Derrick Webb

Derrick is SOSA's chief content coordinator and has worked for the Chillicothe Gazette, the Portsmouth Daily Times and Eleven Warriors. He's a 15-time award-winning journalist, a self-proclaimed baseball purist, a suffering Bengals fan and has never met a stranger.

GIRLS SOCCER: 10 players to keep an eye on this fall

July 18, 2025
, 6:44 pm
, Features

These 10 players are poised for big years on the soccer pitch.

Derrick Webb, Managing Editor

Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.

After a near two-month hiatus, high school sports are back in Southern Ohio. Well, they’re right around the corner at least … thankfully.

The fall calendar brings promise in our area as several programs always seem to turn late-season momentum into historic postseason runs. That’s especially true on the soccer pitch.

Last fall, we had four girls programs — Minford, Fairfield Union, Lynchburg-Clay and Wheelersburg — win district titles. We expect more of the same in 2025 with rosters full of talent and expectations in place.

So as we get reacquainted with the soccer pitch, here’s a list of 10 players in our coverage area, and in no particular order, to keep an eye on this fall.

NOTE: This certainly does not mean there aren’t other players who will have great seasons. This is simply a list of 10 players we’ve randomly compiled.

Ella Chapman, Senior, Athens

If you haven’t heard of Chapman by now, remove the rock you live under. The back-to-back-to-back All-Ohioan has dazzled throughout her career at Athens. Last season, she was the centerpiece of a defense that allowed just 16 goals — 0.84 per game. The Bulldogs will look to be in the Division III district title mix, and Chapman will be their unquestioned leader.

Makena Corbin, Junior, Eastern Brown

While the Warriors underwent a rebuilding phase last season, Corbin made a name for herself. Scoring nine goals and passing out a team-high 17 assists, she showed glimpses of what the near future could look like for an esteemed program. This fall, she’ll look to build upon her success and help her teammates take the next big step. The Warriors could be dangerous.

Ana Diaz, Junior, South Point

There’s a good reason why Diaz was named the OVC’s Offensive Player of the Year last fall. Her 19 scores and 21 assists helped the Pointers finish 14-4 overall and 10-0 in league play. As South Point attempts to defend their league title, Diaz and her lightning-like speed will be the engine that keeps her teammates running. The road to the OVC title runs through South Point.

Maycee Martindill, Senior, Fairfield Union

The Falcons are no strangers to success and last year was the latest example. While Fairfield Union captured yet another district crown, Martindill was an absolute star in between the pipes. Allowing five goals all year long — FU scored a total of 102 — Martindill pitched 18 shutouts. In fact, she didn’t allow a single goal until the team’s eighth match. She’s the definition of elite.

Ella McGraw, Sophomore, Wheelersburg

While the Pirates nailed down their fifth district title in program history and first since 2020, they also introduced their next all-out star. McGraw, a freshman, played like a seasoned veteran throughout the year, tallying 23 goals and 11 assists. Those numbers helped ‘Burg finish 17-3 overall — a season that ended with a hard-fought Sweet 16 loss to Worthington Christian.

McClain’s Paisley Pryor scored 27 goals last season, leading the Tigers to a program-record 12 wins.
CREDIT: *Raymond Gleadle/SOSA*

Paisley Pryor, Junior, McClain

The Tigers have all the upside in the world and Pryor is a reason why. After winning 12 games last fall — a program record — McClain graduated just four seniors. They return three of their top four scorers, including Pryor, who found the net 27 times last season and passed out seven assists. The Tigers were 4-4-2 in the FAC last season. This year, they’ll contend for the crown.

Mia Rose, Sophomore, Valley

While Valley’s program is still in its infant stages, make no mistake about it … the Indians are not to be doubted. Rose immediately made her impact felt last fall, making those around her better and proving herself to be a budding star. Her 16 goals were tied for the team-high and helped nail down 11 victories. If you’re looking to see a program on the rise, stop in Lucasville.

Braelyn Brennan, Senior, Jackson

It’s hard to believe that Brennan will be a senior. But it also feels like she’s been tormenting opponents for a long, long time. With top-tier speed and the ability to find open feet, or score herself, Brennan helped the Ironladies finish 10-5-1. She posted nine goals and eight assists, setting herself up for a huge senior campaign. When she’s at her best, she’s as good as it gets.

Vivian Henniger, Junior, Fairfield

An injury erased a good chunk of Henniger’s season last fall. But she still managed to lead the Lions in scoring, posting 27 goals alongside a team-high 12 assists. Her play helped the team finish 12-5-1 and reach a district championship game. This season, she’ll look to add to those numbers as the Lions look to win their second district title in the past three seasons.

Meredith Dietrick, Senior, Hillsboro

Hillsboro was a team that showed a ton of promise last season and Dietrick was a huge part of that movement. She was often the best defender on the pitch and seemed to be everywhere, all at once. Her first-team all-league and first-team all-district honors drive that point home. The Indians now have another year of experience under their belts and will look to compete for a league title. Dietrick, as always, will play a huge role in that happening.