Two sophomores from the South shining bright

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For 2026 graduates, exciting times await as they enter their sophomore year of high school. It's a time to let their talents shine as the sophomore season is a great opportunity to stand out to recruiters and college coaches, who can start reaching out to these athletes in the summer following. Looking to get on the radar, these two players from the class of 2026, hailing from Tennessee and Arkansas (representing Indiana and Kansas clubs, as well) are shining bright.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":145950,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/08/IMG_5310-crop-2432x1597-1692983448.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-145950" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Jodie Scoby</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bella Ashe, Central Defender, Mount Juliet, Class of 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ashe plays at Mount Juliet in Tennessee, and plays for two clubs as well. She plays for a 2007 team in Tennessee called Pateadores and plays ECNL in Indiana for FC Pride's 2008 team. People that see her play will see a hard-nosed center back who is not afraid to also be possession oriented, showing off her technical skill. She makes quick decisions, plays with energy and resilience and is very driven to play the game hard, and to improve. An honest and caring teammate, she leads with her words, and her actions, as she displays a very high work ethic. She helps her defenses stays organized, and is strong and assertive on the back line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hailey Crabb, Central Defender, Bentonville, Class of 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bentonville High product also plays club out of state, playing for KS Rush in Kansas. She is also a central defender and offers great attributes that every center back needs. She is very strong and very physical, bringing the fight to attacking players. Beyond toughness, Crabb is a very fast and athletic defender, who displays great technical skill. She also shows an advanced understanding of the game, to go with an excellent work rate. She is super competitive, but shows a great personality with her teammates, and opposition with on the pitch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->