Round Rock’s Grace El-Deir (21) and Vandegrift’s Nala Macherey (12) battle for the ball during the 2026 girls soccer season.
Henry Huey/Special to American-Statesman
The Texas high school girls soccer playoffs are here. UIL teams across the state can start postseason play as early as Thursday, and all have the goal to reach Georgetown for the state championship game.
Who in Central Texas has a chance to excel? The American-Statesman takes a look at 10 teams from multiple levels and 15 players covering all positions who could thrive this postseason. From Class 6A powerhouses to upstart 4A teams to some of the top players from 5A schools that may fly under the radar, here’s who to keep an eye on as the soccer version of March Madness gets underway.
Article continues below this ad
(Teams and players listed in alphabetical order.)
Central Texas teams to watch
Anderson
The District 24-5A champions enter the playoffs with 12 shutouts, including eight straight to end the regular season. Center back Dani Santana leads the defense, while forward Sydney Gaynor has tallied 10 goals and five assists. Midfielder Leila Schuneman and winger Simone Fodo each have 10 goal contributions for the Trojans (13-2-3), who also receive key play from Gg Hidalgo.
Article continues below this ad
Cedar Park
Will the Timberwolves (16-4-2) repeat as Class 5A Division II state champions? They’ll have a good shot. Goalie Jemma Hart is a wall, while forwards Blake Gilkey and Brynlee Nordstrom can score at will. Midfielder Berkley Mungia makes the Cedar Park attack go.
Dripping Springs
The Tigers (16-1-4) are loaded and just won a District 26-6A that includes Lake Travis and Westlake. Forward Bailey Stephenson (21 goals, 14 assists) is one of the area’s top offensive threats, with midfielder Lily Ruff (eight goals, four assists) being key in distribution. Defenders Emerson Barefoot and Shea Sisson lead a backline that has 16 shutouts. If Dripping Springs gets by Westwood in the bidistrict round, expect it to make at least the regional final.
Article continues below this ad
Georgetown
A legitimate state title contender in Class 5A Division II, the Eagles (17-3-1) have a potent offense. Midfielder Libby Benson leads the attack with 20 goals and six assists, but forward Sophia Smith (14 goals, six assists), winger Emie Benson (nine goals, 12 assists) and winger Abigail Vidrine (13 goals, six assists) all have at least 19 goal contributions. Audrey Johnson, who is potent on free kicks and in the air, paces the backline.
Hendrickson
Making a perfect run through District 23-5A, the Hawks (17-4) have the talent to play deep into the Class 5A Division I bracket. Attacking players Brea Lewis (20 goals, seven assists), Ava Back (14 goals, 14 assists) and Kenna McKinley (20 goal contributions) make up one of the area’s best offenses. Center back Zahria Fuller, who also has six goals, anchors a backline that only gave up five goals in district play. If Hendrickson wins a tough bidistrict matchup against McCallum, expect it to make at least the regional final.
Article continues below this ad
Lake Travis
Last year’s Class 6A Division I runner-up, the Cavs (12-5-2) will again be a dangerous out. Forward Amelia Clark (16 goals, 18 assists) is arguably the area’s top offensive threat, and a backline consisting of standouts Addy Baker and Mya Griffin is rock solid and crucial in the team’s buildup. Maya Ramirez (eight goals, six assists) leads the midfield.
Leander
Going undefeated in winning District 25-5A, the Lions (16-3-4) were arguably the area’s most surprising and impressive team this winter. Mila Borel has 17 goals and nine assists to lead Leander’s attack, which also includes talented midfielders Ka’Lea Reynaud (15 goals) and Ella Siefert (19 goal contributions). Goalie Britney King has 10 shutouts.
Article continues below this ad
Round Rock
A team with no weakness, the Dragons (16-2-4) are built for the postseason. Forwards Grace El-Deir and Carlee Deegan are arguably the area’s top forward duo, while midfielders Aidan Hernandez and Montse Hernandez pace the team’s buildup. If Round Rock gets by Westlake in the first round, it could still be playing in April.
Vandegrift
Winning District 25-6A, which includes Round Rock and Westwood, the Vipers (19-3) won 18 straight at one point in the season. Forwards Eva Pensamiento (12 goals, nine assists), Brooke Cansler (10 goal contributions) and Jacky Dashnaw (12 goal contributions) pace a dangerous attack, while outside back Reagan McKinley leads a strong defense.
Article continues below this ad
Wimberley
The Texans (19-2-1), who were state runner-up a year ago, will be one of the favorites in Class 4A Division II. Forward Lilli Sandoval has 25 goals and 10 assists and is one of the area’s top scoring threats. Midfielder Emma Durkin (11 goals, 25 assists) excels in setting up her teammates, while midfielder Dylan Watson has tallied 27 goal contributions and is a Texas State commit. Sisters Cameron Thames and Kara Thames lead the defense, though both are also strong going forward.
Players to watch
(Note: Players cannot be from a team listed above.)
Article continues below this ad
Pepi Brady, Austin High: The sophomore is a key player defensively for the Maroons and helped their goals against drop from 50 to 20 this year.
Sam Crider, Westwood: One of the area’s fastest players, she’s a lockdown defender for a loaded backline. If Westwood beats Dripping Springs, expect it to make at least the regional final.
Hazel DeMont, McCallum: A dominant center back, the junior leads a defense that has recorded 20 shutouts.
Article continues below this ad
Addie Eaton, Legacy Ranch: Versatile enough to play almost any position, she’s a key leader on the field for the Wranglers and a big reason they could make a run in Class 4A Division II.
Molly Felker, Cedar Ridge: The freshman phenom has 12 goals and four assists for a Raiders team that finished fourth in a loaded District 25-6A.
Zoe Findlay, Westlake: A three-year starter for one of the area’s top programs, she’s brilliant in the midfield and can also play center back.
Megan Gerold, LASA: The Raptors’ captain is a shutdown defender who is key for a team that excels in low-scoring games.
Article continues below this ad
Sophia Martin, Westlake: One of the area’s top goalkeepers, she gives the Chaps a chance in any matchup.
Casey Parker, Liberty Hill: Crucial to the Panthers’ buildup, the senior midfielder has excellent judgment and passing skills. Finishing third in a tough District 25-5A, don’t be surprised if Liberty Hill sticks around in the Division II playoffs.
Kate Pieczonka, Austin High: A crafty center midfielder with a solid shot, she’s a big reason the Maroons made the playoffs on impressive district results like beating Lake Travis and Westlake and tying Dripping Springs.
Kayden Raney, Weiss: Impressive in the midfield, the senior has 14 goals and five assists to pace the Wolves’ offense.
Article continues below this ad
Faith Romney, Liberty Hill: The junior forward is a threat every possession and has 21 goal contributions.
Audrey Savoie, Westwood: Whether it’s providing goals or shutdown defense, the Warriors’ senior captain and midfielder can do it all. She’s helped Westwood record 11 shutouts against a tough schedule.
Maya Tackett, McCallum: The captain of a team that is 19-1-4, the senior is brilliant in the midfield and excels at winning the ball in challenges.
Bristol Twine, Legacy Ranch: Possessing the game intelligence of an upperclassman, the freshman is an important part of the Wranglers’ offense.
Article continues below this ad
Aubrey Walker, Weiss: With 15 goal contributions, the junior midfielder combines with Raney to make the Wolves dangerous in Class 5A Division II.
Adel Wells, LASA: Recording an impressive 15 shutouts, the talented goalie gives the Raptors a shot to make a run in Class 5A Division II.