Virginia's Class of 2028 continues to impress heading into 2025

Blelloch is a name to remember, and she's currently ranked #1 on the Prep Soccer Virginia Player Ranking for the Class of 2028. If the numerous accolades already earned aren't enough to convince you, one look at video will highlight her high upside as an offensive force for NVA 2009. Blelloch is electric on the ball using controlled touches and speed to beat defenders and leave them behind. Off the ball, Blelloch makes well-timed runs in dangerous spaces behind defenders in both wide channels and centrally. In front of the goal, she is clinical and capable of putting the ball in the net in a multitude of ways with power and placement. While Blelloch is already a massive offensive threat by herself, she continues to improve in allowing her teammates to get involved with her holdup play up top and when she drops into deeper areas to receive the ball.     Mainly playing as an attacking midfielder, Ambrose proves a handful for opposition defenders due to her work ethic off the ball. Ambrose is able to create her own chances by anticipating passes and pressing defenders into making mistakes. This becomes a massive advantage for her team as she often proves the opposite with calm moves and turns on the ball to retain posession and open up space for her to score or assist her teammates.     The VDA standout is excellent through the middle of the pitch. Pehlivan is able to change the tempo to kickstart an attack or calm the game down to keep possession. The 2028 midfielder uses the ball's momentum well to open space in midfield, combined with an excellent first touch. One of the strongest aspects of Pehlivan's game in the midfield is the perfect weighted through balls that seem to be constantly putting teammates in advantagoues positions. Pehlivan is a major asset on set pieces as well, often scoring off free kicks and olimpicos from corners. Pehlivan is clearly a highly rated player already ranking 20th in the Prep Soccer 2028 rankings, but will likely reach even bigger heights as she continues to improve.     Sexton is a skillful and strong centerback playing for Richmond United. She is very comfortable with the ball across the pitch and is willing to beat the press with her dribbling or passing. Sexton isn't afraid of getting stuck-in and playing a physical game either despite the finesse to her game. Sexton makes timely challenges and recovery runs and is able to put out dangerous attacks before they are able to compeltely form.     A left fullback with very quick feet capable of effectively playing the ball up the pitch both through dribbling and passing. Body feints combined with quick feet and control allow Schwanda to bypass lines and kick off the attack herself. Schwanda loves to get involved in the attack and will play along the touchline and through the middle of the pitch. She often looks to play quick 1-2's with her teammates to advance the ball. Those attributes also make her a solid defender who is able to keep up with speedy wingers and use her anticipation and quick feet to win posession back for her team.     Smith is a forward who changes games. She can play in multiple positions and provides a goal threat from any area on the pitch. Smith uses a combination of speed and quick touches to get around and away from defenders with ease. However, she's also proven herself as a poacher and forward capable of holding up play and creating chances. Smith is a finisher; she will find a way to get the ball in the net in both conventional and unconventional ways with her athleticism and understanding of spaces in the attacking third.     The VA Union 2028 is an attacking standout, whether playing further up the pitch or in midfield. With a very powerful and accurate left foot, Maletz poses a lot of danger when drifting out to the right and driving into the box to get shots off on that left foot. Maletz isn't afraid to be involved in physical duals with defenders and can keep them guessing by matching that physicality or switching it up and using her strong technical abilities to breeze by them.     Has a good understanding of when to play the ball quickly versus holding up the ball and waiting for the right pass. Fuentes is comfortable and effective at playing isolated up top or dropping deep to get involved and on the ball. She works hard for the team off the ball and out of possession, proving herself an extremely valuable attacking player that will contribute heavily regardless of the situation and tactics on the pitch. Earlier this year, Fuentes was called up to represent El Salvador at the U15 level.