2026-27 Preview: Sporting Jax Girls ECNL-RL

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='348187' first='Sporting' last='Jax Soccer Academy'] is a Jacksonville institution comprising of full programming across the ECNL <a href="https://theecnl.com/sports/2025/4/30/general-untitled-sportfile.aspx" data-type="link" data-id="https://theecnl.com/sports/2025/4/30/general-untitled-sportfile.aspx">ecosystem</a> - Pre-ECNL, ECNL-RL and ECNL. Here is a guide on who to monitor on the girls side in the season ahead:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":383325,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a713ecb047e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Target forward with electric bursts to create gaps of separation. Identifying the weak spots to exploit, consistent runs are attempted around the hub of the openings. Understanding how these openings can be manipulated, a dead sprint on the ball ensures defenders are beat. Being able to move fluidly and get off powerful shorts, this is dynamic play for an outlet player who gets open often.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":383310,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":383320,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a713ecb0488d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An outside back eager to cover ground without hesitation, this grit sparks dominance in winning possession across the pitch. In tackles, there are several abilities at play: cutting to the chase by getting straight in, winning the duel from ball winning techniques, and recovering to keep possession going without pause. This fight is observed in the work rate present in such actions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":383326,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a713ecb048f7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A well conditioned midfielder supporting the play in each phase. Capable of using a high motor when pressing or when in dead zones. Knows when to get involved, moving quick without wasting time to deter opponents who are caught off guard. Clean ground passing and ground shooting techniques that transcend the pressure of timing that would otherwise worry players of a similar level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":383321,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":383323,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a713ecb04973"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A utility in the position chart, Lucas mentally excels with patience and composure during difficult events in the match. As a central defender, the knowhow to meet the ball with comfort leads to possession being won, coming simply in spite of hard battles. Conversely, deep runs made from midfield shows a different yet high level understanding, with key follow up passes or shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":383316,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a713ecb049e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An asset bombing the right flank as needed, whether at right back or right wingback. Mastering the principle of 'following up', being the stop gap called upon for any duel. The energy to get off a high volume of passes, challenges and key passes all in one match shows the sheer productivity on display. Supporting everywhere in the shape makes such a Class of 2031 a real resource.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":383327,"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a713ecb04a37"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An outside back who excels with the concept of positional play. Touching and moving, making the necessary play and moving on, without panic, without the extra second delay common with other players. This responsibility in possession can also be observed in other areas, when carrying transitions in the forward line or organizing coverages during transitional defense against high octane sides.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>In addition, some more Jacksonville area names who made an impact:</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/ashlee-dorich/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepsoccer.com/player/ashlee-dorich/">[player_tooltip player_id='383312' first='Ashlee' last='Dorich'] - Sporting Jax ECNL-RL 2011/12 - Bartram Trail</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/aven-smith/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepsoccer.com/player/aven-smith/">[player_tooltip player_id='383313' first='Aven' last='Smith'] - Sporting Jax ECNL-RL 2011/12 - Creekside</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/isla-bedway/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepsoccer.com/player/isla-bedway/">[player_tooltip player_id='383314' first='Isla' last='Bedway'] - Sporting Jax ECNL-RL 2012/13 - Bartram Trail</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/sydney-auxier/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepsoccer.com/player/sydney-auxier/">[player_tooltip player_id='383315' first='Sydney' last='Auxier'] - Sporting Jax ECNL-RL 2012/13 - Creekside (3x ODP selected)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->