Top Forwards in Washington State: High School 4A

<p>Watching a skilled forward take on a defense and smash a shot that beats the keeper is one of the greatest things to watch in sports. It could be the rippling of the net absorbing a shot, the sudden jubilation of the home crowd or maybe even the PA announcer yelling, GOOOOAAAALLLLL! It is hard to pinpoint exactly but scoring goals in a soccer match is exciting to say the least.</p>   <p>Standout forwards are pivotal for a High School program to be successful. If they can consistently get behind defenses, place accurate shots on frame and ultimately score goals, then they have found the recipe for success. If a team happens to have more than one elite goal scorer on their roster, now you are talking about programs that are serious contenders for district and state titles.</p>   <p>Washington State has a handful of those 4A High School programs including Chiawana, Wenatchee, Lewis and Clark, Lake Stevens, Curtis and Skyline to name a few!</p>   <p>Here are 5 forwards from the HS girls 4A classification to keep your eyes on as the season continues:</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Ella is an elite forward with plus speed that can accurately place her shots anywhere on frame. Her ability to get around the edge of an outside back on the touchline or cut through the middle of attacking center backs is top notch. Bach does not shy away from contact in the air to win contested balls or go shoulder to shoulder with the biggest and best. Ella will be taking her talents to Clemson University in 2026 but before she makes that move, her and her Puyallup Vikings look to do some damage in the post 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://youtu.be/Iq5IMh00y14?si=o1xcHVrzqA1gnei3 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Alexa has all the tools to play at the next level. Speed, strength, vision and passion are a few of her attributes. She sets the tone early in games and keeps defenses guessing on her next move. Alexa has a powerful right foot and can shoot from any point she chooses on the pitch. She is calm on the ball and adjusts the speed of dribble at will. Her cutback moves are deadly and she can rip a quick shot before a GK can even get set. Newman is a physical presence that invites contact but can use her smooth footwork to avoid it as well. If there is a PK to be had, she's your girl. Alexa can read keepers well and has ice in her veins at the spot. Last seasons First Team All-State forward is poised to help the Wildcats make a run at a state title in 2024.</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://youtu.be/95LerNXiDDQ?si=KsYcGueRBl1I0aXx </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Riggs is one of the top HS talents in the state. Her ability to control the game when she is on the pitch is special. Caitlyn has elite quickness and a notable smoothness to her dribble when she is moving with pace. Her skill moves can trip up opponents and her speed will leave them seeing the #9 in their nightmares. Caitlyn has amassed 46 career goals for the ARHS Ravens and will look to add to that total as the season wears on. The senior Captain is also an assist machine. Well placed through balls and crosses are a specialty for the Idaho Vandal commit. Last season's NPSL Offensive Player of the Year, will look to finish strong and help her team make a deep run in the playoffs.</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://youtu.be/zD_AQnYK-YE </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">Thomas is one to watch as the season progresses. She is a quality Forward that has speed and fantastic ball control. Diya moves quickly to goal and places accurate shots on frame. Diya's awareness of space and ability to draw defenders makes her even more dangerous when she uses her skill moves to break the back line. Her and her Kentwood Conquerors will continue to battle to stay near the top of their league and vie for favorable seeding come post season play. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Jayden is a rising freshman that has the skills and drive to be a leader for the Kennedy Catholic. She has breakaway speed because of her quick bursts while taking on defenses 1v1. Fitzgerald has no problem being physical despite her smaller frame. Jayden has an eye for finding small windows in the defense and ripping shots at goal. She has the potential to be recognized amongst the leagues best as her career develops. Jayden and her Lady Lancers continue to jockey for a top spot in the NPSL standings.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Should I Take a Look at Next?</h2>   <p>The Pacific Northwest has so many talented athletes that it is extremely difficult to just highlight a few but rest assured that Prep Soccer will continue to find them and put them front and center. If you feel like you or someone you know needs a look ... send me a message on X (<a href="https://x.com/coldbrew25">@coldbrew25</a>) and I will gladly put you on my radar!</p>   <p></p>

Watching a skilled forward take on a defense and smash a shot that beats the keeper is one of the greatest things to watch in sports. It could be the rippling of the net absorbing a shot, the sudden jubilation of the home crowd or maybe even the PA announcer yelling, GOOOOAAAALLLLL! It is hard to pinpoint exactly but scoring goals in a soccer match is exciting to say the least.