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: 15 players to keep an eye on this fall

July 29, 2026
, 10:01 am
, Features

These 15 players are poised for big years on the soccer pitch.

Derrick Webb, Managing Editor

After a near three-month hiatus, high school sports are back in Southern Ohio … 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 — Marietta, McClain, Alexander and Fairfield — win district titles. We expect more of the same in 2024 with rosters full of talent and expectations in place.

So as we get reacquainted with the soccer pitch, here’s a list of 15 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 15 players we’ve randomly compiled.

Grace Spencer, Marietta

If you’ve followed Marietta’s program at all in the past decade, you know exactly how good the Tigers have been. And in the past three seasons in particular, Spencer has been the leader of the charge. Last fall, while Marietta was 17-3-1 and reached a regional final, Spencer scored 26 times and passed out 14 assists. She was a first-team All-Ohioan. Expect more of the same.

Lily Ryder, Alexander

One of the main reasons why Alexander was able to make a run to a regional final last fall was the team’s magnificent defense. Ryder was undoubtedly one of the leaders of that vaunted group. The Spartans’ glove-like unit surrendered just 18 scores in 21 contests while pitching 13 shutouts. With Ryder back in the fold, Alexander’s defense should once again be tough to beat.

Alexander’s Lily Ryder (right) celebrates the team’s district championship victory this past season.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Jordan Jolly, Wheelersburg

As if Wheelersburg is ever short of talent on the pitch, Jolly splashed onto the scene as a freshman last fall and added 10 goals and four assists to the team’s totals. Those numbers helped the Pirates finish 14-4 and reach a district final. With a ton of talent back in the fold this coming season, Jolly included in that group, ‘Burg should be looked at as a serious contender.

Austin Frantz, Valley

When the ball is at the feet of Frantz, special things happen. It’s really that simple. Valley reaped the benefits of that statement all season last fall as the midfielder gave the Indians 14 goals and 24 assists. Those numbers helped her teammates win 12 games and put themselves on the Southeast Ohio soccer map. If you’re looking for a fun player to watch, Frantz is a great pick.

Sadie Tieman, Minford

Two years removed from a state semifinal run, Minford should still be considered a tough out for any opponent it faces. Tieman is a huge reason why that holds true. After scoring seven goals and passing out 12 assists, she’ll be looking for an even bigger junior season — one that sees her take the next step into truly becoming elite. She’s got the talent to be one of the area’s best.

Jillian Mathey, Unioto

If you’re going to score against Unioto, you’ll have to get past Mathey in between the pipes. And that’s much easier said than done. As a sophomore, Mathey posted 120 saves and six shutouts, helping the Tanks finish with 11 victories. Unioto brings back a ton of experience, and Mathey will be relied upon to lead the group back into district play. She’ll be better than ever this fall.

Aubrey Barber, Fayetteville

There’s something in the water at Fayetteville. The Rockets have gone 25-8-4 over the past two seasons and finally chased the monkey off their backs by winning the SHAC championship last fall. Barber had a lot to do with it, too, scoring 18 goals and passing out 10 assists. As the program moves into the Southeast District, Barber is certainly a name to keep your eyes on.

McClain’s Larah Henson (right) helped the Tigers win a district championship last season.
CREDIT: *Derrick Webb/SOSA*

Larah Henson, McClain

In the midst of a district championship run, Henson served as McClain’s enforcer in the middle. And when she was called upon to give the Tigers’ offense a boost, she happily obliged. Her 11 goals and eight assists helped her teammates finish 15-3-2 overall with the school’s first-ever FAC title in hand. Henson will be relied upon to continue controlling the middle this season.

Marian Mara, Miami Trace

Right in the middle of the most successful season in Miami Trace’s history was Mara, who led by example every step of the way. The midfielder added 17 goals and 10 assists to the team’s totals as the Panthers finished 13-5-1 overall and reached a district final. With the brunt of its starting lineup returning, MT could be even better in 2026. Mara will once again lead the way.

Lillian Mapes, Jackson

In each of the last two seasons, Mapes has been a solid contributor to the Ironladies’ offensive attack. During that time, her 15 goals and 14 assists have helped Jackson win a total of 19 games while staying relevant in the FAC title race. This year, however, is her year. After graduating a talented senior class, the Ironladies will need a leader. Mapes could fill that role.

Maddi Mitchell, Fairfield Union

Every single year, Fairfield Union is in contention for a district title — and then some. Last fall was no different, and this coming year should reap the same results. Mitchell is a huge reason why. Her team-high 23 goals alongside 14 assists helped the Falcons go 13-5-2 while she upped her career totals to 53 scores and 25 helpers. She’ll save her best season for her last.

Ava Rowley, Amanda-Clearcreek

While Amanda-Clearcreek took a step forward as a program in 2025, Rowley led the charge. Her team-high 17 goals helped the Aces win nine games before they bowed out of the tourney with a tough-fought loss to Johnstown-Monroe. AC will transition into the Southeast District this fall, and Rowley and company have the potential to be dangerous. Keep your eyes on them.

Ella Jordan, Hillsboro

Since the moment she stepped onto the varsity pitch, Jordan has been a difference-maker for the Indians. After scoring 14 goals as a freshman, she followed it up with a balanced sophomore year that consisted of 12 goals and 10 assists. It helped Hillsboro reach a district final and win 10 matches. As she enters her senior year, she’ll be looked at as the Indians’ go-to playmaker.

Hillsboro’s Ella Jordan scored 12 goals and passed out 10 assists last season.
CREDIT: *Brock Netter/SOSA*

Vivian Henninger, Fairfield

Henninger took no prisoners last fall while leading her Lions on a historic tournament run. The striker spent her junior season terrorizing opposing keepers, finding the back of the net 31 times while adding seven assists to her stat sheet. Those numbers carried Fairfield to 13 victories and the program’s second-ever district title. Henninger enters a new season with 66 career goals.

Kyleigh Mercurio, Westfall

In just 13 games last season, Mercurio found the back of the net on 37 occasions. No, we’re not making that number up. And in those 13 games, Westfall was 13-0. Then, an injury ended her season and the scoring stopped. But she’s back for retribution as a senior and she’ll surely be hunting more scores. That’s bad news for opponents. Keep an eye on the Mustangs this year.