This week features the start of the Girls Academy Playoffs in Norco, California.

Top teams are set to duke it out in the Under-17 age group, led by Champions Cup finalists Tophat SC and SC del Sol. While there are more than just two contenders, those two sides are good value to go on deep runs. Syracuse DA, defending national champions in the 09 age group, are likely to factor here once again.

Here are some key players of note expected to compete with the U17s.

Aylin Altinel, Almaden FC – A top three finisher in the Northwest Conference, translating that to the best of the Girls Academy elite teams is the question facing Almaden. Altinel, a wider attacker, will look to be at the heart of success with her ability to find space and finish in the penalty box.

Gabbie Brown, Beadling SC – Part of a quality team that has experience at national events over the recent years, Brown will look to lead a deep Beadling run this summer. 

Amelia Culbertson, Coppermine SC – Committed to play at Wagner, Culbertson will look to lead a Coppermine upset as she pulls the strings in midfield.

Harper Montgomery, HTX Soccer – Heading to Valparaiso in 2027, Montgomery plays in the heart of central midfield for the Houston squad. She can get forward to impact the offense or sit deeper to either lead the defensive effort or dictate possession. 

Katy Craddock, Elmbrook United – Versatile and able to play a number of positions, Craddock will look to lead the attacking impetus for Elmbrook as they seek a spot in the Round of 16.

Sophia Figuerres, SoCal Reds FC – A trap year talent, Figuerres has a big opportunity to impress college scouts with her recruiting window now open. She’s an attacking player who helped Reds to an 18-2-2 record, second only to the SC del Sol powerhouse in the Southwest. 

Paige Dixon, South Valley Surf – Typically playing in the spine, Dixon is a central midfielder who can also play at the back. She was recently part of the USYNT ID Center in California.

Olivia Jones, Syracuse DA – The defender backstops a quality SDA side. As a 2028 graduate, she’ll be looking to make the most of this opportunity on a team that has plenty of potential to at least reach the Round of 16. Syracuse is out to defend its 2025 09 national title starting this week, and Jones will be a key figure in that effort. 

Emma Peterson, Wasatch SC – An outside back with the motor and athleticism to cut down the best attackers in the league, Peterson and her Wasatch squad finished atop the Mountain West Conference, posting a mark of 13-0-1. There’s quarterfinal potential here, at least, and Peterson will need to lock down her side of the field to help that come to pass.  

Fiona Foster, IMG Academy – A central midfielder who can play as a 6, 8 or 10, Foster has the workrate to boss the middle of the pitch. She can impact the game as needed, whether with a box-crashing run and finish or sitting lower on the field to get on the ball and circulate possession.  

Brooke Barnes, Tophat SC – Winners of the Champions Cup this spring, the talent on Tophat remains impressive. With several 2027 graduates set to join prominent DI programs, Barnes is part of the 2028 contingent just starting the recruiting process. Barnes is a dynamic player who primarily plays as an outside back, though she has the skill and ability with the ball to compete higher up the pitch. Tophat will surely head into this event looking to make it two titles in 2026.

Brooklyn St. James, SC del Sol – Runners up to Tophat this spring, St. James continues to show that she can bring an impact to the highest level of the Girls Academy. That will be front and center as her talented team chases a title in SoCal.

---

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

2026 Men's SoCon Breakout Candidates

Girls Academy Playoffs: U15 Key Players

Commitments: Looking at Loyola Chicago