Top Defenders in Washington State: High School 3A/2A/1A

The backbone of any HS team is typically the defense. The different combinations of size, speed, physicality and experience make the defensive back line exciting to watch. Defenders seem to be born with the grit and passion to shoulder the burden of a team because it's not something that's typically taught. In football it's said that defense wins championships, and I would argue that in soccer, defense builds dynasties. If you have talented HS defenders for multiple years, you will be mentioned amongst that elite teams in your state year after year.   Washington State has some of the most talented defenders in the game and they play throughout all the HS classifications. It doesn't matter if you're playing for the biggest 4A High School or the smallest 1A High School, NCAA talent is spread throughout. Playing in those smaller schools really accentuates the talent. There is an 'all eyes on me' mentality that allows those talented defenders to rise up and be leaders that carry their teams to League and District Championships and that ever sought after, State Title!   Here are 5 defenders from the HS girls 3A and 2A/1A classifications that earned the respect of their peers, coaches and communities this season. A few of these athletes will be playing for the opportunity to be State Champions today!    Malia does not lack any tools when it comes to leading a defense. Her knack for being in the right place at the right time is more of skill than luck. She moves thoughtfully throughout the defensive 3rd and is first to ball on anything contested. Headers, defensive volleys and one touch passing is all on point. She is strategic in distribution and splendid on tackles. Kelley is a smooth defender that has the ability to play at the next level. The defending 3A State Champion, Rough Riders, are looking to get a chance to repeat that feat this weekend. They will lean on Kelley and her talented team to make that happen.     Hope is a dynamic defender that dominates with her physical presence. Her nonstop drive pushes others around her to be better and she influences the outcome of every match. Luebbe Davidson's burst speed is something to behold. She can gear it up or gear it down at any moment, which is difficult for opponents to adjust to. Hope has a powerful leg and can hit from distance. The Cal Berkeley commit, and her Panthers are looking to play for a State Championship on Saturday.   <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/PV8vghhqDyE </div></figure>     Lougen is a skillful defender that finds herself in a midfield position when called upon. Her ability to get North/South quickly with possession or via distribution makes her counterattack game tough to handle. Gabrielle has quality skill moves and uses them effectively. She has a combination of speed and size that works well and her physicality on and off the ball is excellent. The 2024 1A Trico Defensive Player of the Year would love nothing more than to end her junior season with a State Title Trophy raised above her head. Lougen and the Seton Catholic Cougars will put their 21-0 record on the line in the semi finals tonight.   <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/gp1dIU-cJxw?si=X2eXdEaiASkFqpp9 </div></figure>     Keelin controls set pieces like a pro. The command on her corner and free kicks is there and are can be dangerous. She invites pressure and easily works through it with her quickness. Crossing is one of her specialties and she gives her teammates a chance to be successful throughout the match. Footwork is great and she keeps opponents guessing with high caliber skill moves. The Ballard Beavers did not have the HS season they wanted but Tutor and her squad will be back stronger in 2025.     Nora is a talented defender that also pushes up to a defensive midfield position when her team needs her expertise in the middle of the field. Martin is a presence on the pitch that cannot be ignored. She uses her keen awareness to distribute effectively which leads to fantastic counter attacks. This multi-year 1st Team All-League athlete has made a name for herself throughout her HS career. She is hoping to end her senior season with a bang by taking the defending 2A State Champion Spudders to another title match this weekend.    Follow me on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepsoccerpnw?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==">@prepsoccerpnw</a> or on X: <a href="https://x.com/coldbrew25">@coldbrew25</a> for the latest rankings, news and articles about your favorite PNW High Schools, Club Teams and Athletes! Keep Grinding!

The backbone of any HS team is typically the defense. The different combinations of size, speed, physicality and experience make the defensive back line exciting to watch. Defenders seem to be born with the grit and passion to shoulder the burden of a team because it's not something that's typically taught. In football it's said that defense wins championships, and I would argue that in soccer, defense builds dynasties. If you have talented HS defenders for multiple years, you will be mentioned amongst that elite teams in your state year after year.