Top 2028 Talents Poised to Break Out Ahead of Showcase Season

The Prep Soccer National Rankings for the 2028 class dropped last week, spotlighting the next wave of high-ceiling prospects across the country. Check <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/national/rankings/girls/national-girls-2028-rankings/">out the full rankings here</a>, and<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/how-we-rank/"> dive deeper into how we evaluate players here</a>.   With a busy stretch of showcase events on deck, this is the moment when emerging talents separate themselves from the pack. Below is a detailed look at six impact players who have positioned themselves as must-scout prospects—athletes whose tools, production, and upward trajectory demand attention heading into the winter and spring.    Barajas is a forward from Rhode Island Surf Girls Academy. She is part of the US U16 Girls Youth National Team. She is a left-footed forward with the highest ceiling among any player in this class. The question might be how soon the professional clubs come calling for the talented youngster. After scoring 33 goals as a sophomore for North Kingstown, she's firmly cemented her legacy in Rhode Island. Barajas' father played professionally in Mexico so she has the background of a soccer-loving household that has reached the pinnacle of the game. Barajas looks to be the part of a player who could feature at a World Cup in the future. The way she plays the game at her speed is a clear indicator of a high-upside attacking talent that can take over any field she steps on.     Mueller is a forward on the [program_tooltip program_id='283373' first='Indy' last='Premier'] Girls Academy. She was part of the Girls Academy National Talent ID last summer. She has also been called into the US Soccer Youth National Team in the past. She is an excellent fit as a support striker. She reads the game well as an attacker and anticipates where to be. She is strong on the ball and has the pace to burst in behind the defense. She's a good finisher with excellent ball striking technique. Mueller is a player right on the cusp of the national team level and continues to show she is among the best of the best in the Girls Academy.     Thomas is a forward on [program_tooltip program_id='283302' first='Columbus' last='United'] 2010 Girls Academy. She was named to the Girls Academy National Talent ID Roster last summer. She's also been called into US Soccer Talent ID events recently. Thomas is a center forward, who can also play out wide. She is a menace in the press. She has quickness, unrelenting ambition, and an unwavering belief that she will beat her opponent to the ball. Thomas shows big-time qualities over the summer at the GA event and took home some honors to go with it. She should be one of the players scouts make sure to see during the upcoming showcase events.     Henly is a defender on the VDA 2010 ECNL team. She is a five-foot-eight center back. She previously played in the midfield. Her quality on the ball from previously being a midfielder shows up on game film. She has a good first touch and does well in receiving the ball away from pressure. She's quick to make decisions on the ball and shows excellent vision to pick out the runs of her teammates - both over the top of the defense and along the wing. Henly could develop into an All-Conference type of center back. She is an incredibly smart player who has continued to thrive against the best competition in the ECNL.     Wittwer is an attacking midfielder on the Tennessee Soccer Club 2010 ECNL team. She can also play as a striker. She's been part of US Soccer Talent ID events in the past. She is an attacking midfielder who likes to operate off the dribble. She has a strong grasp on how to manipulate pace and angles to create advantages for herself when on the dribble. Her strongest attributes of her game shine in the transition moments. She's got the lung strength to make those full-field runs. She would be an excellent fit for a program that relies on high activity midfielders who shine in the press. Wittwer's ability to finish with either foot is also a strong point of her game. She's been an exceptional talent for club and high school, and should be a top target among attacking midfielders in the 2028 class.     Badger is a forward on the Utah Avalanche 09 ECNL team. She previously played for Utah Celtic in the Girls Academy. She was named to the Girls Academy National Talent ID roster last summer. She was also a GA Generation Adidas all-star last year. She is a winger who loves to take players on in 1v1 situations. She's a skillful dribbler who combines elusive body feints with quick feet and lower body strength. She is a difference-maker at the club level with her ability to win the duel and create opportunities in the final third. Badger has shown the quality to be considered among the best of the best in Utah and the nation in the 2028 class.

The Prep Soccer National Rankings for the 2028 class dropped last week, spotlighting the next wave of high-ceiling prospects across the country. Check out the full rankings here, and dive deeper into how we evaluate players here.