A talented group of freshmen is preparing to make the jump to Wisconsin high school girls soccer this season. We spoke with a number of club and high school coaches, and a few names kept coming up. This is not a ranking. These are players who have already shown the ability to compete at a high level and could make an impact as they begin their high school careers.
Here are 10 Wisconsin freshmen to watch this season.
Grace Lawrence | DSHA
Grace Lawrence is a dynamic offensive player who can create opportunities and put pressure on a defense. Her quickness allows her to get into dangerous positions, and she has shown the ability to both create and finish scoring chances. Lawrence has also earned recognition beyond Wisconsin, including selection to a Midwest ODP roster.
Mollie Samborski | Oconomowoc
Mollie Samborski brings strength, athleticism and a competitive edge to the field. She is a dangerous scorer who can create opportunities going forward and isn’t afraid of physical play. Samborski has already competed at a high level and was selected to a Midwest ODP roster, making her one of the freshmen to keep an eye on at Oconomowoc.
Raina Romero | Brookfield East
Raina Romero is an athletic defender who can make things difficult for opposing attackers. She has the quickness to stay with players in space and competes hard in one-on-one situations. Her combination of speed, toughness and defensive ability makes her a freshman to watch at Brookfield East.
Audrina Elsesser | Waukesha West
Audrina Elsesser is an intelligent and competitive defender who battles for possession and makes opposing attackers work for opportunities. She reads the game well and brings a toughness to the defensive end of the field that could translate quickly to the high school level.
Haven McKenzie | Mukwonago
Haven McKenzie is a fast and versatile attacking player who can create problems for defenders in several ways. She is comfortable using either foot, giving her more options when attacking and making her difficult to defend. McKenzie has also earned Midwest ODP recognition and enters high school with experience against strong competition.
Maya McGrady | Middleton
Maya McGrady brings athleticism and composure to the center of the defense. She is comfortable with the ball, can help start the attack with her passing and is strong in the air. McGrady can also become a scoring threat on corner kicks and free kicks, giving Middleton another weapon on set pieces.
Devynn Mackey | Verona
Devynn Mackey is the type of midfielder who can affect a game without having to score. Playing primarily as a defensive midfielder, she covers a lot of ground, battles for possession and disrupts what opponents are trying to do. Mackey plays with tremendous energy and toughness and could give Verona a strong presence in the middle of the field.
Devyn Hogg | Waunakee
Devyn Hogg brings toughness and a strong understanding of the game to the midfield. She embraces the physical side of soccer, communicates well and looks for opportunities to connect with teammates. Hogg can contribute defensively while also helping Waunakee move the ball forward.
Ari Baldwin | Waunakee
Ari Baldwin is a creative left-footed player who can be dangerous from the outside. She has the ability to take on defenders, find open space and create opportunities for teammates with her passing and crosses. Baldwin can attack defenders in different ways, giving Waunakee another young playmaker to watch.
Amelia Eberhardt | Madison West
Amelia Eberhardt brings toughness, athleticism and energy to the center of the field. She competes hard for possession and isn’t afraid of physical play, but she can also remain composed when the ball is at her feet. Her ability to contribute on both sides of the ball makes Eberhardt an intriguing freshman for Madison West.
A Class to Watch
This list certainly won’t be the last word on Wisconsin’s Class of 2030. There will be freshmen across the state who emerge once the season begins.
