Six key defenders to know from the Prep Soccer 2026 Update

<p>The Prep Soccer National Rankings for the 2026 Class was updated this week. Check out the full list here. Learn more about our ranking process here. </p>   <p>There were a number of new names to this list with this update especially among the defenders. Below is a scouting report on some of the players that stood out from the past season and earned a spot on the rankings with this update. </p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Bryan is a defender on the FL Premier 07 ECNL team. She can also play defensive midfielder, but I've mainly seen her play center back this season so I am listing her with this group. Bryan is an ECNL All-Conference First Team selection for the Southeast in the 07 age group. She is a fearless defender who might be among four players in this class who I would confidently say can concisely pull off a slide tackle in the right situations. Bryan plays with an edge to her game - watch her leap into a challenge - but she does it in a smart way. I think Bryan is an early starter at the next level and her position flexibility, tactical intelligence, and competitive drive should make her an early recruit too. </p>   <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=DS73ePRa7Gg </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Battershell is an outside back on the Nationals 08 Blue squad. She is an excellent two-way player. Battershell's side is often on the front foot in games so her offensive qualities shine a lot in game film. Right footed, calm on the ball, and an excellent crosser, Batttershell is a weapon from the wide channel. She is playing in the WPSL this summer, which is a great showcase against college talent. She showed well in the opening game while playing left back, which showcases her versatility as I've mainly seen her play right back for her club team. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/GBattershell15/status/1792593445795639341 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Michel is a defender on the Tennessee SC 08 ECNL team. She is a center back. She is right footed, but can play either center back spot in a back-four formation. She is a physical defender who doesn't shy away from contact. She is eager to get close to the forward and use her strength to her advantage. The way she dictates the duel is very impressive as a youth player. Michel rarely loses out on retaining possession when she gets into a 50/50. She has a strong right foot and can distribute the ball with accuracy at range. She has been a top performer this season. </p>   <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=Z_GooUO26L8 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Griswold is a defender on the Arlington Soccer 08 ECNL team. She can play center back or right back. She has been part of the US Soccer Talent ID events in the past. She was a First Team All-ECNL Mid-Atlantic Conference select last season. Griswold has been outstanding this season in ECNL play. She is a shutdown defender who is incredibly smart and rarely puts a foot wrong. She is a dual-sport athlete as well. She competes in Track and Field at the high school level. Griswold's pace translates to the pitch as she matches up against the speed of the top forwards at the ECNL level. She is an excellent passer as well and shines in the transition with her confidence to play with her head up. Griswold has been a bright spot at center back in the 2026 class. </p>    <p></p>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='174356' first='Kate' last='Kirby'] is an outside back with tremendous upside. She plays right back for Florida Elite 07 ECNL. She has been a consistent player for that side. Kirby's competitiveness, quick feet, and athleticism shine from the game film. She is a player who thrives in 1v1 duels on the wing. She is relentless in her pursuit and brings a never-go-up attitude to the position. There is more than enough potential there that scouts should take a look at her game film. She has some room for improvement in aspects of the attack, but the hardworking attitude and dedication to improvement is reason to believe she will be an impactful player at the next level. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Saxton is a defender on the World Class 08 ECNL team. She can play center back or outside back. At left back, she is excellent at reading the game and making the next pass to set a teammate up to continue a passing sequence or create a chance on goal. She is a sound defender. She does well off the ball to keep eyes on her mark and adjusts her positioning constantly. At center back, she is a good organizer and excellent distributor through the center channel. Her play at center back shows her smarts and leadership qualities. She has been a key piece of the successful campaign for World Class. </p>    <p></p>   <p></p>   <p></p>   <p></p>

The Prep Soccer National Rankings for the 2026 Class was updated this week. Check out the full list here. Learn more about our ranking process here.