Finding Gems in the Potato State: Class of 2028

The Idaho Girls class of 2028 rankings just released and there are some impressive athletes to have a conversation about. When it comes to 'elite' soccer programs, we tend to focus on the two big names, ECNL and GA. Idaho only has two ECNL/ECNL-RL clubs and zero GA programs currently, but that does not mean they do not have the athletes to compete at the highest levels. Idaho boasts many fantastic USYS clubs and academies throughout the state with thousands of athletes registered to play the beautiful game. Some athletes venture across the border into Washington to find a club but we have found that most Idahoans stick to their roots and play near their hometown and/or High School. Idaho is one of the least populated states in the country, but it packs a punch when it comes to talent.   When we are talking specifically about athletes from Idaho, Prep Soccer is always keeping our eyes peeled for skilled competitors to evaluate throughout the High School and/or Club seasons. As a reminder, we miss plenty of great athletes that deserve recognition for their hard work and dedication to the game. Rest assured, we will do our best to find you, but while the search continues, keep grinding and make your presence known on the pitch, in the classroom and on social media. If you want to play at the next level, you must get your name out there! YouTube highlights, an Instagram soccer specific page and an X account are all great starts to get noticed.   Whatever you do, make sure you go out there and give it your all! Nobody can look past dedication and work ethic. Those are difficult skills to teach but are the building blocks for success!   Let's take a look at five athletes from the 2028 class that caught our eye from Idaho:    Haynes is #1 for a reason. Allee has multiple athletic tools at her disposal. Power and accuracy for one. Her ability to control the tempo of the match by breaking down defenses, taking big shots on her terms or passing and releasing to open space, keeps her opponents guessing. She has an established aerial game and seeks contact to win pivotal possessions. Her strikes are crisp and calculated with difficulty sprinkled in. This 1st Team All-State baller has what it takes to turn heads at the next level. Her Timberline Wolves took the 6A State Title in 2025 and with Allee doing Allee things, they are in the driver's seat to repeat next season!     Stella's ability to find opportunities to score with defenders draped all over her is one of her specialties. Jones's range is impressive. She can accurately place shots on frame from all angles of the box. She is uber dangerous within 10 yards of the goal but can also strike from distance. Opposing teams don't know how to contain her and her teammates know when to feed her. Stella is speedy on the edge and relentless on the dribble. When donning the Eagle Mustang jersey, she's a 1st Team All-League and 2nd Team All-State athlete and while wearing her club team kit, she has earned the right to compete on the USYS ODP National Team. Big things ahead for this one.     Isabelle is a multi-sport athlete that has started to really make her mark among the top players in Idaho. She uses her length and speed to stride out defenses and produce difficult 1v1 situations for GK's. Bastian is physical and doesn't shy away from contact in 50/50 situations which typically ends in gaining possession. Her shots are placed well with thought and precision. Isabelle looks to be a key piece if Marsh Valley wants to put their 2025 4A 2nd place finish in the rear view and raise that Idaho state championship trophy in 2026.     Goalkeepers are the heart of almost any team and Payson is no different. Bratcher helped lead her Fruitland Grizzlies to a 3rd place finish in State last fall and looks to be an integral part to their success moving forward. This two-sport athlete may dominate on the basketball court, but she has been showing us some talent on the pitch as well. Payson uses her height well and has no issue getting up for elevated shots. She's aggressive in the box and cuts down shooting angles and lanes quickly. Bratcher has great shot stopping ability and uses her basketball skills to hold onto difficult shots in traffic. The continued development and accolades received by Payson is something Prep Soccer is excited to follow moving forward.     Banks is a defensive minded player who intimidates her opponents with her quick bursts and persistent pursuit of winning physical challenges. Kaylee moves well with the ball at her feet and has exceptional field vision. She places well timed strikes into the attacking third that allows her forwards to be highly successful. Banks uses her head skillfully and also has the capacity to attack when lanes are open. Banks has all the attributes and technique to be a lock down defender for many seasons to come. Kaylee and her Boise Thorns will look to have a fantastic showing at ECNL Phoenix Spring and make that final push to qualify for the ECNL National Playoffs which will be played in their backyard this summer.    Follow me on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepsoccerpnw?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==">@prepsoccerpnw</a> or on X: <a href="https://x.com/coldbrew25">@coldbrew25</a> for the latest rankings, news and articles about your favorite PNW High Schools, Club Teams and Athletes! DM's are always open for suggestions on which matches, athletes and teams I should watch and follow! Have a great 2026 season and as always, Keep Grinding!!

The Idaho Girls class of 2028 rankings just released and there are some impressive athletes to have a conversation about. When it comes to 'elite' soccer programs, we tend to focus on the two big names, ECNL and GA. Idaho only has two ECNL/ECNL-RL clubs and zero GA programs currently, but that does not mean they do not have the athletes to compete at the highest levels. Idaho boasts many fantastic USYS clubs and academies throughout the state with thousands of athletes registered to play the beautiful game. Some athletes venture across the border into Washington to find a club but we have found that most Idahoans stick to their roots and play near their hometown and/or High School. Idaho is one of the least populated states in the country, but it packs a punch when it comes to talent.