Here are the 2026 Journal Star girls soccer all-area honorees in alphabetical order, led by athlete of the year.
Ava LaFollette, Peoria Notre Dame
The 2026 Journal Star Girls Soccer Player of the Year was a nearly unstoppable offensive force during her final prep season. LaFollette becomes the fourth Peoria Notre Dame girls soccer player — Mya Wardle (2023-24), Autumn Weeks (2018-19) and Elizabeth Mills (2014-15) — to repeat as the POY in the award’s 35-yard history. The senior forward scored 57 goals and had seven assists for the Irish (23-1-2), who made a Class 3A Sweet Sixteen. In 2025, she also scored 57 goals, which is tied for the 16th most goals in a single Illinois High School Association season. Her record-setting tallies were a part of an Irish offense that outscored opponents, 147-7. The Irish won the Big 12 Conference season with a 10-0-0 record, outscoring league foes 72-0. She ends her four years with 166 goals, putting her at No. 10 on the IHSA all-time career scoring list. Her individual accolades include all-Midwest Region, Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state and unanimous all-Big 12 Conference first team.
Tori Aberle, Washington
The senior defender was the backbone of a Washington defense that pitched 11 shutouts en route to a Class 2A regional title appearance. She chipped in 10 goals and two assists for the Panthers offense (14-5-3) that averaged over three goals a match. Her individual accolades include IHSSCA all-state and all-Mid-Illini Conference first team.
Rylie Bare, Peoria Notre Dame
The senior goalkeeper was a force in the net for the Irish, giving up just seven goals over 26 matches. Her 22 shutouts put her at tied for seventh for the most shutouts in a single IHSA season. She didn’t allow a goal for eight matches in a row. Her individual accolades include IHSSCA all-sectional and unanimous all-Big 12 first team.
Abby Brooks, Morton
The junior defender made it nearly impossible for opponents to score on the Potters (26-2-1), who were the Class 2A state runner-ups. She contributed to a new single-season IHSA consecutive shutout streak (19), while opposing teams scored just eight goals. Her individual accolades include IHSSCA all-state and all-Mid-Illini first team.
Claire Ceresa, Morton
The junior forward was a scoring machine for the Potters (26-2-1). She scored 37 goals and had 25 assists as Morton offense scored nearly five goals an outing. She scored all four goals in Morton’s regional title win over Richwoods. Her individual accolades include IHSSCA all-sectional and all-Mid-Illini first team.
Abigail Chaddock, Peoria Notre Dame
The senior midfielder scored 15 goals and handed out 19 assists for the Irish (23-1-2). The University of Missouri-Kansas City signee was a big reason PND outscored opponents 147-7. Her individual accolades include IHSSCA all-state and unanimous all-Big 12 Conference first team.
Madi Greiner, Morton
The sophomore midfielder was huge offensive presence for the Potters (26-2-1) during their run to the Class 2A title match. She scored 25 goals and had 14 assists this season. She had a goal and an assist in the state semifinal match. Her individual accolades include IHSSCA all-state and all-Mid-Illini first team.
Violet Hynek, Peoria Christian
The junior defender played a major offensive role in helping lead the Chargers (14-5-1) to a Class 1A regional title match. She scored 34 goals and posted a school-record 16 assists for PCS. Hynek posted five assists in a Class 1A regional semifinal victory over Illinois Valley Central. Her individual accolades include IHSSCA all-state.
Peyton Lefler, Peoria Notre Dame
The freshman forward had a big-time impact in her first varsity season. She scored 25 goals and 14 assists as part of the Irish offense (23-1-2) that averaged nearly six goals a match. Lefler is a member of the USA National Team under-15 Olympic Development Program. Her individual accolades include unanimous all-Big 12 first team.
Adalynn Lovell, Peoria Christian
The freshman striker made a big mark in her first varsity season for the Chargers (14-5-1). Lovell scored a school-record 39 goals for a PCS offense that put up a program-best 89 goals. Lovell had a hat trick or more in seven matches. Her individual accolades include IHSSCA all-sectional.
Siena Stone, Peoria Notre Dame
The freshman defender was a key cog to an Irish defense that allowed only allowed seven goals all season. Stone missed the regional matches when she was playing for the USA National Team under-15 team. She scored six goals and assisted on 12 for PND. Her individual accolades include IHSSCA all-state and unanimous all-Big 12 first team.
Mia Williams, Dunlap
The senior midfielder provided leadership for the Eagles (13-5-7). She scored 17 goals and had four assists as Dunlap made a run to the Class 2A Sweet Sixteen. She scored a 30-yard double-overtime goal to beat Washington in a Class 2A regional title. Her individual accolades include IHSSCA all-state and all-Mid-Illini Conference first team.
Honorable Mention
Journal Star Girls Soccer Players of the Year
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: 2026 Journal Star all-area teams | Meet the top 12 Peoria-area girls soccer players
Reporting by Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Adam Duvall, Peoria Journal Star | USA TODAY Network
