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

Who are the top midfielders 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 midfielders. 

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 midfielders you think should be added. 

Kenley Whittaker (Wilsonville) photo by Taylor Balkom 

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M Lila Blake, Milwaukie, freshman

The Mustangs have not had a winning season since winning 10 games in 2017, but players such as Blake — who attends Milwaukie Arts Academy to pursue her other passion, the visual arts — give coach Chris Sheehan hope to end that streak this fall. “Lila is one of the most skilled players I have seen enter the high school scene,” Sheehan said. “Her technical ability is beyond her years. She is strong, fast and fearless with the ball. She can take players on, dribble through players, pick out a killer pass, score goals and can play any position on the field.”

M/D Ella Braunger, Marist Catholic, junior

Spartans coach Stefan Schroffner calls Braunger “one of the best holding midfielders in Oregon” after a sophomore season in which she made the all-Sky Em League second team and helped her team win the 4A state championship. “When it comes to physicality, successful tackles, and regaining and maintaining possession, no one is better than Ella,” Schroffner said. “As a defensive midfielder, Ella can neutralize the opponents' best player all day. Her quickness, work ethic and relentless style is through the roof.”

M Payton Buschelman, North Eugene, freshman

Buschelman steps into the void created by the season-ending knee injury suffered by all-Midwestern League midfielder Makennah Hobbs. She is a legacy for Highlanders coach Brandy Wormdahl — Payton's mother, Darci, was a senior on Wormdahl's first team in 1996. It's Wormdahl's daughter, Jordan — a former 5A player of the year who played at Oregon — to whom she likens Buschelman. “Payton was just named to the ODP Regional Team for her age group, and she is a fast, creative, technical and dynamic soccer player,” Wormdahl said. “She will play at the collegiate level.”

M Lena Caballero Uhtoff, Ashland, senior

Uhtoff had a productive first season with the Grizzlies, scoring eight goals on just 22 shots on frame and assisting on three more in earning second-team all-Midwestern League honors at striker. Coach Aidan Jones is moving her to attacking midfielder this year, where her maturity and knowledge of the game can be put to better use. “She can read the decisions of her competitors before they make their decision,” Jones said. “Especially keepers, she knows how to pressure and direct them in the direction of trouble. Lena finds the net, and this year she should have an opportunity to pile on more goals than last season.”

M Maleigha Canaday-Elliott, McDaniel, senior

Which way will Canaday-Elliott go? Will the Portland Thorns Academy product, who had seven goals and seven assists as a junior in earning first-team all-PIL honors and helping the Mountain Lions win a program-record eight games, play soccer in college? Or will the reigning 6A state triple jump champion choose track and field after moving into a tie for second on the all-time state list? For now, coach JD Penilton will play her all over the field this fall to maximize her abilities. “Her versatility, ability on the ball driving forward and vocal leadership will be crucial for our success,” Penilton said.

M Kailey Carcamo, Glencoe, junior

Carcamo was a first-team all-Pacific Conference selection on the back line for the Crimson Tide last season, but coach John Martin has moved her to central defensive midfielder this year. “Kailey is one of those players that is the heartbeat of the team,” he said. “She is disciplined in her position and responsibilities, never gives up and is a genuine leader through her example on and off the field. With all of this, she is also the humblest player we have as well.”

M Elidia Cervantes-Carlos, Springfield, junior

Cervantes-Carlos was a first-team all-Midwestern League striker last season, scoring 14 goals for the Millers, but first-year coach Alyssa Hinojosa has moved her to defensive center midfielder so that she can take on more of a role as a playmaker, where “she gets to see more of the field and be in the middle of everything,” Hinojosa explained. “She is a very attack-minded player but will get behind the ball whenever. She starts the creativity of our buildup and is always on her front foot.”

M Cloe Chase, Marist Catholic, senior

Chase is one of the top returning players in the state, an SBLive Oregon third-team all-state selection a year ago for the defending 4A state champions who followed a 26-goal season as a sophomore with 27 goals and eight assists last year. The University of Oregon commit made the High School All-American Game Watch List and the ECNL Northwest U17 all-conference first team. “Cloe may be the best attacking midfielder in the state,” Spartans coach Stefan Schroffner said.

M Paige Comerford, North Marion, sophomore

Comerford had a successful debut season for the Huskies, scoring five goals with four assists as an attacking midfielder and making the all-Oregon West second team. “We're looking forward to seeing her improve and grow as a sophomore,” coach Ben Bonser said.

M Grace Coston, Sherwood, junior

Coston was a critical player in the Bowmen's attack last season, with her eight assists just one off the team lead as she made the all-Pacific Conference first team. With midfield partner Jaclyn Barritt out this season because of a preseason knee injury, her presence becomes even more important this fall. “Grace brings a heads-up style of play to the midfield along with being a player who can create opportunities all over the field,” coach Karl Granlund said. “She's very composed and comfortable on the ball.”

M Abby Cox, Jesuit, senior

Even on a star-studded team like the defending 6A state champion Crusaders (ranked No. 3 in the nation by United Soccer Coaches), Cox stands out. The SBLive Oregon first-team all-state pick scored a team-high 15 goals with three assists last season. The TCU commit made the High School All-American Game Watch List and the ECNL Northwest U17 all-conference second team in August. “She’s been on the team since her freshman year, and she’s an outstanding kid, an outstanding player,” coach Steve Fennah said. “You’d be hard-pressed to find a better senior in Oregon this year — certainly one who’ll have the impact she’ll have.”

M Lucy Cratsenberg, Central Catholic, senior

Cratsenberg led the Rams in scoring last season and made the all-Mt. Hood Conference first team. Coach Lucas Depinna also coached Cratsenberg in the ODP program, and just like then, she took the initiative right away to grab a leadership role within the program. “She likes to go forward,” Depinna said. “We’ve given her the liberty to shoot, and she takes advantage of that.”

M/F Aliette D’Arcy, Churchill, junior

D’Arcy has been a starter for the Lancers since Day 1 in the program, and the second-team all-Midwestern League selection will take on an even more critical role this fall on a team that features five freshmen and three sophomores. “Aliette is very quick and powerful for her size,” coach Tim Meltabarger said. “She has great touch on the ball and can make adjustments throughout the game. Whatever it is that Ali faces, she gives it 110% every time.”

M Alice Davidson, Scappoose, senior

The reigning Cowapa League player of the year and third-team SBLive Oregon all-state selection scored 16 goals with 13 assists for a 4A state quarterfinalist last year. The University of Hawaii at Manoa commit and All-American Watch List candidate also won four state titles at the OSAA track and field championships in May. “Alice's versatility enables her to contribute effectively in multiple positions, providing the team with valuable options,” coach Bruno Zanotta said. “Her background in track and field has honed her speed and agility, allowing her to outmaneuver opponents with ease.”

M Jazmine DeLaCruz, The Dalles, senior

DeLaCruz made the all-Tri-Valley Conference honorable mention list last season, scoring four goals with seven assists. Riverhawks coach Colby Tonn praised how DeLaCruz “can score from distance with both feet and makes great secondary runs into the box.”

M/F Joselyn De Los Santos, Barlow, senior

De Los Santos brings senior leadership to a young Bruins roster after a junior year in which she earned second-team all-Mt. Hood Conference honors while scoring six goals with six assists. Coach Jay Jacobsen said she entered summer camp showing improved technical skills and planned to move her to attacking midfielder this season. “She has great vision and is always looking for opportunities for other players to score,” he said. “But I wouldn’t put it past her to score double-digit goals this year.”

M Elaina Deming, Junction City, senior

Deming had three goals and three assists as a first-team all-Sky Em League player last season. In May, she won the 4A state title in the pole vault. “Elaina will be our leader in the midfield this season,” Tigers coach Dennis Larson said. “Her technical ability on the ball makes us much improved in the midfield this season.”

M Ali Diaz, West Salem, sophomore

Diaz was an honorable mention all-Central Valley Conference selection as a freshman. First-year coach Hillary Arthur praised her for her “high work rate providing balance and creativity getting us forward.”

M Johanna Diaz, West Salem, sophomore

Diaz returns in the midfield for the Titans as “a strong, creative player for us, providing solid play on both sides of the ball,” coach Hillary Arthur said.

M Rachel Edwards, Henley, sophomore

Edwards, an all-Skyline Conference honorable mention selection as a freshman, will team with promising sophomore Lilly Poore to form one of the conference's leading midfield duos.

M McKenna Eggleston, Tigard, senior

Eggleston led the Tigers in scoring last season with eight goals and six assists, making the all-Three Rivers League honorable mention list. She is a four-year varsity player. Her coach and father, Scott, called her “a very strong, smart athlete with a lot of experience playing in competitive matches.” She was named to the High School All-American Game Watch List in August.

M Natalia Elias, The Dalles, sophomore

Elias links the Riverhawks back line with their forwards, finishing with three goals and five assists last season and making the all-Tri-Valley Conference second team. “She distributes well and is a good finisher,” coach Colby Tonn said.

M Ava Elizarraraz, Tualatin, sophomore

Elizarraraz is listed as a forward on the Timberwolves roster, but coach Kalé Dwight plans to use her as an attacking midfielder this season. “She’s going to be hard to contain,” Dwight said. “She’s the best dribbler on the team. She’ll be fun to watch.”

M Gianelly Gargurevich, Tigard, senior

Gargurevich grew up in the Tigard system but played for Westview last season, where she was a second-team all-Metro League selection. “We are happy to have Gia rejoin her Tigard family,” coach Scott Eggleston said. “She is a very experienced and talented offensive midfielder who will play a large role in this team's success.”

M Mya Haarsma, Amity, junior

Haarsma made the 3A/2A/1A all-state honorable mention list after a sophomore season during which she scored 12 goals and helped lead the Warriors to their first league title and state semifinal appearance. “Mya is a fantastic role model for the younger players,” coach Andrew Dyer said. “There is no one who studies the game and works harder.”

M Reese Heffler, Gresham, sophomore

Heffler is one of the Gophers’ promising youngsters that coach Brandon Tatum is counting upon to improve this season. She scored three goals as a freshman. “We think she will take a big step forward in the midfield,” Tatum said.

M Alana Hill, Catlin Gabel, freshman

Hill made an immediate impact starting alongside all-state midfielder Campbell Swaim in the middle of the Eagles attack, scoring two goals with three assists in their first two games. “She is tenacious in winning the ball back and has outstanding vision and technical ability,” coach Chris Dorough said. “We look forward to a big year from her.”

M Marley Holden, Sisters, senior

Holden last season played a significant role for an Outlaws team that won 12 games — the program’s most since 2014. The four-year starter at central midfielder had 22 goals and nine assists, was the runner-up for league player of the year, and made the 3A/2A/1A all-state second team as Sisters won the district title and reached the state quarterfinals. “She is the engine of the team,” said her coach and father, Brian Holden.

M Khloe Huskic, David Douglas, junior

Huskic was honored as the school's MAC Scholar-Athlete of the year last season for her role in the Scots' eight-win campaign, the second-most in program history. She had 10 goals and five assists for the soccer team and qualified for the 6A state track and field meet in both hurdles races.

M Kendel Johnson, Canby, junior

Johnson, a first-team all-Northwest Oregon Conference selection last season who scored five goals for the Cougars, recently committed to the University of Montana. She plays at central attacking midfielder, but coach Dallas Hill notes her potential to move up and occasionally play forward. “Kendel's strengths are in her dynamic and quick technical ability, which will make her a key player for us again this year,” Hill said.

M Talia Jones, South Salem, freshman

Into the midfield void caused by the graduation of three all-Central Valley Conference selections steps a precocious freshman whom Saxons coach Tillerman Kroon said “plays like she has been around for years. She is a deceptive powerhouse on the ball and a willing worker off it. She has big things in store for her.”

M Keira Kime, Beaverton, junior

Beavers coach Jennifer Kirwin considers Kime “instrumental in our attack,” joining promising sophomore Malin Deckert as creative and dynamic midfielders in the middle of the field.

M Bryn Lahart, Sherwood, senior

Lahart made her mark playing alongside two other all-Pacific Conference selections last season, earning honorable mention in her own right. “Bryn has shown us that she's a very strong player and wants to compete at the highest level,” Bowmen coach Karl Granlund said.

M Anahi Leon, Cascade, senior

Leon was the distributor in the Cougars' attack last season, assisting on 16 goals and scoring six of her own in earning second-team all-Oregon West honors. She had four assists in the first week of the 2023 season. “She brings so many positive vibes that the girls feed off,” said her coach and father, Robert Leon.

M Hazel Levin, Roosevelt, senior

Levin is a two-time captain and all-PIL honorable mention selection as a holding midfielder, where last year she also scored eight goals — including one teammates voted as best goal of the season. Coach Jaimie Facchini called her “one of the hardest-working players on the team and the strongest and most skilled. She will step to any ball and put her body in front of any play to protect the goal.”

M Emorie Loewen, West Salem, junior

A second-team all-Central Valley Conference pick a year ago, Loewen “does well looking to switch the play with excellent off-the-ball movement,” Titans coach Hillary Arthur said.

M Joanna Long, Forest Grove, senior

Long made the all-Pacific Conference first team as what coach Nacho Olvera called “a key player on defense” last season.

M America Lopez, Gresham, senior

With leading goal scorer Skyla Hansen — a first-team all-Mt. Hood Conference pick who had 14 goals — out for the season with a torn ACL, there’s more pressure on Lopez to build upon a junior campaign during which she scored six goals with five assists and earned all-MHC second-team honors. “She will be a crucial playmaker for us in the middle,” Gophers coach Brandon Tatum said. “We’re challenging her to show that she is one of the best players out there.”

M Elizabeth Louie, Valley Catholic, senior

Louie capped a sensational junior season for the Valiants by scoring the go-ahead goal in overtime of the 3A/2A/1A state final against Catlin Gabel. She finished the season as a first-team all-state selection.

M Mollie Mackey, Central Catholic, senior

Rams coach Lucas Depinna called his second-team all-Mt. Hood Conference central defender a tone-setter for the team with her physical play. “She’s always going 100 percent,” he said. “She may be silent, but you know she’s going to be there. She’s one of the strongest players on the team, and it shows in the way she plays. No one wants to go one-on-one with her.”

M Kaitlyn MacLennan, Jesuit, junior

MacLennan might be one of the Crusaders’ most improved players this season coming off a sophomore campaign in which she scored four goals and recorded seven assists for the 6A state champions. “She has grown and worked hard on her strength and power during the club season,” said coach Steve Fennah, who also praised her ability on restarts as a primary taker of free and corner kicks.

M Julie Magana, Riverside, senior

Magana returns this season after experiencing a scare in the Pirates' first-round 3A/2A/1A playoff loss at Banks last year. The honorable mention all-state selection lost consciousness during the match and was taken to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital for treatment. She made it back for track season in the spring, and coach Yvonne Torres said, “Julie is back at her full potential and ready for what this season brings.”

M Allison Mansur, Silverton, sophomore

Mansur is the Foxes' “Energizer Bunny,” as coach Renee Cantrell put it — a first-team all-Mid-Willamette Conference outside midfielder who had a team-high five goals and five assists as a freshman. “She can run for days and has no fear — she will take on anyone thrown her way,” Cantrell said.

M Erin McDevitt, Grant, senior

McDevitt is better known for her play on the lacrosse field, where she was a second-team all-state midfielder in the spring and has committed to play for UMass-Lowell. She is a three-year starter on the soccer pitch for the Generals.

M Hadley McPhee, Roosevelt, sophomore

Roughriders coach Jaimie Facchini anticipated McPhee's arrival last year, only to have the talented midfielder miss the season while recovering from a torn ACL. After spending her freshman year standing beside Facchini as team manager, she'll take her place in the midfield alongside Hazel Levin. “She is strong and healthy and playing better than ever,” Facchini said. “She is able to use her body and has great foot skills.”

M Jayden Mierles, Ontario, senior

Mierles last season was another key player in getting the Tigers to the 4A state playoffs for the first time since 2011, making the all-Greater Oregon League first team. “She has great vision, passing and shooting ability,” coach Javier Gonzalez said. “And she can play defense well and is a team leader.”

M Jalissabeth Moreno, Tualatin, senior

The Timberwolves graduated 12 of their 22 players from last year’s 6A semifinalist, and they saw two returning players suffer season-ending injuries and another depart to focus on another spot. That leaves Moreno, an honorable mention all-Three Rivers League pick a year ago, as one of the few veterans on the roster as a holding midfielder. “She bosses people around and is the leader out there,” coach Kalé Dwight said. “Because we’re so young, we need to be more defensive, so we’ll need her to sit deeper than she did last year.”

M Adie Nisly, Amity, sophomore

The Nisly sisters joined the Warriors as freshmen last season, and their impact was immediate. Adie scored 14 goals and was named to the 3A/2A/1A all-state first team for the first-time state semifinalists. “Adie excels in celebrating the success of others and is very unselfish,” coach Andrew Dyer said.

M/D Pia Patrikson, Catlin Gabel, senior

Patrikson will rotate between the midfield and back line this fall after finishing last season with eight goals and 10 assists, earning 3A/2A/1A all-state honorable mention. Eagles coach Chris Dorough appreciates how “Pia is calm in all moments of the game and has a knack for coming away with the ball in tackles and keeping it.”

M Katia Pender, Tigard, junior

The University of Oregon commit was a second-team all-Three Rivers League defender last season, but with the depth Tigers coach Scott Eggleston has on the back line, he could afford to move Pender up to the midfield this year, “where I believe she can really showcase her skill set,” he said. “Katie has returned even stronger coming into her second year at Tigard and is more determined to be one of the top players in her class in the state.”

M Lola Pierce, Cleveland, junior

Pierce led the Warriors in scoring last season in becoming the program's first 6A all-state selection since 2018, also being named to the SBLive Oregon all-state second team. She also made the ECNL Northwest all-conference second team over the summer playing for Northwest Elite. “Fast and strong with the ball,” coach Doug Diller said.

M Wynn Pistole, Ashland, freshman

Pistole joins the Grizzlies after a successful stint with the Rogue Valley Timbers club program, and coach Aidan Jones is excited to see what she can do playing alongside top scorer Lena Caballero Uhtoff. “Wynn makes others look good,” Jones said. “She can receive a poor pass at the worst of angles and will find a way to put a foot on it and make it look like a perfect pass. Wynn's technical skill is flawless, she has complete control of the ball and can dance around defenders like they are standing still.”

M/F Jillian Retzlaff, Glencoe, sophomore

Retzlaff led the Crimson Tide with seven goals as a freshman center attacking midfielder, making the all-Pacific Conference second team. Coach John Martin will utilize her at midfield and up top this season. “Entering her sophomore year, Jillian plays with as much experience and understanding of the game as most seniors,” Martin said. “She plays tirelessly all year for Bridge City Soccer Academy. Jillian's best attribute, though, is her willingness to do whatever it takes to help her team.”

M Kali Richards, Roseburg, junior

Roseburg went winless and scored only four goals a year ago, but Richards scored the go-ahead goal in the season opener against Crater as Roseburg won 4-2 under first-year coach Janelle Newton, who called Richards “a highly skilled player with outstanding game awareness. She's able to receive the ball in tight spaces, maintain possession, and find the open player.”

M Braelyn Robertson, Barlow, sophomore

Robertson received plenty of action as a freshman holding midfielder, making the all-Mt. Hood Conference honorable mention list and chipping in two goals and two assists. Over the summer, she was selected to an all-star team that traveled to Australia and New Zealand during the recent Women’s World Cup. “She’s solid defensively and comfortable with the ball on either foot,” Bruins coach Jay Jacobsen said.

M Macy Rodriguez, Ontario, junior

Rodriguez was a first-team all-Greater Oregon League selection who helped the Tigers win seven games last year — their most in a season since 2017. “Either attacking or defending, she has good knowledge of the game,” coach Javier Gonzalez said. “She can shoot, dribble and pass at high levels.”

M Keara Saks, David Douglas, senior

Saks scored five goals as a central defensive midfielder last season. Scots coach Amy McQueen highlighted her work as one of the student leaders in the school's Title IX Collective, helping plan and implement activities celebrating and honoring the school's female athletes and educating them about the landmark law's benefits.

M/D Savannah Sanders, Roseburg, junior

Sanders floats between the midfield and the back line for first-year coach Janelle Newton, making her one of the team's most versatile players. “Savannah has a dynamic style of play and great technical ability,” Newton said. “Her defensive prowess and seamless ability to join the attack help her stand out. She reads the game extremely well, and her composure under pressure is first-class.”

M/F Mia Sena, St. Mary’s Academy, junior

Sena won team MVP honors and was a second-team all-Three Rivers League selection last season, when she co-led the Blues with five goals and helped them reach the second round of the 6A state playoffs.

M Ava Shibahara, Estacada, senior

Shibahara will play attacking center midfielder this fall for the Rangers after scoring one goal and making the all-Tri-Valley Conference second team in 2022. “She will be a dominant force for us offensively,” coach Summer Jark said. “She is a great leader and sees the field well.”

M Hanna Slama, Jesuit, junior

Slama was an unsung star for the 6A state champion Crusaders last season, scoring eight goals with six assists while doing a lot of the dirty work in the midfield. Coach Steve Fennah described her as “a kid that you want to have alongside you in the trenches. She’s a fighter, a scrapper, that spark that all teams need. She can play any midfield spot or even outside back. We have to find a spot for her.”

M Kelsee Smith, Molalla, senior

Smith made the all-Tri-Valley Conference second team last season, when she had seven goals and five assists to help lead a young Molalla team with nine freshmen to the play-in round of the 4A playoffs. “Kelsee is a fierce competitor, and her soccer skills reflect that on the field,” coach Steve Gobet said. “Kelsee was a strong leader that took a lot of these young girls under her wing to help make Molalla have a successful season last year.”

M Nailani Solomon, Grant, sophomore

Solomon transferred across town from McDaniel, where she shared PIL player of the year honors with Cleveland's Lola Pierce after scoring a team-high 16 goals as a freshman. As Solomon familiarizes herself with her teammates and coach Manolis Tjuanakis' system, he expects her “to be one of our big threats going forward and scoring lots of goals.”

M Zoe Stenstrom, McDaniel, senior

Mountain Lions coach JD Penilton called Stenstrom, an honorable mention all-PIL selection a year ago, “the engine in our midfield, putting in defensive work while also getting forward. Her ability to get on the ball and control possession will be important for our success this year.”

M Campbell Swaim, Catlin Gabel, senior

Swaim made the 3A/2A/1A all-state first team last season after leading the Eagles with 21 goals and 12 assists. “Campbell is the complete player,” coach Chris Dorough said. “She competes on defense and challenges very well. With the ball, she can pick out any pass and then can score from range or close.”

M Vanessa Valenzuela, North Marion, junior

Valenzuela played holding midfielder last season, chipping in two goals and two assists and earning first-team all-Oregon West honors. Huskies coach Ben Bonser anticipates moving her to a more attacking role this year.

M Layla Varozza, Seaside, junior

Varozza enters her second season starting in the central midfield for the Seagulls after finishing last year as one of the team's top scorers and making the all-Cowapa League first team. “Layla is fearless on the field,” coach Caleb Overstreet said. “Not only is she a playmaker on offense, but her athleticism and physicality make her a valuable asset on defense.”

M Tegan Waters, Wilsonville, junior

The second-team all-Northwest Oregon Conference selection had three goals and five assists last year as “an instrumental piece of our midfield,” as Wildcats coach Alex Boehm described her. “Her presence is apparent every game. Her technical ability and physicality coupled with the tactical knowledge to play multiple positions makes her a big impact player.”

M Kenley Whittaker, Wilsonville, senior

Whittaker has been at the heart of the program's back-to-back state championships, moving from forward (where she plays for her club team and made the ECNL Northwest all-conference first team) to midfield for the Wildcats. The University of California commit and High School All-American Game Watch List candidate made the SBLive Oregon all-state second team and 5A first team after scoring a team-high 23 goals with eight assists last season. “Kenley is consistently the biggest threat on the pitch,” coach Alex Boehm said. “She brings incredible speed, vision and flair in the attack and a commitment to disciplined, gritty defending. We leverage her exceptional playmaking abilities in the midfield to jump-start our offense.”