Freshman phenoms rule the pitch in California

Imagine being a freshman playing at a big time program or club team, and instantly making an impact. This is no easy feat considering how many talented players there are in the years and grades above you, especially in California. But these five players are making a big impact.   [player_tooltip player_id='111103' first='Kate' last='Bilal'], Central Defender, Sonoma Academy, Class of 2027   Bilal started at Sonoma Academy as a center back right away as a freshman, earned first-team all-league honors as she helped the team with 16 clean sheets during a 16-win season. She is a very fast defender, allowing her to keep up with attackers in 1v1 situations. She is strong in heading the ball, she is tactically aware and communicates with her teammates well. She's strong on the ball as she can connect with teammates, showing good passing range and can help initiate the attack out of the back. She's good with filling space and breaking lines. She's looking to grow during the club season with Santa Rosa United as she plays for the 09 ECNL team. She wants to improve her consistency with long balls with both feet and continue to break lines to support the attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='111177' first='Zuri' last='Brandt'], Forward, Archbishop Mitty, Class of 2027   It says a lot about Brandt for simply making the Archbishop Mitty varsity team as a freshman, as it is one of the top programs in the state and the country. She played a lot of quality minutes, as she rewarded her coaching staff's faith in her. Her confidence grew a ton every time she contributed. Playing for a top high school and a top club like MVLA, she is learning from all of the talent around her. She's getting so much better at how she turns a defender, making runs behind defenders and how she finds space. She's a very talented corner kick taker, and takes pride in putting them in spots her teammates can get on the end of. She moves off the ball well and her combination play is very good, and she's only getting better. She connects well and then finds space to occupy in order to be dangerous. She's learning to be patient as well, to slow down and make the best decision. She's a fast, athletic player but she also knows she needs to be a smart player in order to beat teams in a multitude of ways. Brandt combines excellent technical skills with a great, and improving, understanding of the game.   [player_tooltip player_id='146256' first='Molly' last='McBride'], Keeper, Vista De Lago, Class of 2027   McBride took the No. 1 keeper job at Vista Del Lago as a freshman and never gave it back. She also plays for the excellent San Juan 2009 ECNL team. During the high school season she earned the Capital Athletic League defensive MVP award. Before the high school break she logged 10 clean sheets with her club, including matches at the San Diego ECNL event. She has gained a lot of experience playing with older players and high-level players. She's becoming a great distributor of the ball, she's an excellent shot stopper and her communication is very good. She's a strong keeper, physically, and is becoming more so, and is also working on the mental aspect of the game and becoming a strong leader. She's showing great technique, excellent footwork and great body control which helps her make saves.   [player_tooltip player_id='112151' first='Nico' last='Shin'], Forward, Mira Costa, Class of 2027   Shin plays at Mira Costa High and plays for Beach FC, and the freshman is a forward. She is hard to handle when she gets 1v1, and is a great dribbler of the ball and she shows great creativity. She can send a cross into the box or she can create her own shot. She changes direction well, she is deceptive and it helps her get free of defenders. She's an encouraging player on the pitch, and is a positive influence and leader. She impacts the game and is looking to do so even more, whether it be with a perfect cross, scoring a goal or being supportive.   [player_tooltip player_id='111336' first='Lauren' last='Willard'], Forward, Tamalpais, Class of 2027   Willard made a huge impact as a forward for Tamalpais High as a freshman. She plays club at Marin FC. She can play as a No. 9 or outside. She learned a ton playing high level varsity soccer at Tam as a freshman, playing with some top level talent which helped her improve. Willard is becoming more confident in her ability and in her role as a leader. She communicates well, and has remained driven. She's worked hard to have great endurance as she is a fit player who works hard. She shows great agility, she makes quick turns and she has good speed. She's looking to improve in these areas even further. She's also looking to become even more synced up with her teammates in order to anticipate their movements.

Imagine being a freshman playing at a big time program or club team, and instantly making an impact. This is no easy feat considering how many talented players there are in the years and grades above you, especially in California. But these five players are making a big impact.