GHSA Girls' 2025 Regular Season Standouts

As we approach this year's highly anticipated playoffs, let's highlight some of the most exciting and promising players who have showcased their talent over the past four months.    Zulma Valdivieso-Gutierrez had an outstanding season, scoring a remarkable 58 goals and breaking her own record. She currently ranks #1 in Georgia and #11 in the nation.    Kendra Delgado exemplifies what it means to be a team player, boasting an impressive average of 2.6 assists per match, totaling 37 assists throughout the season.    Stella Stephens was a fortress in goal, making 219 saves and achieving 2 clean sheets—almost double the saves she made in the previous season.    With a combined total of 67 goal contributions, Alana Ferguson has proven to be a formidable challenge for any team facing her.   [player_tooltip player_id='111856' first='Megan' last='Rivera'] has been prolific and dangerous in front of goal, having scored in every match with an impressive average of 1.2 expected goals per game, totaling 14 goals.    With 42 goal contributions, [player_tooltip player_id='111890' first='Emory' last='Pitts'] is one of the last players any opposing team wants to face when she's in front of goal or on the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='21711' first='Hayden' last='Barnett'] is a well-rounded midfielder who not only contributes with goals and assists but also provides confidence and stability to her team.   Abby Batts has scored 16 goals and has an impressive average of nearly 2 goals per game; she shows no signs of slowing down and is expected to score even more.    Valdivieso-Gutierrez possesses an impressive shot and remarkable technique with her right foot; calling her prolific and clinical is an understatement. She consistently puts the ball in the back of the net. Her approach is simple and no-nonsense, and she performs her role to near perfection. Whether striking from 30-40 yards out, she has no problem finding the target.   Physically strong, she excels at holding off defenders and driving through them. Her finishing skills are exceptional, whether it's a first-time shot, a volley, or a half-volley; she strikes the ball with power and precision. Valdivieso-Gutierrez also has a tendency to drop deep to collect the ball and then drive towards the goal. With her quick feet and agility, she easily evades defenders with skillful moves and is not afraid to take on opponents. Valdivieso-Gutierrez truly is a goal-scoring machine, consistently bringing goals to her team.     Delgado exemplifies what it means to be a team player and a playmaker. Quick and agile, she skillfully controls the ball and dribbles effectively, weaving through defenders. Constantly in motion, she consistently receives the ball and shifts the play. Her awareness and distribution are unparalleled; she plays with her head up, checks her shoulder, and delivers precise passes.   Whether it's a simple through ball, a long ball over the top, or switching the field, Delgado always applies the perfect amount of power and accuracy, ensuring the ball reaches her teammates seamlessly. She keeps her play clean and simple, playing to feet and rarely forcing the play. Hardworking and diligent, she consistently checks, shows, and moves off the ball.   Delgado is a tremendous asset to her team, not only by creating goal-scoring opportunities but also by bridging the connection between the attack and defense, bringing her side together.     Quick, strong, and explosive, Stephens is a formidable presence in goal. She is brave and fast off her line, effectively closing down players and narrowing angles. She spreads herself out and makes herself big when needed. Light on her feet and always on her toes, she excels at jumping high and lunging to the sides. With cat-like reflexes, she makes goal-line saves and utilizes both her feet and hands to stop shots.   Moreover, Stephens is vocal and commanding on the field, consistently providing feedback to her teammates. She instructs her defense to step up, drop back, or make passes, ensuring they remain organized. Calm under pressure, she is always ready to receive a pass and maintain possession of the ball.   Her distribution and awareness are impressive as well, playing accurate long balls to her teammates and finding effective passes. Overall, Stephens is an exceptional shot-stopper who works hard and remains relentless in her efforts. She fulfills the primary role of a goalkeeper impeccably: keeping the ball out of the net.     Alana may not be the tallest player on the field, but she more than compensates for it with her speed, physicality, power, and finishing ability. Whether dribbling the ball or chasing down opponents, Ferguson is incredibly fast and relentless in her pursuit. She uses her strength to hold off defenders, often bullying her way through opposition players. Her passes are powerful and almost always find their target.   With a clinical and precise finishing ability, she consistently finds the back of the net, combining power with accuracy. Quick and skillful, Ferguson enjoys taking on players and driving the ball up the field. Opponents cannot afford to give her time or space; she will capitalize on any opportunity, whether it's taking a long-range shot, playing a through ball, or dribbling towards goal. Ferguson is a formidable force on the field, presenting a constant threat with her aggressive and direct style of play.     Rivera is skilled with both her left and right foot, making her a constant threat whenever she has the ball. As a prolific striker, she is always on the move, making forward runs or positioning herself to receive the ball. She is an excellent dribbler, combining speed with close ball control to evade tackles, which makes it difficult for defenders to dispossess her. She enjoys carrying the ball and taking on opponents, often outpacing them with her speed and physicality.   Rivera is very dangerous in the final third of the field, often only needing one touch to slot the ball into the goal. If given space and time outside the box, she can strike with precision and power. Rivera effectively utilizes her size, speed, strength, and technical skills in every game, making her a formidable player.     A very versatile player, Pitts can play across the field, in the offense, midfield, or defense. Primarily playing in a more attacking role, as a forward, she is good on the ball and has very good finishing abilities. Keeping it simple and just calmly slotting the ball into the goal. Making direct forward runs, she is always looking to get in behind the opposing defense and get through on goal. She does well to check of her player and receive a pass, then to take players on.   When playing in a more creative or defensive role, Pitts uses her body and physical attributes very well. She is not afraid to get down and dirty, going for tackles and using her body to fight for the ball. She has a good understanding of the play as well, knowing when to step up, drop, or play a pass. Possessing great vision and distribution, she plays great balls to her teammates feet or for them to run onto.   Pitts is a very versatile and well-rounded player, whilst having a direct and aggressive approach. She is a team player, always working for her side, and consistently providing at least 7 out of 10 performances.     Barnett is an exceptional ball-playing and box-to-box midfielder with impressive passing and awareness skills. Always playing with her head up, she is aware of her teammates and the available options on the field. Smart and composed on the ball, she assesses the situation before making decisions, whether that involves switching the field, making a simple backward pass, or playing a through ball. Barnett consistently plays to feet and delivers the perfect weight on her passes.   In addition to her passing abilities, she excels at carrying the ball up the field and making forward runs. She keeps the ball close to her feet, using small touches to seemingly glide past opposition players. As a great team player, Barnett often provides the creative spark for her team, scoring goals just as effectively as she provides assists.     Abby is a fast, direct, and aggressive forward. A classic number 9, she is a constant threat in the final third and anywhere she has the ball. No-nonsense in her approach, she focuses on her job: putting the ball in the net. She can strike with power or calmly find the corner of the goal. Batts is patient, biding her time and waiting for the best opportunity to make a run through the defense. When she has the ball, she dribbles with speed and power, using her body to hold off defenders and leaving them in her wake. With a good first touch and agility, she can turn on a dime, creating and finding space to run into. Batts adds a sense of creativity, doing whatever it takes to beat defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities. Ultimately, Batts excels in her role: scoring goals.

As we approach this year's highly anticipated playoffs, let's highlight some of the most exciting and promising players who have showcased their talent over the past four months.