Center backs rule the roost in California class of 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 in California seems to be one of the more loaded graduation years in recent history, and specifically in 2026 there are a bunch of defenders that are establishing themselves as difference-making players. Here are five center backs who are really coming into their own.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='154559' first='Audrey' last='Abrahams'], Central Defender, SoCal Blues</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Abrahams is one of the best 1v1 defenders you will see as she can lockdown even the best attackers, because she uses her body so well and demonstrates good speed. She is a ball winner, whether it be stepping up or winning a header in the air. She possessed good speed, she plays with poise and command and shows confidence on the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='126927' first='Jenna' last='Haggard'], Central Defender, Slammers FC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Haggard is a center back with good size, and moves well and shows good speed and athleticism to go with her good size. She can man-mark well, or lockdown an area. She plays with great passion and energy, showing a willingness to play hard and defend well, but does not have a problem playing the ball on the ground and getting involved on set pieces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='20069' first='Raegan' last='Kubisch'], Central Defender, SoCal Blues</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kubisch plays high level soccer at a great program in JSerra Catholic and club at SoCal Blues. She is a solid, all-around defender who does a lot of things well. She stays organized, she is good at directing traffic and she shows anticipation and resilience. She defends with purpose and energy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='62930' first='Presley' last='McGowan'], Central Defender, Murrieta Soccer Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McGowan is a quick, agile and athletic center back. She has great speed and ability, which allows her to move outside at times. She can push up and join the attack and she can possess the ball. She is also a bulldog of a defender, where she will work really hard to stay in an attacker's hip pocket. Her passion for the game and her defensive prowess make her a top defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='152262' first='Bianca' last='Willis'], Central Defenders, Slammers FC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Willis is a true lockdown center back, who is excellent at thwarting attacks and locking down defenders. She's excellent at disrupting passing patterns, making it hard for the opposition to get into a rhythm. She's strong and fast as she can handle a big, physical striker or keep up with speedy wingers and forwards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->