The area high school girls’ soccer scene looks to be strong yet again as several clubs look to contend for conference titles and deep playoff runs.
Which performers look to stand out the most? Leading up to Wednesday’s openers, here’s a look at area players to watch out for in 2026:
Landry Clifton, Croatan: The senior central midfielder will play a key role for the Cougars, who were 9-7-7 and advanced to the second round last year.
Addison DeGeorge, Croatan: The sophomore central midfielder was second-team all-area after she had seven goals and three assists.
Kaitlyn Sickles, Croatan: The junior central midfielder was second-team all-area after she recorded eight goals and six assists.
Avah Burns, Dixon: The senior goalkeeper was first-team all-area after she recorded 102 saves, 12 shutouts and sported a 0.751 goals against average for the Bulldogs, who were 19-3-1 overall, 10-0 in the Coastal Conference and advances to the East Regional final.
Lizzie Capps, Dixon: The junior defender was first-team all-area after a strong season while adding three goals and an assist.
Alexa Cole, Dixon: The senior midfielder had two goals and three assists but will again be asked to provide strong middle play.
Emma Davis, Dixon: The senior forward was second-team all-area after she collected 14 goals and seven assists.
Lily Getman, Dixon: The junior midfielder was first-team all-area and all-state after she finished with 15 goals and 15 assists.
Tiana Greene, Dixon: The senior defender was first-team all-area after she was strong in the back while adding two goals and four assists.
Joselin Aguilar, East Duplin: The senior forward had four goals and two assists for the Panthers, who were 13-9-2 and advanced to the third round.
Anamarie Rodriguez, East Duplin: The junior forward had 12 goals and four assists in nine matches.
Sienna Corless, Jacksonville: The senior forward was third-team all-area after she had nine goals and four assists for the Cardinals, who went 17-5-2 overall, 12-0 in the Big Carolina Conference and advanced to the fourth round of the state playoffs.
Carolina Doyle, Jacksonville: The junior forward was third-team all-area with seven goals and four assists for the Cardinals, who won their ninth consecutive conference title.
Riley Morrow, Jacksonville: The senior midfielder was first-team all-area. She had five goals and 11 assists last year, but more importantly helped the Cardinals control the middle.
Ryder Perry, Jacksonville: The senior forward was first-team all-area, all-state and the Big Carolina Conference Player of the Year last year after she recorded 19 goals and 12 assists.
Caidy Nelson, Jacksonville: The senior defender was first-team all-area last year after a strong season that also saw her record two goals and an assist.
Ava Stephens, Jacksonville: The senior midfielder was first-team all-area with seven goals and 13 assists while generating the attack.
Jaycie Cancienne, Lejeune: The junior midfielder was third-team all-area with 10 goals and four assists for the Devilpups, who were 19-1-1 overall, 6-0 in the Coastal Plains Conference and advanced to the East Regional final.
Lillian Epps, Lejeune: The junior forward had two goals and eight assists.
Scarlett McLean, Lejeune: The junior midfielder was first-team all-area after she netted 57 goals and 11 assists.
Jade Lanclos, Living Water: The sophomore central attacking midfielder/forward looks to lead the Warriors, who were 3-11.
Naomi Clement, Northside: The junior forward was second-team all-area with 14 goals for the Monarchs, who were 7-12-3.
Alexia Luna, Northside: The junior defender looks to play a key role in the back.
Viviana Vega, Northside: The senior midfielder had eight goals and five assists.
Laila Chamberlain, Richlands: The sophomore midfielder had four goals and six assists for the Wildcats, who went 12-11-2 and advanced to the second round of the playoffs.
Abby Kaestner, Richlands: The senior goalkeeper made 91 saves and recorded five shutouts with a 2.07 GAA.
Paris McAllister, Richlands: The sophomore forward had nine goals and seven assists.
Kamrey Watkins, Richlands: The senior forward is the reigning area and Coastal Conference player of the year and was all-state after she recorded 36 goals and 11 assists.
Mia Wells, Richlands: The senior center back was second-team all-area for solid play in the back and added three goals and three assists.
Audrey Baysden, Southwest: The senior midfielder looks to help fill a void on the attack for the Stallions, who were 15-4-3 overall, 10-0 in the East Central Conference and advanced to the third round.
Allie Crank, Southwest: The sophomore midfielder also looks to play a large role.
Haley Smith, Southwest: The junior defender looks to help lead the backline.
Kenadie Bennett, Swansboro: The junior defender was second-team all-area with solid defense and 12 goals and eight assists for the Pirates, who went 10-4-8 and advanced to the second round.
Addison Davis, Swansboro: The sophomore midfielder was third-team all-area with five goals and six assists.
Miller Floyd, Swansboro: The senior defender also looks to play a key role in the back.
Raelyn Muniz, White Oak: The senior center midfielder was second-team all-area with 15 goals and four assists for the Vikings, who were 7-12-6.
Brianne Sanchez, White Oak: The sophomore midfielder was second-team all-area with 19 goals and seven assists.