Oregon’s top high school girls soccer players: Meet the state’s best defenders

Who are the top defenders in Oregon girls soccer this season?

We’re taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Oregon high school girls soccer. This list focuses on the defenders. 

There are hundreds of standout girls soccer players in Oregon and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive! Let us know about any other defenders you think should be added.

Sophia Stiles (Jesuit) photo by Taylor Balkom

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D Destyne Adams, Cascade, freshman

Adams starts at center back for the Cougars, and coach Robert Leon credited her as “a huge reason we beat Junction City. As a freshman, Destyne plays as if she has been with all the girls for a while.” 

D Avery Anunsen, South Salem, senior

Anunsen played up top for her first two high school seasons before moving to the back line last year, where she was a second-team all-Central Valley Conference selection on a defense that posted eight clean sheets. She had two goals and an assist in CVC play. “Avery is a hard-nosed defender with an eye to join in on the attack,” Saxons coach Tillerman Kroon said. “She has relished her new role, providing important service and attempts on goal.”

D Kara Becraft, North Eugene, senior

Becraft had three assists as a second-team all-Midwestern League selection in the midfield last year, but Highlanders coach Brandy Wormdahl moved her to center back this season, where she already has scored a goal. Her older sister Lauren is a sophomore defender at Montana State University-Billings.

D Tierra Braithwaite, Yamhill-Carlton, junior

As a sophomore, Braithwaite dominated the middle of the pitch at center back for the Tigers, earning 3A/2A/1A all-state honorable mention while chipping in a goal and two assists. “She’s just a natural athlete who’s able to shut people down because of her speed,” coach Mike Fetch said. “It allows her to be more aggressive and take more chances and still recover and get a tackle in.”

D Ava Brenner, Westview, senior

Brenner returns as a starting center back after receiving all-Metro League honorable mention as a junior. “She comes in with a lot of experience and will do a great job of getting us organized,” Wildcats coach Brad Pollard said. “She'll keep the defense ready and help with starting our counterattacks.”

D Kaitlin Brock, La Grande, senior

Brock last season anchored a Tigers defense that allowed just nine goals and posted eight shutouts in reaching the 4A state quarterfinals. She earned first-team all-Greater Oregon League honors and was voted team captain by her peers this year. “She is strong, smart and a leader, a very sound center back,” first-year coach Chris Gianandrea said.

D Kailea Buckley, Silverton, junior

Foxes coach Renee Cantrell called Buckley “our defensive wall back there” after making the Mid-Willamette all-conference second team last season. Buckley also is a standout for her Capital Fútbol Club and ODP teams. “Kai has taken leaps and bounds forward in her skill level and tenacity out on the field and is a different player than she was last year,” Cantrell said. “She is fast, with a stride like no other, and has a clear out that any forward would be lucky to have.”

D/M Kate Cheldelin, West Linn, senior

Cheldelin, a product of the Portland Thorns Academy, made the all-Three Rivers League honorable mention list as a defender last fall, but Lions coach Madison Gellos plans to have the University of Washington commit also play as an attacking midfielder quite a bit this season.

D Hailey Corrigan, Mountain View, senior

Corrigan moves from defensive midfielder to outside back this year after scoring four goals as a junior, when she made the all-Intermountain Conference second team. Assistant coach Brittany Barrett said that “her speed and agility partnered with her leadership are predicted to create creative scoring opportunities for the Cougars.”

D Caroline de la Motte, Wilsonville, senior

De la Motte flashes the athleticism that won her the 5A state title in the long jump as a two-way impact player on the soccer pitch, moving from forward to defender last year and helping the Wildcats post nine shutouts. She chipped in three goals and four assists in the attack in earning all-Northwest Oregon Conference honorable mention. “Caroline is crucial to our team's success,” coach Alex Boehm said. “She's fast, physical, reads the game well to break up attacks and is also an attacking threat capable of creating chances in the final third.”

D Kiyana Ellis, Century, sophomore

Ellis made the all-Pacific Conference second team at outside back as a freshman, and Jaguars coach Emma Hamilton called her “a beast for her ECNL team and our rock for Century. Overall, she's a very versatile player and someone who can cause problems for our opponents on both the defensive and attacking sides.”

D Kate Endler, West Salem, junior

Endler made the all-Central Valley Conference first team last fall, helping the Titans post five clean sheets en route to the conference championship. “Kate anchors our back line and does a good job of organizing and providing the team with solid and consistent play,” coach Hillary Arthur said.

D Calista Everson, Valley Catholic, sophomore

As a freshman, Everson was a rock on the back line for the 3A/2A/1A champion Valiants, earning first-team all-state honors in helping the team post 10 clean sheets. First-year coach Chris Thurley called her “the best athlete in the area who plays precise football. A fantastic player with a bright future.”

D Shelby Goetz, Molalla, senior

The second-team all-Tri-Valley Conference center back last season helped her team achieve three clean sheets and win six games — the program's most since 2019. “Shelby is a silent giant and the heart and soul of our defensive line,” coach Steve Gobet said. “She has tremendous speed and helped stop many scoring opportunities for opponents last season.”

D Kiera Grant, Tigard, junior

Grant is the leader of a deep defender corps for the Tigers, an honorable mention all-Three Rivers League defender who has committed to the University of Montana. “Strong and athletic, she will be the anchor of a very talented group,” coach Scott Eggleston said.

D Madi Groshong, Valley Catholic, sophomore

The younger sister of two-time all-state defender Malia Groshong was a starter on the 3A/2A/1A state champion’s back line last season, and first-year coach Chris Thurley warns, “Don’t overlook this one. A precise passer and very good ball striker, Madi possesses all the skills needed to progress in our game.”

D Malia Groshong, Valley Catholic, senior

Groshong last season was the engine behind the Valiants’ run to the 3A/2A/1A state title, making the SBLive Oregon all-state second team and scoring four goals in their four playoff games — including two in overtime of their 4-1 victory over Catlin Gabel in the state final. “She has a high football IQ and reads the game very well, contributes as needed and excels in the process,” first-year coach Chris Thurley said. “A fabulous leader and a leader for the next generation, she’s a natural defender but will play anywhere that is needed and do so at a very high level.”

D Hannah Heuberger, Roseburg, senior

Roseburg coach Janelle Newton called Heuberger “the anchor of our back line” coming off a season in which she earned second-team all-Southwest Conference recognition. “Hannah is poised on the ball under pressure and is as tough as they come, but always with a smile on her face and radiating positive energy.”

D Andrea Jaramillo, David Douglas, senior

Jaramillo earned Mt. Hood Conference defensive player of the year honors and SBLive Oregon second-team all-state recognition in leading the Scots to their second winning season in the past two decades. The defensive anchor also scored four goals. In her off time, the High School All-American Game Watch List nominee serves as a student leader of the school's Indigenous Student Club and has assisted with putting on DD Native American Cultural Nights.

D Kallee Kester, St. Helens, junior

Kester hadn’t played soccer since fourth grade, focusing instead on her wrestling career (she placed third at the 4A/3A/2A/1A state meet at 130 pounds in February), but she turned out last season on a bit of a lark. She started the season on JV, but by the jamboree, she left coach Angela Nichols no choice but to move her to the varsity, where she played center back and anchored a back line that helped the Lions improve from 50 goals allowed in 2021 to 22 last year. “She’s just an athlete,” Nichols said. “She learned really fast, and she’s a fast runner and a competitive high school athlete.”

D Kaelynn King, McNary, junior

King returns to anchor the Celtics' defense after earning first-team all-Central Valley Conference honors last season. “Kaelynn is a strong leader at the back with her playing ability and communication,” coach Josh Rios Noonkester said. “Center back will be her primary position, but we believe she has the ability to play numerous positions due to her well-rounded game. She is fast, physical, technical, and has great positioning and reactions.”

D/M Elsie Koehler, Cleveland, senior

Koehler is a four-year varsity player who received all-PIL honorable mention last fall and plans to play Division III soccer on the East Coast. “Great ball control and excellent at controlling the attack,” Warriors coach Doug Diller said.

D Sasha Lambirth, North Eugene, senior

Lambirth was a second-team all-Midwestern League selection as a center back last season, starting every game for the Highlanders as they reached the 5A state semifinals. She reached the consolation semifinals in singles at the state tennis tournament. “She is a calming and steady force of our back line,” coach Brandy Wormdahl said.

D Campbell Lawler, Wilsonville, senior

Lawler emerged as a leader on the back line for the back-to-back 5A state champion Wildcats, earning SBLive Oregon third-team all-state honors and first-team all-Northwest Oregon Conference recognition last year for a defense that posted nine shutouts. “Campbell brings a wealth of experience, strength and focus to our defense,” coach Alex Boehm said. “Her game allows the team to gain confidence, and her voice is strong on and off the pitch.”

D Peyton Lennox, Scappoose, senior

Lennox is on pace to achieve what's becoming a rarity among high school athletes — becoming a 12-letter winner. She was a first-team all-league basketball player, ran on two state champion relay teams at the 4A state track and field meet, and was an all-Cowapa League honorable mention pick at center back as Scappoose allowed a 4A-low five goals in reaching the 2022 state quarterfinals. “Throughout her soccer journey, Peyton has consistently demonstrated her prowess as a defender,” coach Bruno Zanotta said. “She plays a pivotal role in shutting down opponents' attacks with her speed.”

D Maggie McGair, Grant, senior

McGair enters her fourth season as a starter at center back. She anchored the back line to a 6A state title in 2021 and was a second-team all-PIL selection last fall.

D Alys Meyer, Milwaukie, senior

Meyer returns to anchor the Mustangs back line as a two-year captain who made the all-Northwest Oregon Conference second team last fall. Coach Chris Sheehan called her “a no-nonsense, fast, physical center back who is a born leader. She will always put her body on the line for her team and her teammates.”

D Jamie Mitsuyoshi, Tualatin, sophomore

Mitsuyoshi moved to one of the starting outside back positions this year, and at the team’s jamboree, she was voted Woman of the Match. “She didn’t put a foot wrong the entire day,” Timberwolves coach Kalé Dwight said of his promising defender. “She’s not tall, but she’s extremely strong.”

D Gemma Mulick, Silverton, sophomore

Mulick made the all-Mid-Willamette Conference first team as a freshman outside back last season, and Foxes coach Renee Cantrell is excited to see how much she progresses this fall. “She is a very physical and smart defensive player for us,” Cantrell said. “Not a lot of people can get past Gemma on the outside; she is a force to be reckoned with, with the foot skills most defensive players don't typically have in the back.”

D Paige Nakada, Grant, junior

Nakada joins fellow center back Maggie McGair as captains as a second-year starter for the Generals. “She will have a big role to play in the middle of the field for us this year,” coach Manolis Tjuanakis said.

D Ella Naser, Tigard, freshman

Naser steps into a starting role with a back line that allowed less than a goal per game last season, but Tigers coach Scott Eggleston isn't worried about throwing a freshman into the fire. “Ella will be one of the top-ranked players in the state when all is said and done,” he said. “She is a very gifted athlete with tons of talent and knows how to be a team player.”

D Ella Norby, Beaverton, junior

Beavers coach Jennifer Kirwin called Norby “the anchor of our back line” who will team with Amara Deckert, who started as a freshman last fall, and freshman Abby Rice in trying to backstop the program to the 6A state playoffs for a third consecutive season — the last time that happened was in 1988. “Ella has been a force to be reckoned with in our defense,” Kirwin said.

D Emma Northrop, Amity, sophomore

Northrop was one of several freshmen who joined the Warriors last year and helped them win a program-record 15 games and reach the 3A/2A/1A state semifinals. “Emma has taken the challenge of leading our back line this year and has stepped up in helping the freshmen get acclimated to how we play,” coach Andrew Dyer said of his all-state honorable mention defender.

D Lily Ostrowski, Catlin Gabel, freshman

The graduation of two-time 3A/2A/1A all-state defender and first-team SBLive Oregon all-state selection Grace Mueller and the loss of all-state pick Elise Kim to a season-ending shoulder injury left a huge hole in the Eagles back line, but coach Chris Dorough thinks Ostrowski can be a player to fill it. “Lily is a true outside back, a great 1 v 1 defender who has a knack for coming away with the ball,” he said. “She also has the ability and confidence to get forward and initiate the attack. She is one to watch over the next four years.”

D Piper Paslay, Marist Catholic, sophomore

Paslay was one of the best center backs in 4A as a freshman. She made the all-Sky Em League second team and was a key reason the Spartans had 15 clean sheets and conceded only five goals en route to the state championship. “Piper has excellent speed, technical skill and defensive soccer IQ,” coach Stefan Schroffner said. “Her teammates voted her as defensive MVP (last year), which is a reflection of her play and critical role on the team.”

D Jaidyn Richter, Cleveland, senior

Warriors coach Doug Diller called his four-year center back “the core of our back line.” She earned all-PIL honorable mention as a junior. “Super strong on the ball, she gives great direction and organization and is strong in the air,” Diller said.

D Crystal Sanchez, Riverside, senior

Sanchez, a second-team 3A/2A/1A all-state selection last fall, will anchor a rebuilt defensive unit this season. She’s one of the fastest players on the Pirates roster, and coach Yvonne Torres called her “a natural athlete and aggressive. She will have to take on a big leadership role this year.”

D Izzy Schiller, Sisters, senior

Schiller moves from the midfield, where she had eight goals and four assists last season and made the 3A/2A/1A all-state honorable mention list, to center back this year. Outlaws coach Brian Holden raves how Schiller “can run any defense. A physical and powerful player.”

D Sidrah Schramm, McDaniel, senior

Schramm sets the tone for the Mountain Lions with her physicality, which she put to good effect last fall in earning all-PIL honorable mention. “It will be very important for her to win first and second balls, allowing us to stop opposing teams in transition,” coach JD Penilton said.

D Coco Stanford, Central Catholic, sophomore

Stanford was a stalwart center back as a freshman for the Rams, earning first-team all-Mt. Hood Conference honors and helping them win a share of the conference title. She was among the team leaders in assists last season, but coach Lucas Depinna valued her work as the team’s last line of defense even more. “She’s an extremely good 1v1 defender,” he said. “She’s very disciplined and can read the game really well.”

D Sophia Stiles, Jesuit, junior

Crusaders coach Steve Fennah has raved about Stiles’ potential since the center back entered the starting lineup as a freshman two years ago. The Portland Thorns Academy prospect will be the anchor of a young back line this fall as the only returning starter from a unit that last season allowed just four goals in 19 games. “Just a phenomenal soccer player. She’s as good a center back as I’ve coached, and I’ve had some who are in the NWSL now,” Fennah said. “She just reads the game exceptionally well and is extremely athletic.”

D Emma Underwood, Redmond, senior

Underwood is the leader of a veteran back line for the Panthers, earning second-team all-Intermountain Conference recognition last season at sweeper. “A huge rock and safety net for our defense,” coach Martha Segura said. “When we played North Eugene (in the playoffs), she made some good tackles. She hopes to build off that.”

D Berni Wayland, West Linn, senior

Wayland was a first-team all-Three Rivers League selection last year who helped the Lions post 12 clean sheets and allow only six goals in reaching the 6A state final. She has committed to play at Longwood University in Virginia.

D Olivia West, Barlow, sophomore

West solidified the left side of the Bruins defense as a freshman, assisting on four goals and making the all-Mt. Hood Conference honorable mention list in helping them win a share of the MHC title and reach the 6A second round. “She came in as a freshman with a lot of confidence and showed no fear,” coach Jay Jacobsen said. “She’s real gritty but is a great athlete, one of the fastest girls on the team. She gets into the attack and can play with both feet. We’re looking for her to build on last year.”

D Tayten Wigle, Mountain View, junior

Wigle was an important part of the Cougars' attack last season, scoring nine goals with four assists in the midfield and making the all-Intermountain Conference first team. First-year coach Madison Shore has moved her to center back this season. “Her ability to analyze the field, win 1v1's and send the ball forward will make her shine in the back line,” assistant coach Brittany Barrett said.

D Shae Wyland, Sisters, junior

Outlaws coach Brian Holden called Wyland “the most underrated player in our league.” She made the all-league honorable mention list each of the past two seasons. “A fast, athletic player anywhere on the field with a powerful left foot,” Holden said.

D Tatiana Yaknitsa, Cascade, senior

Yaknitsa, a second-team all-Oregon West pick who can play left or right back, was a free-kick specialist last season for the Cougars, scoring three goals off corner kicks.