Our first poll of the fall high school season asks readers to pick the Herald-Times Preseason Girls Soccer Player of the Year.
Check out our season previews for 2026 and make your choice. Readers may vote as much as they like until the poll closes on Monday, Aug. 17 at noon.
Here are the nominees.
Haeli Chambre, North, Jr. M/D
One of the leaders for the Cougars defense last year also had a goal and three assists last year.
Manoela Daia, Edgewood, F
Exchange student from Brazil hopes to give Mustangs some offensive punch after graduation took away several top players.
Vanessa Dimas, Edgewood So. MF
Will step up into a much bigger role this year as a first-year starter for the young Mustangs, and her decision making in the midfield will be key with finishers on either side.
Caroline Farmer, North, Jr. F
Will pace the attack for the Cougars this year as the top returning scorer with eight goals and two assists in 2025.
Paloma Martinez, South, Sr. GK
Three-year starter had 73 saves and allowed just nine goals while posting 13 shutouts in 2025. Named ISCA All-District 4 Second Team. Will play at NAIA power Marian.
Maddie Norman, South, Jr. F
Area’s leading scorer last year with 29 goals, giving her 45 for her career. Left-footed striker also had 19 assists.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: VOTE Herald-Times 2026 Preseason Girls Soccer Player of the Year
Reporting by Jim Gordillo, The Herald-Times / The Herald-Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Jim Gordillo, The Herald-Times | USA TODAY Network
