GA TopHat Gold: Carrying Momentum for the New Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tophat enjoyed an impressive 2025-2026 campaign, making noise from the under-fourteen age group all the way through U19. The club stood out as one of the top programs in the Southeast, boasting the best overall record, an undefeated season, and the strongest goal differential in various age groups. As the new season approaches, certain players across the age groups have emerged as names you should know. Each one played a key role in Tophat's success last year. Here are the Tophat standouts to watch in 2026-2027 as they look to build on a remarkable season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["150782"],"_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-6a961b35aa7e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Momentum is carried into the new season Burrus is known for her relentless speed. Making surging runs up and down the flank and consistently taking on defenders along the backline. She finds open passing channels and, with her tireless work rate, gives Tophat a dynamic edge in both attack and defense. These qualities made her a constant presence for Tophat in the Girls Academy. Her standout play culminated in a championship moment, scoring the game-winning goal in the Tophat title run. Preparing for her final club season before heading to Georgia. Burrus is on the trajectory to have a solid season as Tophat looks to build on their recent success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["150779"],"_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-6a961b35aa83f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another Tophat standout set to join the Bulldogs, Baxter is a midfield and defensive combo worth tracking this season. Dynamic on the ball, physical on both sides of the pitch and has an eye for goal. Baxter brings youth national team experience, her Georgia commitment, and a well-rounded skill set into the new campaign. Her control and ability to turn on her first touch make her a scoring threat whenever she's in and around the box. In addition, her quick burst into space adds another layer to her game. As the season picks up, Baxter is a midfielder you'll want to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["176723"],"_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-6a961b35aa885"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The holding midfielder for Tophat, Fahrner, is set to control the middle this season. She holds off pressure with her back to goal, consistently making smart decisions and playing to her strengths. When the moment calls for it, she opens up and plays forward just as effectively, showing confidence in her distribution. In transition, Fahrner is a key piece; she dribbles and turns out of pressure with a calm, controlled style that sets the tempo for her team. Moreover, her ability to avoid chaos and keep play organized is exactly what you want in a holding midfielder. Fahrner's composure and tactical awareness make her a crucial asset as Tophat looks to maintain their momentum. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["317642"],"_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-6a961b35aa8c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Oakes excels at coming to the ball in the middle and immediately pushing play into the final third. She understands the importance of changing pace, often slowing the game down just enough to find the right moment to slice a pass through the back line. Her ability to execute runs and adjust them based on the defense and available space speaks to both her tactical awareness and technical skill. In addition, Oakes's versatility in the middle of the pitch makes her a key component of the Tophat 2012 team and allows her to stand out as an attacker. With her sharp instincts and ability to read the game, she consistently puts her team in a position to succeed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["318236"],"_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-6a961b35aa909"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rosario made history last season by netting 25 goals in high school soccer with Etowah. Her goal-scoring mindset is clear; whether she's facing the net or receiving with her back to goal. Further, she quickly turns on her footwork, avoids pressure, and drives toward the target. Moreover, Rosario's confidence in the final third is hard to miss. She uses her physicality to hold off defenders and her awareness to slip past tackles and threats. As the center forward, she brings a relentless edge to the attack. With TopHat 2011 riding high after last season's momentum, Rosario will be a focal point as the team looks to keep pushing forward this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->