Nor Cal’s Best Shine from 2026 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>USE PROMO CODE JR30 for a discount on your first subscription</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Soccer National Rankings for the Class of 2026 were updated this week. The new rankings reflect the most recent scouting efforts for this group. Northern California's depth and quality is on full display with this class. Below is a look at some of the top talent on the rise in the national rankings from this class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out <strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/national/rankings/girls/2026-rankings/">the full national rankings here</a></strong>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["82894"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6655fd8e33386"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McKey is a defender on LaMorinda Girls Academy team. She can play as a center back or an outside back. There are elements of her game that would lead to a very exciting possibility as a wing back. The game looks easy for McKey. She is a dominant player at the youth level, which one would expect from a nationally ranked player. She stands at 5'10 and moves with ease on the pitch. She covers ground in a hurry with her long strides. She is athletic in the tackle and rarely gets caught on her heels. On the ball, she is composed and shows good decision-making qualities. McKey has all of the tools to develop into a multi-year starter at center back for a top Division I program.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6q_GFoz6o4","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6q_GFoz6o4 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["82736"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6655fd8e333e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Canepa is a defender on the De Anza Force 08 ECNL team. She plays left center back for her club team. Canepa is an extremely valuable player for her club team and it's easy to see how she could be equally as important at the next level. She plays the left center back role for De Anza. She is almost a sweeper at times though. She is often the last line of defense. She is a target on set pieces for her aerial dominance. Canepa has been outstanding this season and should be on the ECNL All-Conference First Team for her play.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["82885"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6655fd8e33420"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith is a forward on the San Juan SC 08 ECNL team. She is a versatile player who can play as a center forward, support striker, or on the wing. Smith's defensive instincts can be overlooked in favor of her attacking qualities, but the sophomore sensation is a valuable weapon in the press and in transition. Smith shuts down chances quickly with her pace and the timing of her tackling. There is enough elite traits from Smith's game to suggest she will be a standout at the next level. There are times when she isn't as impactful at the club level as I would like to see but the potential is obvious.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111248"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6655fd8e3345a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Musgrove is a riser in the national rankings in this update. The De Anza Force 08 ECNL goalkeeper has been stellar this season. She's an exceptional shot-stopper and been one of the bright spots of the De Anza squad. She has a good frame, strong hands, and quick reactions. There is a lot to like about her potential at the most important position on the field. Musgrove's season has caught the attention of plenty of scouts. She was recently part of the US Soccer Talent ID event for Northern California. There is a reason to believe that she could be on the path to a full national team call up if she continues to perform at this level during the ECNL playoffs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eahq4SSbP88","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eahq4SSbP88 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["82593"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6655fd8e33499"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pearcy is an attacking midfielder on the San Juan SC 08 ECNL team. She was the ECNL Norther Cal Conference Player of the Year last season. Pearcy has continued to show her quality this season. She is an excellent two-way player. She is fearless in the tackle. She uses her body well in the tackle and uses her strength to come away cleanly with the ball. She has a good left foot and strikes the ball well from the run of play. She is a good passer and provides key passes regularly for her side. Pearcy is a skillful player who impacts the game consistently to provide winning plays.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["19269"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6655fd8e334d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rogers is listed as a midfielder on her player profile, but she featured as a right center back during a few recent events in the ECNL. Given her positional flexibility, it's no surprise she is an exceptional passer. She has good vision and consistently makes accurate passes. Defensively, there are some areas for improvement. She can drift a bit when she plays center back and lose touch to the forward. She is good at containing and delaying the attacker, but she is a bit too passive in the tackle and tends to wait for the mistake rather than assert herself into the challenge. Rogers' soccer smarts should get her plenty of looks at the next level. Her placement into a possession-dominant style of play and her versatility will be the traits that make her a top recruit for a class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["175475"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6655fd8e33508"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jacobsen is a defensive midfielder on the San Juan SC 08 ECNL team. She is a dominant player in the center of the field. She controls where the game is played with her ability to intercept passes through the center and cleaning up the play. She wins the ball for her side in 50/50 situations and makes sure to give a clean pass to a teammate. The San Juan attack is dynamic and potent and much of that style of play depends on having a reliable player as the No. 6 and Jacobsen fits that perfectly.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["19187"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6655fd8e3353e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">D'Amico is a bit of an overlooked prospect in this class. She is an 07 from the 2026 class who plays on an ECNL team thats in the middle of the standings in the conference. However, the accolades are there to warrant her getting some looks. She was an ECNL All-Conference selection in the past. She is a center midfielder with a good frame. She is a technically sound player who does the little things well. She could improve on her speed of play. D'Amico is an ideal fit as a no. 8 at the next level as she has a strong all-around game.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["19503"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6655fd8e33574"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Churchward is a defender on the San Juan SC 08 ECNL team. She plays left center back for her club team. She is having a terrific season at the club level. She was also a standout at the high school level for Davis. Churchward is an excellent defender at using her body. She is calm on the ball and a great option for her teammates in possession. Chruchward is a sound defender with high level potential.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["175626"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6655fd8e335aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm not sure how many forwards in this class have a highlight reel devoted to their defensive work, but there is at least one. Munneke takes a lot of joy out of her commitment to pressing and defending and that quality is reflected in the results for her side. She is often the first line of defense for De Anza 08 ECNL, and she sets the tone with her intensity. She is, without any prejudice toward position, an excellent defender. Aggressive in the tackle, physical in the challenge, and smart about anticipating the next move. She's not just on the field for <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2025/10/silent-leaders-strong-walls-the-class-of-2026-defenders/?itm_campaign=wp-parsely&amp;itm_medium=smart-link&amp;itm_term=88266918ccdaab0dcd685bac61f4d2cd&amp;itm_source=traffic-boost" data-smartlink="88266918ccdaab0dcd685bac61f4d2cd" title="Nor Cal&#8217;s Best Shine from 2026 Class">her defense</a> though. She's a dangerous player in the final third. Her decisiveness in her finishing and the timing of her runs is elite among her peers. She plays on the left wing, she's right footed. She's got the pace and quick thinking to start early on in her career at the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOIzRnEvVl4","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOIzRnEvVl4 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->