Top Defenders in Washington State: High School 4A

<p>Defenders ... the heart and soul of a team. The literal last line of defense when protecting the score line. These warriors put their bodies on the line every match for 80 minutes with hopes to celebrate a shutout. From physical shoulder to shoulder challenges to the always controversial slide tackle, the defender is expected to make up for any and all mistakes that occur everywhere else on the field. The crucial and sudden decisions that must be made by defensive backs will either make them the G.O.A.T or the goat. It may be the coordination and discipline of holding the line during an attack or the body control to not foul in the box, either way, a split second can make all the difference.</p>   <p>We cannot forget how important the attacking roll is when it comes to the most talented defenders. These set piece specialists are dangerous on free kicks and can rack up goals and assists from land and air. It takes a special talent to defend in the final 3rd then moments later, sprint the length of the pitch to get involved in corner set piece. If they weren't successful on converting, having to track all the way back to defend on a counter takes a feat of effort. These competitors seem to bring on pain, punishment and physicality all while sporting a seemingly crazed smile throughout the match.</p>   <p>Here are 5 defenders from the HS girls 4A classification that left it all on the field this season or are making opposing coaches, teams and players take notice in the post season:</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Brooklyn's tenacity sets her apart from her peers. She has instinctual movements that allow her to win 50/50 battles consistently and she pairs that with her physicality to be that needed force on the back line for the Spartans. Johnson uses her fantastic field vision to capitalizes on distribution openings to feed the attack. Brooklyn and her Sumner Spartans battled to the final whistle in the Elite 8 in State but will have to wait until next season to raise the trophy. Sumner and their talented center back should be a preseason favorite in 2025.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Ella can single handedly control any attack that comes her way. Her combination of size, speed and awareness is deadly. She is powerful on the ball and menacing in space. Benders quick ball release to set up dominate counter attacks is a staple of hers. The 1v1 game that Ella plays is more like a 1v0, with her opponents rarely winning that battle. Ella can control possession in the air with a good aerial game and is very dangerous on set pieces. Benders and her Issaquah Eagles will be playing for a shot at the State Title game this week. </p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/f4Bji31SIYc?si=JfPrciGs8Z4ndEpS </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">You do not find freshman starting on varsity rosters very often, especially on talented teams, but Conaleigh has proved herself worthy to be mentioned among the best. This feisty outside back has impressive spatial awareness and controls the tempo of attacking opponents. Do not let her smaller frame fool you. She can go toe to toe with future collegiate athletes without being intimidated. Her ability to funnel danger away from the center of the pitch and deny crossing attacks is beyond her years. Grit and drive are something that cannot be taught and Holub has enough to last her a long and promising soccer career. Conaleigh and her Mt. Si Wildcats were ousted early in the State Tourney, but they will be back battling atop the KingCo Conference next season.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Jaelyn has an enate ability to find beautiful passing lanes and if they aren't there, she creates them. She has stellar footwork and moves in space well. Her defensive aerial game is notable, and she sniffs out counterattacks before they build. Byeman is a bright light on a defensive back line that struggled at times in 2024. The Seattle University commit has an impressive work rate and pushes others around her to be better. The Eastlake Wolves will find their way but will miss Jaelyn's presence on the pitch immensely.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://youtu.be/w6OA5r8M6qQ?si=XJDcYMH99_pW7BP3 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">This High School All-American cannot be mentioned enough when it comes to dominating a specific position. She possesses all the tangible and intangible qualities that you look for in a center back. Aerial prowess, physical presence, ball control in dangerous positions, soccer IQ and passion to name a few. Her attacking set piece header ability is unrivaled and gets more dominate as her career progresses. Allyson is the #1 defender in the class of 2025 and has a bright future ahead of her. Laccinole and the Mighty Woodinville Falcons have a date with destiny in the State Final 4 this week. Can Ally end her HS career with two more wins and a State Championship? Stay tuned.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DBuJCHszYQo/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link </div></figure>    <p>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! Keep Grinding!</p>

Defenders ... the heart and soul of a team. The literal last line of defense when protecting the score line. These warriors put their bodies on the line every match for 80 minutes with hopes to celebrate a shutout. From physical shoulder to shoulder challenges to the always controversial slide tackle, the defender is expected to make up for any and all mistakes that occur everywhere else on the field. The crucial and sudden decisions that must be made by defensive backs will either make them the G.O.A.T or the goat. It may be the coordination and discipline of holding the line during an attack or the body control to not foul in the box, either way, a split second can make all the difference.