confidence to take chances. It paid off handsomely in the form of a 1-0 victory.

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Grace Dalessandro | Goalkeeper
STA GA 07 (NJ)

Faced a barrage of shots against Virginia Union, but held her own making multiple key saves down the stretch to earn the 1-0 victory. Her fierce command of the defense helped shore up gaps during the match and gave the team structure and organization out of the back. The uncommitted 2025 goalkeeper had an equally impressive performance on Friday, blanking Maryland United 1-0. Across all three matches, she allowed zero goals.

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Cameron Mink | Midfielder
Penn Fusion Soccer Academy ECNL 07 (PA)

Opened up defenses with her long, pacey runs on the outside all weekend allowing for her teammates to to find gaps within defenses and exploit them. In a seesaw battle with Cedar Stars Academy Monmouth on Saturday, Allred laced a high curling cross in the 68th minute for Ava Shapell (2025-NJIT) giving Penn Fusion the insurance goal that they need. The uncommitted midfielder helped lead their attack to nine goals through the weekend, tied for the most in the U17 Championship Division.

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Ryen Gibbs | Midfielder
NC Fusion ECNL 07 (NC)

After sustaining some pressure early in the se cond half, NC Fusion put away Cedar Stars Academy-Bergen late thanks to a brilliant strike from Gibbs. Facing multiple defenders, Gibbs used her lightning quick speed to burst past them and hammer a pinpoint shot into the back of the net. Gibbs, an uncommitted midfielder that is comfortable playing in the center or the outside, was selected to the ODP South Region Camp and won the NCHSAA Soccer State 3A Championship in 2022 and in 2023.

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Charlie Marstaller | Forward
SJEB GA 07 (NJ)

In a close battle with FC Prime on Saturday, Marstaller gave her attack a lift on Saturday taking on multiple defenders and scoring the second goal in a 3-2 victory. Down the right flank, Marstaller made small cuts against the Prime defense to give herself enough space to become an open target. With space to operate, she broke through the backline and buried her chance into the back of the net.

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Catalina Zumbado | Forward
STA Soccer GA 07 (NJ)

Scored the game-winning goal in STA’s tough 1-0 victory over Va. Union. Facing multiple defenders, Zumbado always seems able to get the right amount of space to connect on a pass or break through with her tight, consistent dribbling. Against one of the top defenses in the country, Zumbado worked well alongside forward-midfielder Lila Parente (assist) to belt the game-winner.

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Cara Robell | Goalkeeper
Baltimore Armour GA 07 (MD)

Earned three clean sheets between the posts for Armour, lifting them to the top of the Superior Division. While under high a level of pressure, Robell remained calm and composed making multiple saves in victories over HEX FC Keystone ECNL-RL (2-0), Palm Beach Kicks GA (1-0), and VDA ECNL (1-0). Robell is coming off of another standout season for Oakdale High School, having earned All-County Honors last fall for a third consecutive season.

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Emma Fogarty | Goalkeeper
CT Rush Select 06 (CT)

Holding two clean sheets and only allowed two goals in on the weekend, Fogarty led her team to the top of the U19 Platinum Division. Her superior glove work helped make Rush get out of multiple jams and gave her defense a breather and an opportunity to reset.

2024

Logan Tongberg | Forward-Midfielder
Bethesda SC ECNL 06/05 (MD)

Opened up her final Jefferson Cup with a statement performance, bagging a hat trick in Bethesda’s 8-0 win over Cleveland Force. The former ECNL North Atlantic All-Conference First Team member swarmed defenses, giving them little space to build out of the back . After a strong high school senior season in which she scored 30 goals, the North Carolina attacker will be looking to provide an attacking spark up top for BSC throughout their spring campaign.

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Chesney Robinson | Defender
Bethesda SC ECNL 06/05 (MD)

The Brown commit proved her value to her future Ivy League team, aiding BSC’s efforts in procuring two shutouts over the Force and VDA (2-0). In all three matches, she made significant tackles and blocks to help alleviate any pressure placed upon their defense.

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Ava Vaughan | Midfielder-Forward
NC Fusion ECNL 05/06 (NC)

A UNC Wilmington commit, Vaughan sparked the Fusion attack while at the Jefferson Cup. She scored three goals and tallied two assists while earning two penalties for her team. Whether playing at the midfielder or forward position, Vaughan used her creativity on the ball and speed to unlock defenses and inflict damage on their opponents.