Arkansas high school girls soccer Top 25 rankings (3/18/2024)

The first SBLive Arkansas Top 25 girls soccer rankings of the season

The high school soccer season has been underway for three weeks. As schools head for spring break, here are SBLive’s first Arkansas high school rankings with recent results and season outlook provided by coaches from questionnaires that were returned to the SBLive staff. 

1. BENTONVILLE 

2024 RECORD: 5-2

LAST WEEK: def. Springdale 8-0

NEXT: at Fort Smith Northside March 26

2023 RECORD: 17-2-2 (Class 6A state champions)

HEAD COACH Steven Porter, fourth year

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Tigers, who are defending champions will head into the 2024 season as the team to beat with plenty of talent. Sophomore goalkeeper Larkin Wilson had 11 shutouts a year ago. Senior defender Cecilia Pearce signed with Missouri Southern State. Junior defender Tori Otter was the 6A-West Conference defensive player of the year. Sophomore defender Hailey Crabb was the conference freshman of the year. Senior midfielder Kaylee Vorisek was the outstanding player in the conference. Senior midfielder Devyn O’Daniel signed track/cross country scholarship with Arkansas State. Senior midfielder Samantha Ayala signed with Missouri Southern . Senior forward Kayla Hurley was state tournament MVP. Senior forward Graci Jones signed with Kansas. Senior forward Star Cheshire had six goals and three assists last year.

COACH SAID: “The 6A-West will be strong again. Bentonville will be a fun team to watch.” — Head coach Steven Porter

2. FAYETTEVILLE

2024 RECORD: 3-1

LAST WEEK: def. Fort Smith Southside 7-0

NEXT: vs. Rogers March 26

2023 RECORD: 17-2-2 (lost 3-0 to Fayetteville in 6A state finals)

HEAD COACH: Joe Thoma (21st year at Fayetteville, 315-124-32; 35 years overall, 475-188-38).

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Bulldogs have the makings of another strong team. Sophomore midfielder Janie Kramer earned second-team all-conference honors as a freshman; junior forward Regan McIntosh earned all-state honors a year ago; junior midfielder Eleanor Lock was second-team, all-conference last year; junior midfielder Abby Heizelman was first-team, all-conference last year; Junior forward Kara Whitson earned all-conference honors last year; along with sophomore defender Lila Morris. Senior Lindsay Robbins will be the goalkeeper. Head coach Joe Thoma said his team is young with one senior in the lineup and needs to come together with a lot of new players in the lineup.

COACH SAID: “Bentonville is the class of the sate with 13 seniors coming back. They are loaded and poised to take back-to-back state titles.”

3. CONWAY

2024 RECORD: 6-0-1

LAST WEEK: def. LR Southwest 18-0; def. Warren 8-0; def. North Little Rock 8-0

NEXT: at Cabot March 26

2023 RECORD: 11-5-5 (lost 1-0 to Fort Smith Northside in 6A first round)

HEAD COACH: Kevin DeStafano (12th year, 129-55-18)

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Wampus Cats have nine returning starters back. Leading the way is junior goalkeeper Emily Huffman, who had six clean sheets, a 70-percent save rate and earned all-state tournament honors; senior all-conference defender Brityn Pavatt, who had three goals and four assists; senior defender Caleigh Ashcraft; junior defender Lily Boudrie, who had three goals and one assist; senior defender Lilli King, who had two assists; senior all-conference midfielder Carly Pate, who had three goals and three assists; junior all-conference midfielder Haley Nichols, who had eight goals and five assists; junior forward Alexes OnyeyirI, who had four goals and four assists; and junior all-conference forward Dekeria Carter, who had 13 goals and one assist. Head coach Kevin DeStafano likes his team’s experience, speed, athleticism and work ethic. He said the key is scoring, limiting opportunities and set pieces.

COACH SAID: “We have a great group of kids who are close and care about one another. We have a chance to do something special this season. This will come down to being mentally prepared for each game and taking our chances. The conference has a lot of talent spread out. There is a lot of experience and talent returning for each squad. Bentonville and Fayetteville are still the teams to beat this year in the state, but the Central Conference teams might surprise a few people.” — Head coach Kevin DeStafano

4. MOUNT ST. MARY

2024 RECORD: 4-0-1

LAST WEEK: def. Cabot 4-0; at Bryant, canceled

NEXT: at Jonesboro March 26

2023 RECORD: 16-4-3 (Lost 4-3 to Fayetteville double overtime in 6A semifinals)

HEAD COACH: Jonathan Reed, third year

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Belles have eight returning starters: senior all-state forward Savannah Bosley; sophomore all-state wing Reese Hanan; junior all-conference midfielder Anna Kate Suffridge; sophomore all-conference midfielder Julia Jansen; sophomore all-conference goalkeeper Anna Kate Lipin; junior defender Ana Hatfield; junior defender Lilly Lewis; and junior forward Lindley Bailey.

5. ROGERS

2024 RECORD: 3-2-1

LAST WEEK: lost 3-2 to Bishop Kelley (Okla.)

NEXT at Fayetteville March 26

2023 RECORD: 13-3-1 Lost 3-1 to Rogers in 6A semifinals)

HEAD COACH: Oscar Cardona, 11th year

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Mounties have five returning starters: junior goalkeeper Torrey Martindale; junior defender Hailey Brenda’s; senior Anakaren Gallardo; junior all-conference, honorable mention midfielder/defender Delaney Neal; and senior all-conference, honorable mention forward Ashton Holloway. Three freshman — forward Deja Martinez, midfielder Meili Brady and forward Kayla Eggers — are expected to start. Two sophomores are expected to start at defender: Sabrina Zenlicka and Taylor Chrisman. Head coach Oscar Cardona likes his team’s chemistry but is concerned about his team develops since it has seven starters to replace.

COACH SAID: “We are a young team this year, but we are ready to compete. This team could surprise if they peak at the right moment.” — Head coach Oscar Cardona

6. PULASKI ACADEMY

2024 RECORD: 5-1-1

LAST WEEK: def. Sylvan Hills 10-1; canceled vs. Vilonia

NEXT: at Little Rock Parkview, March 26

2023 RECORD 20-2 (Class 5A state champions)

HEAD COACH Chris Owen

SEASON OUTLOOK: Carmen Owen, who has committed to Ouachita Baptist, is the Lady Bruins leading scorer. Head coach Chris Owen said the Lady Bruins have a defensive line and plenty of experience with eight seniors that helped win two state championships.

COACH SAID: “We are not as strong as last year due to lack of depth in the squad. We have some good upcoming seniors. I think we are a top 4 team in the 5A classification.” — Head coach Chris Owen

7. LITTLE ROCK CHRISTIAN ACADEMY

2024 RECORD: 7-0-1

LAST WEEK: def. Vilonia 7-0; def. Little Rock Parkview 10-0

NEXT: at Pulaski Academy, March 28

HEAD COACH: Morgan Allen, fourth year

2023 RECORD: 16-4 (lost 4-1 to Harrison in 5A quarterfinals)

SEASON OUTLOOK: Lady Warriors have been hot with victories over Maumelle, Jacksonville, Springdale Har-Ber, Beebe, Sylvan Hills, Vilonia and Little Rock Parkview and a tie against Little Rock Central, outscoring opponents 57-0.

8. HARRISON

2023 RECORD: 21-4-1 (Class 5A state champions)

2024 RECORD: 6-0-1

LAST WEEK: def. Mountain Home 3-0; def. Greenwood 3-1; def. Farmington 7-0

NEXT: vs. Greenbrier, March 26

HEAD COACH: Chris Pratt (24th year, 391-119-29)

SEASON OUTLOOK: Harrison has several talented players back from last year’s state championship team. Senior forward Mia Barrett (21 goals, 13 assists), earned all-state honors; sophomore forward Eliza Barger (six goals, one assist); junior midfielder Erin Pratt (five goals, four assists); and junior forward Liani Cash (eight goals, four assists) are the key players. Sophomore Brooklyn Mitchell will start in goal. Head coach Chris Pratt said his team has strong culture and tradition but is concerned about transitioning a number of basketball players to soccer.

COACH SAID: “The key is realizing the ball is faster than any person and we have to build chemistry in a short period of time.” — Head coach Chris Pratt

9. BRYANT

2024 RECORD: 7-1-1

LAST WEEK: def. Jonesboro 4-0; vs. Mount St. Mary Thursday, canceled

NEXT: vs. Little Rock Central, March 26

2023 RECORD: 9-9-3 (Lost 2-1 to Bentonville West in overtime in first round of the Class 6A state tournament)

HEAD COACH: Olivia Organ, fourth year

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Hornets return 10 starters including senior goalkeeper Alexis Pablo. She is joined by a back line that features senior Karen Giron; senior Cameron Cathey; junior Haley Avila; sophomore Raegan Leung; senior Kaci Ausbrooks; sophomore Bethan Arbeene. Midfielder candidates are senior Julia Murray, junior Diana Ramirez; junior Lilly Wirzfeld and sophomore Mary Kate Brewer. Up front is two-time all-state performer Lilly Miller (16 career goals and 24 career assists). Joining her is senior Amelia Holley (8 career goals); junior midfielder Jennifer Vivar (six assists in 2023); sophomore midfielder Brooklyn Kuchinski (five goals); and sophomore Lydia Hall (one goal and two assists). Senior Kaylee Fluger (21 career goals and 18 career assists); junior Julie Johnson (10 goals and 5 assists) earned all-conference honors last year

COACH SAID: “The playoff game made a difference (mentally). It taught them the importance of doing things right the first time.” — Head coach Olivia Organ

10. SEARCY

2024 RECORD: 6-0

LAST WEEK: def. Batesville 8-0

NEXT: vs. Greene County Tech, March 26

2023 RECORD: 12-3-2 (Lost 2-1 to Russellville in Class 5A first round)

HEAD COACH: Bart McFarland, 26th year

SEASON OUTLOOK: Head coach Bart McFarland cites experience with senior defenders Sara Daniel and Kate Daniel. He said his big concern is being able to score goals. The goalkeeper is sophomore Emerson Simmons. He said the key to success is staying healthy.

11. HARDING ACADEMY

2024 RECORD: 3-0

LAST WEEK: def. Joe T. Robinson 3-0

NEXT: at LISA Academy West, March 26

2023 RECORD: 19-0 (Class 4A state champions)

HEAD COACH: Angie Harlow, fifth year

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Wildcats are poised to repeat with a talented and deep squad. Leading the way is senior midfielder Kloey Fullerton, the MVP of the Class 4A state tournament, who has signed with Harding University. Senior striker Jama Akapanudo earned all-state tournament honors and is a three-time, all-conference selection; Senior midfielder Nora Henderson earned all-state tournament honors. In addition, there are five other all-conference selections: senior center back Mary Dugger; senior center back Sydney Patten; junior midfielder Katie Jones; junior goalkeeper Krimson Fager; and sophomore left wing Claire Citty. Head coach Angie Harlow said her team is very experienced with nine returning starters and has a lot of speed and skill and is unselfish. She points out youth with three freshman — right wing Zoe Madden, left back Rachel Garner and right back Sage Anderson — as a concern.

COACH SAID: “We are excited for this season. Our conference is one of the toughest conferences in 4A. We are excited for some great competition in our conference and classification. Our senior class is super talented and I look forward to a great season.” — Head coach Angie Harlow.

12. BENTONVILLE WEST

2024 RECORD: 4-3-1

LAST WEEK: at Bixby (Okla.), canceled

NEXT at Broken Arrow (Okla.) March 26

2023 RECORD: 8-8-4 (Lost 3-1 to Bentonville in 6A quarterfinals)

HEAD COACH: Kerry Castillo, fifth year

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Wolverines have five returning starters: senior fullback Whitney Carrington, who earned all-state honors in 2022; junior Bella Sampson; senior fullback Brooke Hall; senior midfielder Kyndal Stafford, who earned all-conference honors; and senior forward Tianna Jones, who also earned all-state honors. Head coach Kerry Castillo likes her team’s speed athleticism, technical ability and experience of a large junior and senior classes. She is concerned about her team’s lack of time playing together. She said the key will be gaining confidence through a tough non-conference schedule and gaining experience from it.

COACH SAID: “Our team is potentially the strongest side ever put together at Bentonville West. The overall squad grew to 50 players in 2023-2024. The incoming freshman class is extremely skilled and athletic and our offseason was highly successful. The 6A West is extremely competitive this year with a very talented group of seniors at each school. Mount St. Mary, Bryant and Conway will contest for the title as well.” — Head coach Kerry Castillo

13. BROOKLAND

2024 RECORD: 6-2

LAST WEEK: def. Jonesboro Westside 9-0; def. Joe T. Robinson 3-1

NEXT: vs. Harding Academy, March 28

2023 RECORD: 17-4-1 (Lost 2-0 to Joe T. Robinson in the 4A semifinals)

HEAD COACH: Kim Paslay, 11th year

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Bearcats are led by senior Abbi Brookreson. The team’s captain scored 56 goals in a season and six in one game and has 104 in her career. She is a three-time, all-state selection and has been selected as the Best Under the (Jonesboro)Sun for 2022 and 2023. She has signed with Southwest Community College in Memphis. Senior goalkeeper Lisa Craig is a three-time, all-conference selection and chosen as Best Under the (Jonesboro) Sun in 2023 and plans on playing at Williams Baptist. Senior all-conference midfielder Abi Boyd has signed to play at Wesleyan University (Okla.). Sophomore all-conference midfielder Grace Gray (eight goals and five assists in 2023) has been chosen as Best Under the (Jonesboro) Sun in 2023, who head coach Kim Paslay said “is a dynamic player and one to watch.” Pasaly likes her team’s offensive potential with Brookreson and Gray with freshman Anna Hardy, sophomore Katie Blumreich and sophomore Presley Campbell helping out. She likes the depth with sophomore Kyli Hubbs, junior Sydney Kupiciki and Camilo Osorio. She likes her goalie. Paslay is concerned about experience on the defensive side with Boyd as the only starter (not counting Craig). She said the key is the four players they have are “absolute gold” and will have to provide leadership.

14. LITTLE ROCK CENTRAL

2024 RECORD: 4-0-1

LAST WEEK: def. North Little Rock 4-1, def. Jonesboro 2-0

NEXT: at Bryant, March 26

2023 RECORD: 14-4-2 (lost 3-1 to Rogers in 6A quarterfinals)

HEAD COACH: Jodi Massie

SEASON OUTLOOK: Lady Tigers off to a good start with quality wins against Batesville, Episcopal Collegiate, North Little Rock, Jonesboro and a tie against Little Rock Christian Academy.

15. FORT SMITH NORTHSIDE

2024 RECORD: 7-0

LAST WEEK: def. Dardanelle 7-0

NEXT: vs. Bentonville, March 26

2023 RECORD: 9-6-2 (lost 3-1 to Fayetteville in 6A quarterfinals)

HEAD COACH: Mahmoud Ihmeidan

SEASON OUTLOOK: Lady Bears had a 1-0 victory over Fayetteville on March 5 and defeated 5A power Brookland 4-0 on March 1. They’ve also beaten several 4A teams — 5-0 over DeQueen on Feb. 29 and Dardanelle on Monday — that were in last year’s state tournament. Big tests in 6A-West await after spring break.

16. PARAGOULD

2024 RECORD: 8-4

LAST WEEK: def. Marion 5-0; lost 5-0 to Cave City

NEXT: vs. Nettleton, March 26

2023 RECORD: 8-6 (lost 6-0 to Harrison in Class 5A first round

HEAD COACH: Jason Inman, 11th year

SEASON OUTLOOK: Head coach Jason Inman said he has a team that has plenty of returning experience and is well-conditioned for a long season. He hopes team chemistry develops along with match strategy along with having to overcome potential injuries. He said the key to success is staying healthy, playing with urgency and toughness for 80 minutes.

COACH SAID: “As usual, I consider the 5A-East one of the stronger conferences in the state and especially formidable at the top. With that in mind, I still expect this year’s Lady Rams to earn another state tournament berth.” — Head coach Jason Inman.

17. SILOAM SPRINGS

2024 RECORD: 3-1-1

LAST WEEK: def. Springdale Har-Ber 1-0; def. Alma 9-0

NEXT: at Greenwood, March 26

2023 RECORD: 16-5-2 (lost 2-1 to Pulaski Academy in 5A quarterfinals)

HEAD COACH: Abby Jones

SEASON OUTLOOK: After losses to 6A-West Bentonville and Rogers and a tie to Bentonville West, the Lady Panthers have rebounded wins wins over Mountain Home, Springdale Har-Ber and Alma by a combined 11-0.

18. GREENE COUNTY TECH

2024 RECORD: 6-2

LAST WEEK: def. Valley View 1-0; canceled vs. Dardanelle

NEXT: at Searcy, March 26

2023 RECORD: 14-8-1 (lost 2-1 to Siloam Springs in 5A first round)

HEAD COACH: Steven Cole

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Golden Eagles have played a strong schedule as evidenced by victories over Brookland and Valley View and a loss to Russellville.

19. EPISCOPAL COLLEGIATE

2024 RECORD: 3-1

LAST WEEK: def. Maumelle Charter 9-0; at Lakeside Lake Village, canceled

NEXT: at Baptist Prep, March 26

2023 RECORD: 19-1 (Class 3A state champion; def. Christian Arkansas Christian 3-0)

HEAD COACH: Duke Ophof, 19th year

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Wildcats return all-state sophomore midfielder Heidi Saunders and all-conference junior forward Lauren Humiston. The goalkeeper is senior Madelyn Shurley. Ophof said his team has a strong midfield with junior Caroline Davis and junior Stella Cochran. He is concerned about a lot of unproven talent. He said the key to success is coming together as a team.

20. CENTRAL ARKANSAS CHRISTIAN

2024 RECORD: 3-1

LAST WEEK: def. Lakeside Lake Village 15-0; def. Maumelle Charter 2-0

NEXT: vs. LISA Academy North, March 26

2023 RECORD: 10-4-1 (Class 3A state runner-up; lost to Episcopal Collegiate 3-0)

HEAD COACH: Riley Rosenow

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Mustangs have all-state returner in junior forward Piper Clements, who is team’s top scorer and captain. They have three returning all-conference players in senior forward Macy Wall; sophomore midfielder Kate Tixhorn and junior midfielder Adison Bachman. The team’s goalkeeper is freshman Karli Roster. Rosenow said her team’s strengths are strong leadership from “soccer-smart” athletes down the spine of the field. Rosenow said the keys to success are chemistry, connecting, communicating verbally and non verbally to achieve goals.” — Head coach Riley Rosenow

21. RIVERVIEW

2024 RECORD: 3-0

LAST WEEK: def. Cave City 2-1

NEXT: at Heber Springs, March 26

2023 RECORD: 8-1-1 (Lost to Green Forest 5-4 in the 3A quarterfinals)

HEAD COACH: Rebecca Camp, 12th year

SEASON OUTLOOK: Makaiya Minner scored 39 goals last year and earned all-state honors. She’s joined by junior midfielder Illusion Preciado. Annadayi Lee, a senior center back where she is joined by junior Rubi Osornia. Freshman Kaiya Diong is expected to expected to have an impact in the middle. Camp said her team is strong with speed and experience at forward and midfield. She is concerned about the loss of key defenders from last year and the team’s captain and is looking for someone to fill that role. She said the key is team chemistry and attitude, making good decisions and playing with a continued ability to be a team-first mentality.

COACH SAID: “We hope to continue a strong tradition to playing hard and having the best possible experience. We have a couple of good teams in our conference and look forward to playing them.” — Head coach Rebecca Camp

22. BAUXITE

2024 RECORD: 5-0-1

LAST WEEK: def. Arkadelphia 2-1; def. De Queen 2-1

NEXT: at Lonoke, March 25

2023 RECORD: 10-4-1 (Lost 7-1 to Brookland in 4A first round)

HEAD COACH: Matt Baxley (54-41-4)

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Miners return eight starters from last year’s squad: left wing Jayden Khamis; center midfielder Stephanie Rico; all-state left defender Maddie Watson; sweeper Reagan Dumas; right fullback Natalie Knight; left fullback Hayden Hilderbrand; center back Macey Sheridan; and goalkeeper Rachel Howell. Head coach Matt Baxley likes his senior class and midfielders. He is concerned about losing most of the team’s goal scoring from last year. He said the key to success is continue to play good defense and finding players to step up on offense.

23. SHILOH CHRISTIAN

2024 RECORD: 1-1-1

LAST WEEK: Idle

NEXT: vs. Clarksville, March 26

2023 RECORD: 7-5-2 (Lost 6-0 to Harding Academy 4A quarterfinals)

HEAD COACH Denise Bonanno, fifth season

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Saints have a lot of returning talent led by junior all-state midfielder Bella Bonanno, who has committed to Ole Miss for volleyball, who is the two-time team MVP and team captain; senior defender Claire Gallo, who played junior varsity last year after transferring from Bentonville where she led the Lady Tigers in scoring as a sophomore; senior all-state defender Olivia Grace Silvey; senior all-conference defender Addison Reagor, who is a team captain; junior all-conference defender Lila Thurman; senior midfielder Maggie Massey, who sat out last year after transferring from Fayetteville; sophomore forward Blaire Fest, who started as a freshman; senior all-conference defender Emily Osburne; and junior all-conference forward Avery Beers. The goalkeeper is sophomore Mary Reece.

COACH SAID: “We have a lot of experience coming back this season. We lost our keeper to graduation, but we return all of our other players and add two players that had to play JV last season due to transfer rules.” — Head coach Denise Bonanno.

24. GENTRY

2024 RECORD: 3-1

LAST WEEK: vs. Decatur, canceled

NEXT: at Stillwell (Okla.) March 25

2023 RECORD: 8-10-1 (Lost 6-0 to Brookland in 4A quarterfinals)

HEAD COACH: Jamie Johnson, fourth year

SEASON OUTLOOK: Head coach Jamie Johnson is still undecided on his starting lineup, but said he has several veteran players, but is inexperienced in several sports and needs to make sure his players play where they can help the team the most.

COACH SAID: “The team is very young, but will look to a few veteran players for guidance in a tough conference.”

25. JOE T. ROBINSON

2024 RECORD: 3-4

LAST WEEK: Lost 3-0 to Harding Academy; lost 3-1 to Brookland

NEXT: at Jonesboro Westside, March 27

2023 RECORD: 16-5 (Lost 2-0 to Harding Academy in 4A state finals)

HEAD COACH: Todd Eskola

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Lady Senators have plenty of experience with junior defender Payton Barrow, senior midfielder Siena Tait, senior goalkeeper Kat Mizell, senior defender Elizabeth McGiobbony, junior defender Payton Barrow, junior midfielder Mattie Berryman, junior midfielder Mariah Higgins and junior defender/midfielder Olivia Martin. Head coach Todd Eskola said his team’s strengths are speed, experience/ good strikers and midfielders. He said he needs to fill some holes with young players. He said the keys to success are picking up with an excellent offseason strength and conditioning program.

COACH SAID: “We have high expectations, a tough non-conference schedule, but expect to be back in the championship game.” — Head coach Todd Eskola.

--Jeff Halpern | @SBLiveArk