Maryland players making a big impact

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The fall sports season is underway, and in Maryland that means high school soccer. With the season now in full swing, here are a group of 2026 and 2027 graduates from the Old Line State making a big impact, including two already college committed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='159237' first='Jaidyn' last='Bichell'], Forward, Guilford Park, Class of 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Generally speaking, when Bichell is on the pitch, she's going to be faster than everyone else. She consistently outpaces even the fastest of center backs that she sees. And she makes such well-time runs that she often finds herself in behind. However, she can also take them on with the ball at her feet and get in on goal that way as well. She's a cool customer when it comes to finishing as she can slot a ball home or finish with power to get it past the keeper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='137444' first='Chrissy' last='Graves'], Central Defender, St. Andrews Episcopal, Class of 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":228971,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/09/IMG_6401.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-228971" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Chris Graves</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Graves is a Butler commit and is a fierce and commanding center back. A physical player with good size, Graves closes on attackers like a freight train as she does not simply just step up for show. She steps to the attacker with the intention of making their lives difficult. When she does step to take on an attacker, most time she's able to win the ball, and at the very least she disrupts the attack. She's good after winning the ball, showing the ability to pick the right pass and help the team transition. She's strong in the air on 50/50 balls and strong in the air in the box and is a threat to score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='182855' first='Siena' last='Rothmann'], Central Midfielder, McDonough, Class of 2027</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rothmann is a very cool midfielder, as she just seems comfortable operating in traffic. She's a midfielder with good size, and moves very fluidly, covering a lot of ground because she is faster than she appears. She is very technical, good on the ball, and she's maybe even more dangerous on free kicks. She delivers a great ball into the area. She's also quite dangerous on shots from range as she has a knack for hitting the ball with pace and beating the keeper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brooke Sledge, Outside Defender, The John Carroll School, Class of 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sledge is a left outside back with more than just speed up and down the side. She's very good in defense, never over-exposing her center backs as she stays with attackers very well, and reacts when they try to shake her. She is agile with good reactions and does not get beat easily. She's patient when probing the other teams defense as she will play the ball back if nothing is there, but if something is she makes a quick pass and moves, plays a nice ball up the line or can fan out wide and send in a cross. She can do it all. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='125449' first='Lily' last='Stevens'], Midfielder, Virginia Development Academy, Class of 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stevens, a Coastal Carolina commit, can play at any level of the midfield and excel. She plays next level soccer, as she is very advanced in terms of seeing the field. She moves the ball quickly and decisively. She will swing from touch line to touch line if nothing is readily available going forward, showing patience and understanding. When she sees a sliver, though, she can thread the needle with the best of them. She can also score from range, showing the ability to beat the keeper with a well placed ball from well outside the box. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Izzie Tucci, Central Defender, Oakdale, Class of 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tucci shows a lot of comfort being on the ball as she likes to drift near the touchline and help get the ball to the outside back or wide forward and help transition the attack. Once the ball is played, she helps her defense regain shape immediately. She's fantastic at breaking lines and playing the ball to the next level. A smart defender who anticipates very well, stepping up to the ball and winning it with regularity, she is a well-rounded center back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='111037' first='Aubree' last='Zabkowski'], Central Defender, Notre Dame Prep, Class of 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Technically sound is how I would describe this 2008 player, who seems to do it all and do it all very well. I really like how strong she is in the air as she elevates well and times her leap well, allowing her to get the ball at the highest point possible. She's comfortable receiving the ball and possessing it, remaining poised and looking to make the best pass. She's excellent about playing the ball on the floor, showing an uncanny ability to break lines. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->