Players That Impressed: North Carolina FC Youth 2024 Girls College Showcase

North Carolina FC Youth’s 2024 visitRaleigh Girls College Showcase was held over the weekend, as top-level teams gathered for one of the most competitive events of the year.

Taking place from December 6-8, 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)

Below are some of the top players from the weekend’s event sorted by graduation year. You can also nominate a player who stood out during the event through the following link.

2028

2027

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Jaslyn Chen | Forward / Midfielder
NJ Premier ’09 (NJ)

Chen was a force on the attacking side for NJ Premier in Raleigh, as she contributed to 7 goals on the weekend. The team captain scored 5 goals and assisted 2 others over the course of 3 games. (HIGHLIGHTS)

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Abigail Pennington | Winger
TSC Murfreesboro Showcase ’08 (TN)

Took over the game for TSC Murfreesboro in a matchup against Northwest FC, scoring a goal and assisting 2 other goals in her playmaking role. Pennington helped lead TSC to a 2-1-1 showing in North Carolina, breaking lines and finding passing lanes with her excellent vision.

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Makayla Rodriguez | Forward
Charlotte Independence SC ’09 ECNL (NC)

Scored 3 of her team’s 6 total goals and contributed an assist on the weekend, as Charlotte Independence earned a 1-1-1 record. Her high work rate wore out opposing defenders as they were under continuous pressure from start-to-finish with Rodriguez up top for Charlotte.

2026

Juju Contreras | Attacking Midfielder
NCFC Youth ’07/’06 ECNL (NC)

Contreras is a dynamic attacking midfielder with experience getting called up to Mexico’s Women’s Youth National Team. The uncommitted Class of 2026 prospect showed her ability to work in tight spaces on a crafty finish amid considerable traffic in the box, helping her side turn in a strong showing at their home club’s event. (HIGHLIGHTS)

2025

Katie Paulakonis | Forward 
NCFC Youth ’07/’06 ECNL (NC)

Played a key role during a perfect 3-0-0 run at her home club’s showcase, contributing goals in each of her team’s final 2 games. The creative-minded striker is committed to play NCAA DI women’s soccer next fall at Bellarmine University.

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Ava Terrana | Goalkeeper
Arlington Soccer ECNL RL ’07/06 (VA)

The uncommitted Class of 2025 goalkeeper came up with some huge saves for her Arlington ECNL Regional League squad, going up against some tough competition. Terrana’s athleticism and quick reflexes on fully display, on a particularly impressive full-extension diving save from short range.

Some quick highlights from games this weekend at NCFC Showcase against Penn Fusion, Tallahassee and North TX Celtic. You can see all my highlights here: https://t.co/9powgzPObz@SSN_NCAASoccer @ECNLgirls @WSOCRecruits @ImCollegeSoccer @ImYouthSoccer pic.twitter.com/aspsdNUBSf

— Ava Terrana (@AvaTerranaGK) December 9, 2024