Washington high school girls soccer: Check out these 20 standouts in 2023

Four Pac-12 Conference commits highlight this group, led by UW pledges Sophie Blake (Gig Harbor), Maggie Dutra (Issaquah) and Ava Morton (Sumner)

The 2023 high school girls soccer season is underway in the state of Washington, and after talking to coaches around the state, SBLive WA is releasing a list of 20 must-see standouts heading into the fall season:

Players are divided up by classification and listed in alphabetical order:

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CLASS 4A

Ashley Roni photo by Joshua Hart

Olivia Bruns, Issaquah, DEF, jr.: A first-team all-4A KingCo and all-state defender returns to captain an Eagles’ side eager to rise again to the top of the 4A heap.

Jaelyn Byeman, Eastlake, DEF, jr.: The reigning 4A KingCo defensive MVP is "fast and feisty," says coach Molly Hill. She can also be a game-changer as an aerial threat.

Maggie Dutra, Issaquah, F, sr.: The University of Washington commit has started every game for coach Jason Lichtenberger, culminating in first-team all-4A Kingco and all-state honors last year.

Ari Hill, Sumner, F, sr.: The Oregon State commit was the 4A SPSL offensive player of the year in 2022, and should shine once more for a talent-rich Spartans side.

Ally Laccinole, Woodinville, DEF, jr.: The backbone of a 4A title hopeful squad, one of the state’s top soccer recruits just keeps getting better.

Ashlyn May, Tahoma, MF, sr.: A University of Central Arkansas commit, the midfielder’s accolades (first-team all-state, all-4A NPSL two years running) will continue to pile up in the middle of the Bears’ lineup.

Ava Morton, Sumner, MF, sr.: The University of Washington commit gives the Spartans another weapon in the middle of the field after transferring from Auburn Riverside.

Ashley Roni, Skyline, F, sr.: One opposing coach said the University of Alabama recruit might be the "most dangerous goal-scorer in the state." Enough said.

Sydney Scott, Woodinville, MF, soph. Played every minute as a ninth grader and is already garnering plenty of recruiting attention, the young midfielder will become a household name in girls soccer circles very soon.

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CLASS 3A

Photo courtesy of Rory Murry

Gaby Bede, Bellevue, DEF, sr.: You can’t overlook the team captain's importance to the Wolverines’ undefeated state championship run which was buoyed by an impenetrable defense,

Sophie Blake, Gig Harbor, MF, sr.: A defender by trade, the University of Washington commit is asked to play out of position for the Tides and she does it well. She shared SSC offensive MVP honors last season, showcasing her well-rounded tough-as-nails skillset.

Natalie Cardin, Mountlake Terrace, F, sr.: Sidelined with injury to start the year, the Westminster University commit has a chance to become the school’s all-time leading scorer by year’s end.

Teryn Gardner, Mead, MF, sr.: The Boise State basketball commit holds up her end on the pitch as well as the hardwood, leading the Panthers in goals during a state run a season ago.

Emma Krueger, Peninsula, DEF, sr.: The Seahawks' team captain was a 3A SSC first-team all-league selection last season as a strong defender - who also added five goals and two assists.

Rory Murry, Auburn Riverside, GK, sr.: A second-team all-state selection in 2022, she will anchor a Ravens squad in need of the sure hands and steady leadership of this University of Wyoming commit.

Kate Silverstein, Lake Washington, GK, sr.: An "absolute rock star," coach Ashton Staudacher says of the George Washington University commit. Silverstein has cemented herself as arguably the state’s best goalkeeper.

Preslie Young, Ridgeline, F, sr.: Several Spokane area coaches had high praise for the Falcons’ prolific striker, who helped put Ridgeline among the classification's best teams a season ago.

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CLASS 2A

Photo by Alec Dietz/The (Centralia) Chronicle

Shannah Mellick, East Valley of Yakima, MF, sr.: The reigning 2A CWAC offensive player of the year comes off a 25-goal, 18-assist campaign with the same work rate and competitive spirit soccer fans in the Yakima valley know of her.

Emalyn Shaffer, Tumwater, F, jr.: The 2A EvCo player of the year scored 23 goals a year ago, as her speed and finishing ability make her one of the toughest tasks for any defender.

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CLASS 1A

Deandra Dan, Cedar Park Christian, F/MF, soph.: How will the youngster follow up her fantastic ninth-grade campaign (20 goals)? That should be the question on all of Class 1A’s mind as the super sophomore is a threat from anywhere on the field.

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