California 2026's looking to be risers

With an aforementioned rankings update on the horizon, and with the recruiting cycle open and active for players from the 2026 class, it seems fitting to feature some players who could be on the rise when the rankings get updated. Here are five players who have stated their case heading into the new 2024/2025   [player_tooltip player_id='83737' first='Sofia' last='Alcorn'], Forward, Silicon Valley Soccer Academy   When seeing Alcorn on film, you see a player who's work rate never seems to slow and you see a player with the excellent ability to play one-touch soccer. She does not waste time with unnecessary touches as she likes to hit a ball when it is played to her in the area or to make a one-time pass and continue on, looking for combination play. She also shows that she can score in a variety of ways, scoring with power from a tough angle, slotting balls home with composure and using her head to score on corner kicks.   [player_tooltip player_id='83757' first='Addison' last='Bartell'], Keeper, De Anza Force   There is a lot to like when you see Bartell play. She has the size you like from a keeper, she has the instincts, the ability to read play and she positions herself well. She also has incredibly quick reaction time as her ability to stop point blank shots, coupled with her ability to cover a large area of her goal, makes her one of the best keepers in this class. She's incredibly brave and sacrifices herself to get a touch on the ball and thwart an attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='82375' first='Addison' last='Posey'], Central Midfielder, Clovis Crossfire   Posey is absolutely dynamic. She covers so much ground on the pitch and is given the freedom to express herself because she is trusted to make good decisions of where to be and when to be there. And because of her understanding of the game, she shows that trust is warranted. She is incredibly technically sound, showing skill and comfort with the ball at her feet. She moves well with the ball, seemingly gliding past defenders with long strides and good speed and she's just as good off the ball as she finds space and exploits it. She has the ability to pick a pass, she weights her balls well and shows precision and she is a very gifted finisher as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='82594' first='Kylee' last='Rocha'], Central Defender, San Juan SC   Rocha is what you want a player to be. Full stop. Regardless of position, what she offers is exactly what you are looking for and the fact that she offers it as a central defender is a bonus. She is big, she is fast and she is strong. She is dangerous on the attack, and just absolutely lethal on headers in the box. She can carry the ball forward and she acts as an outside back or a midfielder in the way she pushes up, picking out passes and making underlapping runs. She is comfortable possessing and helping build from the back, and defensively she is very strong, very physical and truly not easy to beat.   Arden Sorenson-Wald, Midfielder/Forward, Lamorinda SC   Sorenson-Wald provides great value as she can play at multiple spots in the midfield and up top. She can feature as a wide forward, or central striker and in the midfield she seems comfortable at any level. The Piedmont High player has fantastic processing speed and wonderful instincts as she seems to know where to go with the ball at all times. She is decisive and delivers a precise ball, whether it be from deep in the midfield or playing a clever little ball while driving towards goal. She is excellent at receiving the ball, knowing when to come back for it and when to let it run in order to create space.

With an aforementioned rankings update on the horizon, and with the recruiting cycle open and active for players from the 2026 class, it seems fitting to feature some players who could be on the rise when the rankings get updated. Here are five players who have stated their case heading into the new 2024/2025