It’s time to crown the top returning player in Lafayette area high school girls soccer.
Now that 26 of the top returners have been listed, you can cast your vote in the preseason Player of the Year poll, sponsored by Ivy Tech. A total of 15 players have been selected out of the initial group. The girls high school soccer has already begun, but this list has been compiled based on last year’s results.
Here’s a rundown of this year’s options. This poll has unlimited voting and will close at 11:59 p.m. this Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Addie Wallar, Central Catholic, Senior
Wallar led the Knights with 26 goals during her junior year. Added five assists and was voted to the Hoosier Conference first team and was named to the Journal & Courier All-Area team for the second consecutive season.
Sarah Switzer, Central Catholic, Senior
Recorded 162 saves and four shutouts for the Knights in the 2025 season at goalkeeper.
Emma Cales, Senior, Covington
Protected the net with 127 saves, helping Covington finish the season with a record of 12-4-1.
Ainsley Herron, Faith Christian, Senior
Was primarily a defender for the 16-2 Eagles last year, but added nine goals and 16 assists on the offensive side.
Emily Welborn, Faith Christian, Junior
Scored 16 goals and tallied 12 assists as a sophomore forward. Also played time on the defensive unit, including limited run at goalkeeper.
Johanna Haste, Faith Christian, Senior
Finished last year with 33 goals, a single-season high for the Eagles, and 9 assists. She is Faith Christian’s all-time scoring leader with 79 goals across three seasons.
Aleah Szymanski, Harrison, Senior
Notched 16 goals and was voted to the Sagamore Athletic Conference for the 2025 season, making her a top returner for the Raiders.
Chloe Sheets, Harrison, Senior
The midfielder recorded four assists and was voted Sagamore Athletic Conference first team in 2025.
Morgan Saunders, Harrison, Senior
Made 52 saves and picked up seven shutout victories as the Raiders’ goalkeeper last season.
Piper Burke, Lafayette Jeff, Junior
Burke led the Bronchos with 16 goals and four assists in her sophomore campaign.
Greer Selby, McCutcheon, Senior
Selby was voted to the Journal & Courier All-Area team as a defender last year. Scored a pivotal goal in the IHSAA Class 3A sectional championship against Lafayette Jeff.
Gracie Ratcliff, North Montgomery, Senior
Scored nine goals and added five assists for the 10-6-1 Chargin’ Chargers in the 2025 season.
Emily Simpson, Southmont, Sophomore
Finished her freshman year with 159 saves and six shutout wins for the Mounties.
Aubrey Kalb, West Lafayette, Junior
Kalb netted nine goals and six assists as a sophomore last year, making the switch from defense to midfield.
Stella Smosna, West Lafayette, Sophomore
Scored a team-high 24 goals for the 10-7 Red Devils in her freshman season.
Chase Gemes covers high school sports and Purdue women’s basketball for the Journal & Courier. He can be reached at cgemes@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: VOTE for Lafayette area preseason girls soccer Player of the Year, sponsored by Ivy Tech
Reporting by Chase Gemes, Lafayette Journal & Courier / Lafayette Journal & Courier
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By Chase Gemes, Lafayette Journal & Courier | USA TODAY Network
