Florida 4A Playoffs: Girls To Watch

The 4A level featured a highly-competitive section in the latter stages of the FHSAA Girls State Playoffs, with two matches in which individual talent was evident over 80 minutes of regulation.   The regional bracket in the "Road to DeLand" involved three teams and two matches in open play across county lines: Bishop Kenny vs. Crystal River in the Regional Quarterfinals, and Bishop Kenny vs. Vanguard in the Regional Final.   Below are six top prospects who played their hearts out to the end, regardless of where their schools finished the season, and a crossover of players to watch in both Ocala and Jacksonville.    Previously featured in the <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/01/updated-2029-florida-girl-rankings/">Rankings</a>, this <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/shea-donovan/">multi-sport</a> athlete is active for the Crusaders in a rather fittingly dynamic role. As the lone striker, this role can be flexible on a match-by-match basis, depending on what is needed.   As an advanced forward, she can hold possession and find runners in on goal. As a pure finisher, pivotal chances are put to bed through quick runs into spaces to shoot from high probability areas.   This impact can be felt through the average of a goal and an assist, almost every single game. Consistency that fills the stat sheets, visible to the eye, regardless of the tally.     Likewise, as part of the recent Rankings, this center-half exemplifies command in defensive areas where danger may arise. With an excellent understanding of positioning, Delgatti will control space by supporting the build-up or organizing the back line before any potential danger arises.   With a high air duel win rate, headers are well-timed and well-executed, as seen in great header goals where the Freshman loses the marker and scores all by herself.   In possession, there is an aptitude to complete difficult long passes, often line drives straight to the chest that help redirect play on behalf of the midfield.     Adding to the tally, Davis has an astonishing 41 goals in only 21 matches, ranking in the top 30 in the nation and scoring a hat-trick in every other match.   A threat across several facets of open play, this traditional #9 understands how to maximize play with every action, regardless of the setup or situation. Starting with duels, possession can be won in the air, on the ground, or in the press.   In the attack, a simple dribble or even a single great touch will build the perfect shot. This shot selection beats keepers in the corners, coming from often difficult angles to send the ball in the back of the net, through curlers, low-driven shots, or ground shots with perfect placement.     A regular in a two-personnel midfield, this Lady Pirate has a repertoire for reading play ahead of time and making the correct decision. For example, when an attacking unit wants to play into outside-zone spaces, the step is performed in advance, and the plug is pulled right there.   At the halfway line, where one wrong play threatens stability, opposition patterns are recognized, so they cannot generate a press. By serving as the support option in combo plays or by playing through a channel that may be hard to follow, it can be assured that the way out is indeed used.     Often featuring in different positions across the attack, this versatility is easy to understand given the diverse skill set at hand. On the ball, there are quick strides forward, with control maintained, showing how dribbling elevates the pace of play. Off the ball, there is an urge to get open across different lines of play and closing pockets of space, highlighting the quality of positioning.   When pressure is recognized on the wing, Ulrich directs play with key passes inside, and when it's recognized on the inside, the same idea applies: forward play is directed in key wide areas.     With the height evident in this Lady Pirate, a package of balance in control follows suit. In the event that the opposition uses an aggressive approach, there is calm amid the storm carried. Technical features such as close control, quick touches, and half turns ensure this.   In the context of passing plays, a range of great habits is evident. Scanning across, protecting with the shoulder, and dropping into areas where play can open with clear acceleration. This ensures that, as a member of the midfield, a shape is maintained in which build-up is present and the timeline can be advanced.

The 4A level featured a highly-competitive section in the latter stages of the FHSAA Girls State Playoffs, with two matches in which individual talent was evident over 80 minutes of regulation.