In the heart of the greater Chicago area, the Midwest Girls Academic 50 has emerged as the ultimate stage for upperclassmen female athletes aspiring to shape the future of collegiate women's soccer. Over a riveting three-day period filled with college-level training, these rising stars took to the field. They connected with internationally renowned soccer coaches and displayed their remarkable abilities in front of a select group of NCAA and NAIA scouts and coaches.
Every moment spent at this electrifying event served as a crucial stepping stone—for honing skills and for achieving soccer stardom. With 50 of America's leading soccer coaches watching intently, the atmosphere was nothing short of electric. The vibe? A powerful cocktail of dreams fused with determination, where these high school trailblazers didn't merely meet the bar—they soared over it, performing astonishing feats that left onlookers amazed.
In this pool of emerging talent and unparalleled skill, a handful of athletes stood out, taking control of this high-stakes event like seasoned veterans. These weren't merely participants; they were the chosen few for the exclusive Spotlight Games. Their standout performances were no fluke—it was a rousing endorsement, affirmed by the collective awe and unanimous nods from college scouts present at the venue. Whether it was a crowd-igniting goal, a miraculous save that defied logic, or a display of resilience marked by unique tenacity and grace, these players boldly signaled their rapid ascent toward soccer greatness.
Their extraordinary skills did more than earn them temporary applause; they cemented their reputations, elevating them to a stature of respect and admiration not just among their peers, but also among the captivated college coaches—and, by extension, the broader soccer community. The Midwest Girls Academic 50 is not just another soccer camp; it's the breeding ground for the next wave of collegiate women's soccer legends. This extraordinary event is laying the groundwork for future victories, forever inscribing the names of these spotlight athletes in its rich history as a guiding light for those aiming for the apex of this beautiful game.
These athletes will also be competing for an opportunity to be selected to the EXACT 11, a selection of the top players across the country who received the highest rankings from EXACT's national network of college coaches at the Academic 50 ID Camp. The EXACT 11 will have an opportunity to travel abroad this winter, competing with some of the top talent in the world in Europe.
Ashley Cubitt
2024 | Hamilton, ON | Defender
Demonstrating poise and composure in the heat of the game, Ashley Cubitt of Hamilton, ON, stood out as a defender every coach desires. Having been described as a "cool and collected" presence on the back line, Ashley's performances were impeccable throughout the camp. Graduating in 2024 and representing Cambridge United, there's no doubt she's on the path to make a significant mark in the soccer realm with her unwavering consistency.
Demonstrating poise and composure in the heat of the game, Ashley Cubitt of Hamilton, ON, stood out as a defender every coach desires. Having been described as a "cool and collected" presence on the back line, Ashley's performances were impeccable throughout the camp.
Cora Nothem
2025 | Glenbeulah, WI | Defender
Glenbeulah, WI's Cora Nothem's presence on the field is undeniably powerful. Her offensive capabilities, paired with her impeccable defensive prowess, make her a formidable asset. As she represents North Shore United Soccer Club and prepares for graduation in 2025, her potential to shine in college soccer is undeniable.
Glenbeulah, WI's Cora Nothem's presence on the field is undeniably powerful. Her offensive capabilities, paired with her impeccable defensive prowess, make her a formidable asset.
Maria Komala
2023 | Warszawa, Poland | Forward
Demonstrating a mastery of technical skills, Maria Komala stands out as a beacon of soccer intelligence. Her composure in maintaining possession, coupled with her adeptness in passing and dribbling, shines through during gameplay. Embracing feedback and possessing an admirable attitude, Maria not only knows the game but lives and breathes it.
Demonstrating a mastery of technical skills, Maria Komala stands out as a beacon of soccer intelligence. Her composure in maintaining possession, coupled with her adeptness in passing and dribbling, shines through during gameplay.
Riley Veenendaal
2025 | Menomonee Falls, WI | Forward
An attacker par excellence, Riley Veenendaal excels in her ability to command the frontline. Whether it's working against the grain for her team or showcasing her skill in confronting defensive units, Riley exemplifies versatility. Her proficiency in diverse roles, from holding the ball to darting at opponents, speaks volumes of her soccer acumen.
An attacker par excellence, Riley Veenendaal excels in her ability to command the frontline. Whether it's working against the grain for her team or showcasing her skill in confronting defensive units, Riley exemplifies versatility.
Elizabeth Tretina
2025 | Villa Park, IL | Midfielder
Elizabeth's zest for the game is palpable, with a flair for both defensive and midfield roles. Her formidable presence on the field, characterized by her vocal leadership and strategic understanding, promises a stellar future. The energy and dynamism she brings bodes well for her growth trajectory, and the anticipation surrounding her soccer journey is undeniably high.
Elizabeth's zest for the game is palpable, with a flair for both defensive and midfield roles. Her formidable presence on the field, characterized by her vocal leadership and strategic understanding, promises a stellar future. The energy and dynamism she brings bodes well for her growth trajectory, and the anticipation surrounding her soccer journey is undeniably high.
Iman Qazi
2024 | Long Grove, IL | Defender
Long Grove, IL's Iman Qazi is every coach's dream defender. With a 2024 graduation date from Adlai E Stevenson High School, Iman's 1v1 defending skills are unmatched. Playing for Pegasus FC, her intelligence and game knowledge have turned heads. With a tremendous desire to grow, learn, and contribute, Iman possesses the makings of a top-tier player for any college team.
Long Grove, IL's Iman Qazi is every coach's dream defender. With a 2024 graduation date from Adlai E Stevenson High School, Iman's 1v1 defending skills are unmatched. Playing for Pegasus FC, her intelligence and game knowledge have turned heads. With a tremendous desire to grow, learn, and contribute, Iman possesses the makings of a top-tier player for any college team.
Isabella Mittelstaedt
2025 | Muskego, WI | Forward
From Muskego, WI, comes a forward with a razor-sharp focus, Isabella Mittelstaedt. As a 2025 grad from Muskego High School and representing Polonia Premier Elite, Isabella's unyielding drive sets her apart. With an uncanny ability to find openings and create goal-scoring chances, her potential is unmistakable. The future looks bright for this emerging soccer star.
From Muskego, WI, comes a forward with a razor-sharp focus, Isabella Mittelstaedt. As a 2025 grad from Muskego High School and representing Polonia Premier Elite, Isabella's unyielding drive sets her apart. With an uncanny ability to find openings and create goal-scoring chances, her potential is unmistakable. The future looks bright for this emerging soccer star.
Alaina Kellerman
2025 | Williamsburg, OH | Forward
Defender Alaina Kellerman, from Williamsburg, OH, has made a significant mark at the camp. The 2025 graduate from Williamsburg High School and a part of the Cincy SC soccer club showcases a unique blend of coachability and game awareness. Her adeptness in game-time decision-making and ability to adapt her style of play make her a standout candidate for a successful college soccer stint.
Defender Alaina Kellerman, from Williamsburg, OH, has made a significant mark at the camp. The 2025 graduate from Williamsburg High School and a part of the Cincy SC soccer club showcases a unique blend of coachability and game awareness.
Ailani Zires
2025 | Round Lake, IL | Defender
Round Lake, IL's gem, Ailani Zires, radiates energy and confidence. As a 2025 graduate defender from Mundelein High School playing for FC Lake County, Ailani has time on her side. Her infectious enthusiasm and drive to improve are sure indicators of a player who will make significant waves in the world of college soccer.
Round Lake, IL's gem, Ailani Zires, radiates energy and confidence. As a 2025 graduate defender from Mundelein High School playing for FC Lake County, Ailani has time on her side. Her infectious enthusiasm and drive to improve are sure indicators of a player who will make significant waves in the world of college soccer.
Annika Wise
2025 | Wheaton, IL | Forward
Annika Wise of Wheaton, IL, is a force to be reckoned with in the attacking front. A 2025 graduate from Glenbard South High School, her ability to both score goals and set up her teammates is extraordinary. Annika's seamless combination plays with midfielders and other forwards to breach defenses speaks to her sharp footballing intellect. Playing for Wheaton United, Annika has a dazzling future awaiting her in college soccer.
Annika Wise of Wheaton, IL, is a force to be reckoned with in the attacking front. A 2025 graduate from Glenbard South High School, her ability to both score goals and set up her teammates is extraordinary. Annika's seamless combination plays with midfielders and other forwards to breach defenses speaks to her sharp footballing intellect. Playing for Wheaton United, Annika has a dazzling future awaiting her in college soccer.
Avery Hanson
2025 | Alexandria, MN | Forward
Representing Alexandria, MN, Avery Hanson has displayed an impressive ability to shape the game's flow. As a forward and a member of the Xolos club, her specialty lies in her knack for creating scoring opportunities. Graduating in 2025 from Alexandria High School, Hanson's talent in linking up with her teammates has caught the eye of many. Her contributions to Team 4 during the camp were invaluable, setting her on the path for a stellar college soccer career.
Representing Alexandria, MN, Avery Hanson has displayed an impressive ability to shape the game's flow. As a forward and a member of the Xolos club, her specialty lies in her knack for creating scoring opportunities. Graduating in 2025 from Alexandria High School, Hanson's talent in linking up with her teammates has caught the eye of many. Her contributions to Team 4 during the camp were invaluable, setting her on the path for a stellar college soccer career.
Charlotte Percy
2025 | Minneapolis, MN | Goalkeeper
The 2025 graduate and aspiring goalkeeper, Charlotte Percy from Minneapolis, MN, is a treasure trove of talent. Studying at Minneapolis Washburn High School and playing for the Tonka Fusion Elite 2007 GA, Percy's work ethic and technical skills have been her trademark. Not only is she a formidable last line of defense, but her knowledge of the game also allows her to command the play from the back, pointing to a promising future in college soccer.
The 2025 graduate and aspiring goalkeeper, Charlotte Percy from Minneapolis, MN, is a treasure trove of talent. Studying at Minneapolis Washburn High School and playing for the Tonka Fusion Elite 2007 GA, Percy's work ethic and technical skills have been her trademark.
Cecilia Galarza
2024 | Aurora, IL | Midfielder
Cecilia is an embodiment of passion and dedication. Her attitude, consistently brimming with enthusiasm, elevates every training session. On the field, Cecilia displays an impressive understanding of soccer, combining her technical prowess with a remarkable awareness. The union of her skills, coupled with her speed, makes her indispensable. As she looks forward to her future, Cecilia is perfectly poised to ascend the ranks and become a name synonymous with elite soccer talent.
Cecilia is an embodiment of passion and dedication. Her attitude, consistently brimming with enthusiasm, elevates every training session. On the field, Cecilia displays an impressive understanding of soccer, combining her technical prowess with a remarkable awareness.
Kayla White
2024 | Neenah, WI | Forward
Kayla's fervor for soccer is palpable, turning every training session and match into a spectacle. Her mastery over ball control, precision passing, and formidable dribbling accentuates her physical attributes. More than just her on-field abilities, Kayla's cerebral understanding of the game and her knack for finding spaces is commendable. With the continued trajectory of her growth, there's no doubt she's set for a bright future in the sport.
Kayla's fervor for soccer is palpable, turning every training session and match into a spectacle. Her mastery over ball control, precision passing, and formidable dribbling accentuates her physical attributes. More than just her on-field abilities, Kayla's cerebral understanding of the game and her knack for finding spaces is commendable.
Katherine Mclaughlin
2025 | Portage, MI | Midfielder
Katherine, affectionately known as Katie, is a beacon of consistency and tenacity. Her fervent commitment to soccer manifests in her role as a sturdy midfielder. From impeccable distribution to a keen sense of game dynamics, Katie's attributes are manifold. Her leadership qualities and team-first approach make her a quintessential candidate for elite college soccer programs.
Katherine, affectionately known as Katie, is a beacon of consistency and tenacity. Her fervent commitment to soccer manifests in her role as a sturdy midfielder. From impeccable distribution to a keen sense of game dynamics, Katie's attributes are manifold. Her leadership qualities and team-first approach make her a quintessential candidate for elite college soccer programs.
Aiva Sanchez
2025 | Virginia | Midfielder
Soccer enthusiasts would immediately recognize Aiva's exceptional IQ on the field. This innate gift allows her to orchestrate play, managing the game's tempo and rhythm with finesse. Her adaptability to both offensive and defensive roles showcases her versatility. As Aiva continues to hone her craft, she remains a top prospect and a beacon of promise for colleges and clubs alike.
Soccer enthusiasts would immediately recognize Aiva's exceptional IQ on the field. This innate gift allows her to orchestrate play, managing the game's tempo and rhythm with finesse.
Kylee Farrer
2024 | Pueblo, CO | Midfielder
Kylee Farrer is the epitome of a promising soccer talent. Gifted with a keen vision, her left foot crafts plays that often leave spectators and opponents in awe. Her insight into the next best move and her impeccable work ethic are commendable. While communication might be an area of growth, there's no doubt that with her current trajectory, collegiate soccer fields await her majestic presence.
Kylee Farrer is the epitome of a promising soccer talent. Gifted with a keen vision, her left foot crafts plays that often leave spectators and opponents in awe. Her insight into the next best move and her impeccable work ethic are commendable. While communication might be an area of growth, there's no doubt that with her current trajectory, collegiate soccer fields await her majestic presence.
Ainsley Christensen
2025 | Chicago, IL | Defender
Ainsley Christensen's versatility on the field is nothing short of remarkable. Whether it's the central defense, the left-back position, or even a stint in the midfield, she brings a blend of dynamism and skill to the game. A joy to mentor, her adaptability combined with a genuine passion for the sport positions her as an invaluable asset. Any collegiate program would be significantly enriched by her presence.
Ainsley Christensen's versatility on the field is nothing short of remarkable. Whether it's the central defense, the left-back position, or even a stint in the midfield, she brings a blend of dynamism and skill to the game.
Caroline Wellnitz
2025 | Duluth, MN| Midfielder
Caroline's approach to soccer intertwines grit with elegance. Recognized for her commendable work ethic, Caroline's intellect and technique sets her apart. Whether she's creating plays or interrupting them with relentless defense, she remains a stalwart on the field. With time on her side, the horizon is bright for this budding soccer sensation.
Caroline's approach to soccer intertwines grit with elegance. Recognized for her commendable work ethic, Caroline's intellect and technique sets her apart. Whether she's creating plays or interrupting them with relentless defense, she remains a stalwart on the field. With time on her side, the horizon is bright for this budding soccer sensation.
Addison Wieser
2025 | Valparaiso, IN | Defender
Addison's deft footwork and swift decision-making abilities mark her as a standout defender. With a penchant for advancing upfield with grace and intelligence, her ability to recycle possession and offer support is commendable. The speed of her gameplay and passing precision indicates a soccer star in the making.
Addison's deft footwork and swift decision-making abilities mark her as a standout defender. With a penchant for advancing upfield with grace and intelligence, her ability to recycle possession and offer support is commendable. The speed of her gameplay and passing precision indicates a soccer star in the making.
Tereza Cerna
2025 | Schiller Park, IL | Forward
Tereza Cerna's on-field tenacity is a spectacle. Her relentless pursuit of the ball, keen vision, and flair for creating attacking ventures make her a forward to reckon with. Her receptiveness to coaching and hunger for growth cements her potential as a sought-after soccer talent.
Tereza Cerna's on-field tenacity is a spectacle. Her relentless pursuit of the ball, keen vision, and flair for creating attacking ventures make her a forward to reckon with. Her receptiveness to coaching and hunger for growth cements her potential as a sought-after soccer talent.
Raven Rogers
2025 | Lockport, IL | Forward
Raven Rogers is the embodiment of attacking prowess. With a refined touch and an ability to glide past defenders, her playmaking vision serves as a linchpin in forward thrusts. Her potential is undeniable, and she's destined for an illustrious soccer journey.
Raven Rogers is the embodiment of attacking prowess. With a refined touch and an ability to glide past defenders, her playmaking vision serves as a linchpin in forward thrusts. Her potential is undeniable, and she's destined for an illustrious soccer journey.
Marilyn Dixon
2025 | Wheaton, IL | Goalkeeper
Marilyn Dixon stands tall as a fortress between the goalposts. Her exceptional focus, combined with strong hands and impeccable diving technique, elevates her as a premier goalkeeper. Her acute understanding of the game and the pitch's layout is a testament to her dedication and promise.
Marilyn Dixon stands tall as a fortress between the goalposts. Her exceptional focus, combined with strong hands and impeccable diving technique, elevates her as a premier goalkeeper. Her acute understanding of the game and the pitch's layout is a testament to her dedication and promise.
Addison Werth
2024 | Fitchburg, WI | Forward
Addison Werth's adaptability and keen sense of game dynamics makes her one of the camp's shining stars. With an unwavering work ethic and a penchant for learning, Addison's growth curve is an exciting one to watch. Her potential to evolve into a top collegiate player is undoubted.
Addison Werth's adaptability and keen sense of game dynamics makes her one of the camp's shining stars. With an unwavering work ethic and a penchant for learning, Addison's growth curve is an exciting one to watch. Her potential to evolve into a top collegiate player is undoubted.
Natasza Koper
2024 | Warszawa, Poland | Goalkeeper
As a goalkeeper hailing from Warszawa, Poland, Natasza showcases exceptional talent and dedication between the posts. Her training with Legia Ladies Warszawa is evident in her sound techniques and her ability to command the penalty area with authority. With razor-sharp reflexes and an impressive reach, Natasza has the capacity to deny even the most challenging shots on goal. Her communication skills ensure her backline stays organized, and she's adept at starting counter-attacks with precise distribution.
As a goalkeeper hailing from Warszawa, Poland, Natasza showcases exceptional talent and dedication between the posts. Her training with Legia Ladies Warszawa is evident in her sound techniques and her ability to command the penalty area with authority
Halie Ahrens
2025 | Lombard, IL | Defender
At camp, Halie emerged as a defensive wall, showcasing her strength and understanding of the game. Representing Willowbrook Highschool and FSC, her football knowledge was evident in her positioning and her ability to break up play. While she's a solid defensive presence, working on her technical abilities can elevate her game further. Her dedication and coachability indicate that she has the potential to be a leading figure in the backline.
At camp, Halie emerged as a defensive wall, showcasing her strength and understanding of the game. Representing Willowbrook Highschool and FSC, her football knowledge was evident in her positioning and her ability to break up play. While she's a solid defensive presence, working on her technical abilities can elevate her game further. Her dedication and coachability indicate that she has the potential to be a leading figure in the backline.
Annika Torbenson
2024 | Rochester, MN | Defender
A product of Century High School and the Minnesota Rush Select, Annika has firmly established herself as a defensive stalwart. Her ability to read the game, combined with her physical prowess, makes her an invaluable asset on the pitch. Annika's receptiveness to feedback and her high football intelligence indicate a player who is both talented and eager to learn. Being a team player, she effortlessly integrates into any defensive setup and is sure to make an immediate impact wherever she goes.
A product of Century High School and the Minnesota Rush Select, Annika has firmly established herself as a defensive stalwart. Her ability to read the game, combined with her physical prowess, makes her an invaluable asset on the pitch.
Moira Koleno
2025 | Illinois | Forward
From Illinois, the spotlight was undeniably on Moira Koleno. As a forward with an innate defender's instinct, Koleno possesses a soccer IQ that's off the charts. Her ability to read cues from the opposition and maintain impeccable defensive shape left a mark on coaches. With her unparalleled view of the field and rapid decision-making, this 2025 graduate is on a trajectory towards greatness
From Illinois, the spotlight was undeniably on Moira Koleno. As a forward with an innate defender's instinct, Koleno possesses a soccer IQ that's off the charts. Her ability to read cues from the opposition and maintain impeccable defensive shape left a mark on coaches. With her unparalleled view of the field and rapid decision-making, this 2025 graduate is on a trajectory towards greatness
Julia Laufenberg
2025 | Morton, IL | Defender
Hailing from Morton, IL, Julia Laufenberg's silent but intense presence on the field has left an impression. As a defender, she embodies the calm amidst the storm, resisting on-ball pressure in ways that would make any college coach take notice. Her instinctual positioning and timely interventions have proved critical, marking her as a standout athlete in the 2025 class.
Hailing from Morton, IL, Julia Laufenberg's silent but intense presence on the field has left an impression. As a defender, she embodies the calm amidst the storm, resisting on-ball pressure in ways that would make any college coach take notice. Her instinctual positioning and timely interventions have proved critical, marking her as a standout athlete in the 2025 class.
Makenzie Dixon
2025 | Caledonia, MI | Forward
Representing Caledonia, MI, Makenzie Dixon is a forward to watch. Her dynamic energy at camp, combined with her explosive speed, has placed her firmly on the radar. For this 2025 graduate, the future seems incredibly promising, with plenty of room to refine her already impressive skillset.
Representing Caledonia, MI, Makenzie Dixon is a forward to watch. Her dynamic energy at camp, combined with her explosive speed, has placed her firmly on the radar. For this 2025 graduate, the future seems incredibly promising, with plenty of room to refine her already impressive skillset.
Madison Ziebarth
2024 | Hoffman Estates, IL | Midfielder
Madison Ziebarth, from Hoffman Estates, IL, is a talent powerhouse in the 2024 class. Dominating the midfield with her impeccable timing and aerial prowess, she's a game-changer. Her competitiveness, coachability, and high potential as a player have unquestionably marked her as one to watch in the coming years.
Madison Ziebarth, from Hoffman Estates, IL, is a talent powerhouse in the 2024 class. Dominating the midfield with her impeccable timing and aerial prowess, she's a game-changer. Her competitiveness, coachability, and high potential as a player have unquestionably marked her as one to watch in the coming years.
Nina Hutchins
2025 | Muskego, WI | Midfielder
Nina Hutchins of Muskego, WI, is a midfield maestro of the 2025 class. With exceptional ball control and an eye for precision passes, she's a linchpin in connecting plays. Her speed and vision predict a luminous soccer career on the horizon.
Nina Hutchins of Muskego, WI, is a midfield maestro of the 2025 class. With exceptional ball control and an eye for precision passes, she's a linchpin in connecting plays. Her speed and vision predict a luminous soccer career on the horizon.
Olivia Hoffman
2025 | Hampton, PA | Midfielder
From Hampton, PA, Olivia Hoffman's infectious attitude has been a camp highlight. Her competitive spirit, coupled with her knack for creating attacking opportunities, is awe-inspiring. Given her year of graduation in 2025, there's ample time for this midfield sensation to refine her skills and aim for the pinnacle of college soccer.
From Hampton, PA, Olivia Hoffman's infectious attitude has been a camp highlight. Her competitive spirit, coupled with her knack for creating attacking opportunities, is awe-inspiring. Given her year of graduation in 2025, there's ample time for this midfield sensation to refine her skills and aim for the pinnacle of college soccer.
Willow Toft
2025 | Washington, IL | Defender
Willow Toft, representing Washington, IL, stood out in more ways than one. A defender with a penchant for learning, her remarkable goal from the outside back position was just a glimpse of her talent. Destined to graduate in 2025, Toft has the potential and time to hone her craft for an even brighter soccer future.
Willow Toft, representing Washington, IL, stood out in more ways than one. A defender with a penchant for learning, her remarkable goal from the outside back position was just a glimpse of her talent. Destined to graduate in 2025, Toft has the potential and time to hone her craft for an even brighter soccer future.
Jillian Peters
2025 | Caledonia, MI | Defender
Downers Grove's Jillian Peters is the epitome of resilience. This defender, despite facing physical challenges, exhibited immense dedication at camp. With an innate ability to read the game and strategize the play, the 2025 graduate showcases potential that is impossible to overlook.
Downers Grove's Jillian Peters is the epitome of resilience. This defender, despite facing physical challenges, exhibited immense dedication at camp. With an innate ability to read the game and strategize the play, the 2025 graduate showcases potential that is impossible to overlook.
Megan Thomsen
2025 | Waukesha, WI | Defender
Hailing from Waukesha, WI, Megan Thomsen's camp performance was a testament to her dedication. This 2025 defender, known for her adaptability, showcased impressive technical skills. With the right direction, her journey to becoming an elite player is well underway.
Hailing from Waukesha, WI, Megan Thomsen's camp performance was a testament to her dedication. This 2025 defender, known for her adaptability, showcased impressive technical skills. With the right direction, her journey to becoming an elite player is well underway.
Charlotte Cuthbertson
2024 | Orangeville, ON | Midfielder
Charlotte Cuthbertson, representing Orangeville, ON, is a gem in the 2024 class. As a midfielder, her unmatched energy and confidence in one-on-one situations were palpable. With a plethora of physical and athletic traits, she's poised to become a significant force in the coming years.
Charlotte Cuthbertson, representing Orangeville, ON, is a gem in the 2024 class. As a midfielder, her unmatched energy and confidence in one-on-one situations were palpable. With a plethora of physical and athletic traits, she's poised to become a significant force in the coming years.