This stop of our 2016 Unsigned Showcase had some of the best all-around talent so far this year. The numbers were a bit lower than other event, but the quality surely was not! Every coach that came out told us that each of the attendees had the skill and potential to make it at the next level, including at the DI level. Here are the girls who caught our eye.

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GK Katelyn Pierson, Richmond Strikers (2020): Pierson was the standout keeper on the day due to her quick, soft hands and commanding presence in the box. She is young, but did not show it throughout the day. She showed great ability to distribute quickly and accurately with both her hands and feet. She is a very good shot stopper, however should continue to improve ability when coming off the line to make it at the next level.

D Ashley Bido, FC United (2018): Bido is the personification of a team player. She is very strong in 1v1 defending situations, often utilizing her body and quick first step to win possession. She communicates with her teammates incredibly well and is always willing to put in the extra effort. If Bido continues to improve her technical ability and soccer IQ, she will become a quality player at the next level.

D, Cailynn Adelman, Bethesda SC (2019): Adelman was one of the best, if not the best, center back on the field throughout the day. She has an excellent left foot and is consistently comfortable on the ball. She is very composed when playing out of the back and always seems to connect her passes to open teammates. Adelman is also no slouch in a 50-50 tackle and showed good speed on the day.

D Anjalia May, McLean Youth Soccer (2019): May was one of the best athletes in attendance. She showed non-stop energy, excellent open field speed and an understanding of how and when to use her body. Deployed best on the outside of the defensive line, May was rarely beat 1v1 but showed excellent recovery pace whenever she was.

M Myla Sharpless, Century United Pittsburgh (CUPFC) (2019): Sharpless dominated midfield play in the full sided and small sided games. She showed great ability on the ball, but also smart positioning defensively and when providing options for her teammates. She was able to expertly hold possession and link up with her team. Sharpless had great energy and enthusiasm, which inspired her team throughout the day. Sharpless has all of the tools to make the transition to the next level.

M Elizabeth Fogarty, Jacksonville FC (2018): Fogarty is a force to be reckoned with in the midfield. She has good height and overall size, and uses it well to control the middle. She is a fighter with great aggressiveness to her game. On the ball, she is technically sound and showed a keen eye for a pass. To excel at the next level, which she is very capable of, Fogarty should look to be more decisive on the ball.

D/M Kale’a Perry, Maryland United FC (2020): Perry is best when playing on the outside of the pitch and can fill both defensive and midfield positions. On the day, she looked best as an outside back due to her searing pace and understanding of when to drive forward. Not only does she attack down the sideline well, she is also no slouch in 1v1 defensive duels. Perry has good technical ability and is definitely one to watch.

M/F Meaghan O'Donovan, Maryland United FC (2019): O’Donovan never stopped moving throughout the day. She always found smart space to receive the ball or engage an opponent. She is incredibly consistent with her technique on the ball, even when under pressure. O’Donovan is a work horse type of player that fits well in high pressure systems, but also has the technical ability to touch and play.

F Taylor West, Maryland United FC (2018): West was one of the best, if not the best, players on the day. She showed great speed, power and technique on the ball. West showed a great ability to both finish and create chances for her teammates. West constantly works hard for her team when not in possession, and creates opportunities when she is.

F Jeana Freeman, CASL (2019): Freeman is a strong and powerful forward. She consistently showed a keen eye for goal throughout the day. She is very good at running at defenders, especially in 1v1 situations. If Freeman can continue to improve her understanding of when and where to utilize her strength in/around the box, it will help push her to the next level.

Honorable Mentions

GK Kaitlyn Parks, Maryland United FC (2019): Parks is a young defender who has a strong understanding of the position and how to tend her goal.  She has good hands and showed ability to both catch the ball and punch when necessary. At times, she was beaten by shots that were hit hard, so adding more strength will help in this regard. Parks also covered the goal well and moved across the line with good technique.

D Haley Seabolt, Bethesda SC (2019): Seabolt is a dogged defender who is incredibly tough to get around. She showed a great understanding of the position, and ability to provide cover for her teammates when needed. Seabolt also has a good first touch and often plays quick passes away from pressure.

D Anna Winslow, Richmond United (2020): Winslow showed incredible potential at a very young age throughout the showcase. She was the youngest member of the central midfield, but never looked out of place or awed by older or bigger opponents. She loves receiving the ball at her feet and linking up play. Winslow is best when she quickly receives the ball and distributes it out the other way to keep play moving.

D Alaina McKnight, Virginia Legacy (2019): McKnight is a versatile defender who showed an advanced understanding of the game. She constantly was able to connect play with her defensive line and communicated well with teammates. Under pressure, she was composed and often made the right decisions. As McKnight grows and learns to utilize her strength, she will become a quality defender.

D Katherine Ringer, Thunder SC (MD) (2021): Ringer was the youngest player at this event but never looked out of place. She was coachable and always willing to put in the extra effort for her teammates. Ringer can continue to improve the tactical understanding of the game, but has a great foundation on which to improve. Size over the next year will also aid in pushing her to the next level.

M Sophia Wages, Chargers SC (2018): Wages was consistently one of the hardest workers throughout the day. She was always moving to provide options for her teammates and to close down space defensively. Wages is deceivingly good with both feet, especially with her first touch and mid-range passing. Wages is a non-stop, high energy player.

M Elizabeth Kiely, OPSA Magic (2018): Kiely was a forced to be reckoned with throughout the day. She defended very well when challenged in 1v1 situations, both in technical drills and full field games. Kiely was a force in the air, always commanding respect.

M Alivia Gallardo, Continental FC DELCO (2020): Gallardo has incredible potential, and stood out even though she was one of the youngest players at the event. She has good, quick feet and is never afraid of trying to do something creative. Gallardo’s skill will continue to improve as her speed of thought and play also continue to improve.