Top Midfielders in Washington State: High School 3A

It is difficult to find a talented midfielder in the 3A classification that is NOT college bound or working towards that goal. Washington State has some impressive midfield leaders at the High School level. The expectation of these players is to grind, day in and day out. These players bring the team together after going down a goal early in a pivotal match or they bring a calming presence to a team who is hanging on by a thread in the closing minutes. Either way, these leaders control outcomes of matches and championship teams roster the great ones!   This High School season has brought about amazing performances that has made some of the best midfielders in the state household names in their schools and communities. The midfielder position, as most soccer heads understand, plays very important (and different) rolls depending on how the team utilizes them. They could be in an attacking position and in the mix to score goals along with the forwards or in a defensive position to help the back line control the attack. Lest we forget about the wingers. Wingers bring a dynamic existence to the pitch that only they can. The ability to traverse up and down the touchline and distribute centrally to goal scorers THEN be expected to get back in the defensive 3rd to assist on a counter immediately, is a feat of its own. To do that for up to 80 minutes in a HS game is impressive if not superhuman.   You will find some of your very best athletes at these positions because the demand on their soccer IQ, technical skill and stamina is intense. When you see an elite midfielder on the pitch, take note, because you're going to see their names in lights soon enough.   Here are 5 midfielders from the HS girls 3A classification that made measurable impact throughout the regular season and are making a splash in the postseason:    This Gonzaga commit is the real deal. If she's not beating you with raw speed then she is using her elite skill moves to cause havoc in the midfield and defensive back line. Samantha has a keen eye for spatial awareness and utilizes that to find teammates in open lanes consistently. She has no problem placing a ball on frame but when you get lulled into thinking that's the play, she unselfishly releases the ball for a teammate and logs the assist instead. The 2024 KingCo Offensive Player of the Year continues to dominate and hopes to help her Vikings make a deep run in the State Tourney in her final season.     Saleen is a force in the midfield. The 2024 1st Team All-League midfielder has a smooth touch and release that is difficult to react to. Her ability to play in the middle, move to the left or right and stay consistent throughout is imposing. Koszorus wields a strong leg that is both dangerous on the shot and cross. Saleen is best in the attack but has the skillfulness to dispose of attackers at will. Watch for her sneaky bursts that get her through the midfield quickly and gives her the opportunity to punish the defense however she chooses. The Wolverines and Koszorus are primed for a successful post season.     Nora brings an edge to the pitch that you wish you could bottle up and hand out. She is a multi-tool weapon that is difficult to contain. Her aerial game is dangerous, and she knows how to position her body to garner the best looks on set pieces. Sutherland distributes more than she shoots but does not waste any time if she sees an open window to take a crack. Her passing is highly accurate and weighted nicely. The timing of her through balls helps her teammates break the back line often. Nora and the Seahawks will be tough competition when the State Tourney kicks off November 12th.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/Qup4r6fU1xo?si=NtLDRljgnrH-DrBy </div></figure>     Elise is a powerful player that you cannot underestimate. Her strikes on goal are crisp and accurate. She never wastes time or takes unnecessary touches when making shooting decisions. Miller is a physical presence that has mastered the ability to shield and win 50/50 balls in the air. Her speed creates attention which draws defenders and opens lanes for her accurate passes and crosses to teammates. Miller is a free kick menace and can hit from distance with power and precision. The San Diego commit, and her Gig Harbor Tides have a chance to win Districts this week and have already secured a spot in the State Tournament. Look for big things from Miller and the Tides.   <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/3EVvWqw2ARY?si=ik5n7AcDR84MRFVT </div></figure>     Mia is dynamic outside the area. She seems to look to take shots from distance and has the power to convert those looks into goals. Her short quick movements are emphasized by her sleek foot skills that she uses to terrorize opposing midfielders and defenders. Last year's 1st Team All-State selection has made her presence felt this season and will no doubt have more accolades heading her way this post season. The future Idaho Vandal and her Seattle Prep Panthers are headed to State and will tough to stop.      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It is difficult to find a talented midfielder in the 3A classification that is NOT college bound or working towards that goal. Washington State has some impressive midfield leaders at the High School level. The expectation of these players is to grind, day in and day out. These players bring the team together after going down a goal early in a pivotal match or they bring a calming presence to a team who is hanging on by a thread in the closing minutes. Either way, these leaders control outcomes of matches and championship teams roster the great ones!