Several girls soccer teams from North Carolina will take part in the Foothills Friendlies Soccer Event Powered by OrthoCarolina on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026.
All games will be played at Henry Fork River Park (5655 Sweet Bay Lane, Hickory, NC, 28602).
Here is what you need to know about each of the participating teams:
Note: A questionnaire was distributed to all participating teams’ head coaches. If a questionnaire was not returned, NAS attempted to create team previews based on available information online.
A.C. Reynods: The Rockets begin a new season with the look of a program that can control games with organization and create chances, led by players like Katelynn Ciolek, setting the table from the back/midfield. If Reynolds is at its best, expect a steady defensive shape, quick outlets into space, and enough playmaking to tilt the field in tournament settings.
Alexander Central: Coming off a 9-6-2 season, the Cougars are emphasizing growth and consistency with the coaching staff highlighting attack-minded play and using this spring to build a clearer identity. Key pieces include Lainey Bass and Bella Pennell. One name to watch as a breakout player is Hadley Walsh. Alexander Central believes if it can sort out its back line, it can compete at the top of the conference.
Ardrey Kell: After a 23-3-4 campaign, the Knights again look like one of the most complete sides in the field, built on experience, depth, and an expectation of playing deep into May. The Knights’ biggest strength is continuity from last season, including the return of the entire back line. NC State commit Taylor Kleinschmidt anchors the back line, while Virginia Tech commit Makayla Rodriguez helps keep the Knights dangerous. Keep an eye on players like Samia Margherio and Elena Rodriguez as potential difference-makers.
Asheville: Coming off a 15-4-1 season, Asheville has proven it can score in bunches. Peyton Case returns for her senior season after scoring 38 goals last year. Fellow senior Addie Case added 13 goals, and Sadie Hambright and Grier Case led the way with 14 and 11 assists, respectively.
Cannon School: According to MaxPreps, Cannon School has a young roster of players who have been building depth. The Cougars had several underclassmen make significant contributions on last season’s 10-10-2 team, including players like Mia Valencia, Brielle Wilson, Jade Adams, and Kareena Blumer.
Community School of Davidson: Community School of Davidson brings legitimate punch up front, led by Lia Puma (22 goals/11 assists) and Eliana Puma (17 goals/9 assists) as finishers. Julia Vecchiarello (12 assists) provides a steady stream of assists and chance creation. The Spartans can quickly turn pressure into a goal.
Cox Mill: After a 10-9-3 season, Cox Mill is confident in the foundation. The Chargers return their entire defensive back line and believe their ability to keep games close can drive a stronger spring. The centerpiece defensively is Marissa Perry, a junior center back and all-conference & all-region selection. At the same time, the attack gets a boost from Sophie Holcomb, a sophomore who led the team in goals and assists as a freshman and was named Offensive Player of the Year. In the midfield, Anna Kirkwood is the distributor who can unlock teams. Breakout names to watch include Rhylee O’Steen, Paige Carr, and Lydia Wilson.
East Gaston: The Warriors are coming off an 11-7-2 season and see their identity rooted in leadership and experience, leaning on a strong returning group to set the tone. The names to know include Payton Lenox (20 goals), Ella Wise (8 shutouts last season), Kayla Maiers (8 goals), and Alexa Cloninger (8 goals). East Gaston’s coaching staff believes if they don’t get complacent and continue to focus on the little things, the team will be competitive again this season.
East Henderson: East Henderson looks to be developing a young attacking core, with Maddie Carver and Leila Henderson among the top goal producers, and Jenni Interiano Nunez also factoring into the scoring mix. If the Eagles are going to take a step, it likely comes from improved chance quality and limiting goals conceded so their offense doesn’t have to chase games. The Eagles were 6-13-3 last season.
Forestview: Coming off a 19-3 season, Forestview expects to be dangerous again, especially if its attacking pace and pressure translate early. The Jaguars’ key returners include Ariene Catindig (31 goals/13 assists, Conference Offensive Player of the Year), Alyana Janik (16 goals/11 assists), Madison Potter (16 shutouts in goal), and Mattie Queen (defensive leader). If Forestview hits its full potential, it’s because the Jaguars’ pressure forces turnovers high up the field, and their top attackers punish teams before the game can settle.
Fred T. Foard: Foard’s results point to a team that can be competitive in stretches and tough to break when it’s organized. Last season, the Tigers posted a 10-9 overall record and finished third in conference play. The key for the Tigers will be to keep matches tight, manage game states, and capitalize on moments. The biggest key for Foard is consistency.
Hickory: After a 22-4-2 season, Hickory enters with the belief that its style can carry over from last season with a number of key players back. Hickory returns 4-of-5 leading scorers and 8-of-11 starters from last season. Piper Jillings (29 goals/35 assists, South Florida commit), Val Bravo (10 goals/8 assists), and Stephanie Zulueta (10 goals/3 assists) are among the top returners. After making it to the fourth round of the playoffs, the Red Tornadoes are ready to take the next step. One thing they will focus on early: building more depth.
Hickory Ridge: Coming off a 23-2-1 season, Hickory Ridge will need to replace several players, but the coaching staff believes the talent is there to do so. Key returners include Ava Trzebiatowski (13 goals/3 assists, Presbyterian commit), Aubrey Rose (allowed just 13 goals in 26 games), and Corin Roth (defender who helped lead defense that allowed just 14 goals). If the Ragin’ Bulls reach their ceiling, it’ll be because they remain defensively sound.
Hough: After a 24-1-1 season, Hough again looks built for the long haul, returning nine of 11 starters and carrying the confidence of a team that expects to be in the championship conversation. The headliners are Riley Pickels (senior GK; captain and NC State signee), Olivia Miller (junior forward; 21 goals/20 assists; Wofford commit), Ava Hauser (senior forward; 19 goals/18 assists), plus leaders like Sydney Treanor, Shelby Siggins, and emerging talent Campbell Schmidt. The Huskies’ mission is clear: turn last year’s near-miss into a championship by staying sharp early and being ruthless in close games.
Maiden: After a 9-9-3 season, Maiden is leaning into a new chapter with an emphasis on building culture, confidence, and adapting to multiple game tactics. Dustin Aguero is joining the Maiden girls soccer program as the head coach for the first time and is excited to start with a clean slate. Aguero said the team is eager to learn.
Mooresville: The Blue Devils are coming off a 12-5-3 campaign last season. Mooresville’s attack is driven by Macie Cline, who was the leading goal-scorer a season ago. Gwen Govern is a key offensive player, Shayne Fitzsimmons will help lead the defense, while Ruby Hauk and Caroline Kaemba are two sophomore returners who will bring some needed experience to a young team. Senior goalkeeper Lexi Albaeck, a Usinius commit, is also back. The Blue Devils graduated 11 seniors from last year’s team and will have to find some young impact players to help build through the season.
North Buncombe: North Buncombe brings an ambitious outlook after an 11-10-1 season, believing the pieces are in place for growth after a second-round playoff appearance a season ago. The team is junior-heavy, returning most starters from last year. The key returners include Kameron Baker (an midfield who was injured last year), Abigail Hale (all-conference defender), Eliza Jackson (all-conference striker), and juniors Lily Johnson and Norah Lenell.
Northern Guilford: After a 15-7-2 season, Northern Guilford has a clear internal expectation: compete with anyone when the Nighthawks play connected, disciplined soccer. The Nighthawks are loaded with talent and could contend with the best of the best. Key returners include Kylie Guardado (all-state player who is playing for the El Savatorian National Team), Violet Barbosa (all-region), Halle Majory (second-leading team goal-scorer), Katen Lewis (all-conference), Lillian Wright (all-conference), and Chloe Robinson (tied for fifth on the team in goals). Northern Guilford returns five starting freshmen from last season, giving the team much more experience this spring.
Northwest Guilford: With a 16-4-3 record last spring, Northwest Guilford has shown it can win big games, and the Vikings’ identity is built on balance. Jasmine Green (11 assists) is a key chance creator, and Salem Joyner (11 goals) brings the ability to finish. Kressleigh Brock is also one of the top returners after finishing second in assists last season. If Northwest Guilford is going to make noise again after a second-place conference finish last spring, look for the midfield to dictate tempo and the back line to keep clean sheets that allow their creators to win games with one or two decisive sequences.
Patton: After going 14-9 last season, Patton’s profile suggests a team that can defend and keep games manageable, with players like Ana Velasquez and Brena Lopez-Ortiz returning. The Panthers’ path to a strong showing is about margin control: stay organized through the middle third and create enough set-piece danger opportunities.
Pine Lake Prep: Fresh off a 20-2 season and a 2A state title, Pine Lake Prep expects to continue playing at a high level, leaning on its depth and strong backline. Key returners include Victoria Christiansen (10 goals/18 assists), Braelyn Iosue (returning from injury and could be an all-state player), Eva Smith (big part of defense last season, scored 3 goals/10 assists), and Bella Buckley (8 goals/10 assists, Davidson College commit). Pine Lake Prep lost two Division I players from last season and will need to ensure stability in goal, but could contend again for a state title.
Providence Day: Providence Day arrives with a championship pedigree, and the Chargers have proven they can win tight matches when the stakes spike. Providence Day returns Abby Goldean (10 goals/7 assists), Mikayla Pieratt (6 goals), and Grayson Dudley (4 goals/10 assists). After a 22-2-1 season last year, the Chargers have high hopes this spring, but will have to replace their top two goal scorers who combined for 28 goals.
South Iredell: South Iredell’s scoring ran through Rylan Robisky last season, but the Vikings will have to replace her after she graduated in 2025. Jadira Cespedes and Peyton Lowman return after providing secondary scoring support though. Finley McClure also contributed as a sophomore last season. South Iredell was 8-11-1 in 2025.
South Point: South Point finished last season with a 21-4-2 record and the 3A state runner-up, falling to Western Alamance 1-0. South Point returns it leading goal-scorer from last season, Mackenzie Crill (24 goals/8 assists), as well as Jyiyanna Watkins, who scored 17 goals as a sophomore. Karsyn Lowman (6 goals/11 assists) and Taylor Culbertson (8 assists) are also back for the Red Raiders this spring.
St. Stephens: St. Stephens has multiple proven scoring threats in Kaitlyn Prado and Jayla Howlett, with Addison Cox also among the key pieces in a team that can win games when it’s clicking. The Indians finished the 2025 season with an 11-7-4 record and 6-5-2 conference mark.
Stuart Cramer: Stuart Cramer’s attack starts with Abi Bourque, who scored 33 goals last season. Mallory Hall helped provide steady production and chance creation. The Storm finished last season with an 8-11 record and look to improve on a fourth-place finish in conference play this spring.
Summit Charter: After a 5-1 season, Summit Charter believes it can raise its level in the first year of NCHSAA membership. The coaching staff believes they can win playoff games this spring. Summit is excited about its depth, and despite the fact that many players are new to the game, the team is hardworking and making progress.
Sun Valley: Coming off a 13-8-2 season, Sun Valley is leaning into a blue-collar identity, focusing on the little things and staying the course during the season. Sun Valley returns nine starters from last season. Key returners include Nicole Klyner (holds single-season goals & assists record, called up to Moldova national team, committed to Elon), Sophia Seddon (17 goals/8 assists), and Kam Matlock (key on defense).
T.C. Roberson: T.C. Roberson is coming off a 12-6-3 season in 2025, but the Rams will have to replace a big piece in Kate Pratt, who scored 36 goals last year. The top returning scorer is Sam Maki, who scored eight goals as a freshman. Jess Gordon led the team in assists as a sophomore with 15, adding seven goals. Aria Giles also had double-digit assists with 11.
Thomas Jefferson: Coming off an 11-7 season, Thomas Jefferson is blending youthful upside with proven top-end talent, expecting chemistry and possession growth to determine how high the ceiling climbs. The headline name is Ella Duncan (LW; chasing the school’s all-time scoring mark), supported by captain Campbell Powell (CB; tone-setter), and the return of Lanie Short (GK; back from injury), which stabilizes the entire defense.
West Forsyth: After a 16-5-1 season, West Forsyth expects to stay in the upper tier by leaning into its competitiveness and experience. Reese Williams, Ella Fergus, Natalie Kerth, Allie Ramseur, and Leigha Curry, who were each all-region selections last spring.