Class 1A/3A All-State girls soccer team ruled by young standout performers

The future of small-school girls soccer in Alabama is exceptionally bright, as evidenced by the youth movement dominating the latest AHSAA Class 1A/3A All-State team. Coaches from across the state have recognized a wave of rising talent, with underclassmen accounting for nearly half of the spots on the first team.

Youth Takes Center Stage

The talent pool in Class 1A/3A is leaning heavily on the younger ranks. Of the 24 players selected for the first team, 11 are underclassmen, including one eighth grader, two freshmen, and eight sophomores. This trend continues on the second team, which features three eighth graders, two freshmen, and four sophomores.

While young standouts are making their mark, the veteran programs continue to exert their influence. State champion Lee-Scott Academy secured a selection on both the first and second teams, while runner-up Whitesburg Christian earned two first-team nods and one on the second team. For a look at the full list of honorees, including those who earned honorable mention, click here to see the full honorable mention list.

Donoho, fresh off a playoff semifinal run, led the way with an impressive four first-team selections and two second-team picks. Additionally, both Bayshore Christian and Madison Academy placed three athletes on the first team.

2026 Class 1A/3A All-State Teams

First Team

Forwards: Jessica Gonzalez (Senior, Clements), Sara Jane Wheeler (Sophomore, Bayshore Christian), Kylie Lane (Sophomore, Whitesburg Christian), Catherine Bell (Sophomore, Mobile Christian), Celeste Vargas (Eighth, Collinsville), Kinlee Montgomery (Junior, Glencoe), Brooke Vandiber (Freshman, Donoho)

Midfielders: Melanie Cantor (Senior, Collinsville), Payson Thomas (Freshman, Madison Academy), Erica Gonzalez (Senior, Clements), Isabella Romero (Junior, Donoho), Madelyn Bell (Sophomore, Mobile Christian), Adley Howell (Sophomore, Bayshore Christian), Chloe Melton (Junior, Donoho), Ava Cook (Junior, Madison Academy)

Defenders: Finley Amos (Senior, Whitesburg Christian), Julianne King (Senior, Lee-Scott Academy), Gracie Kane McTaggart (Sophomore, Bayshore Christian), Emily Salazar (Senior, Collinsville), Emma Olsen (Sophomore, Madison Academy), Andrea Hernandez (Senior, Collinsville)

Goalkeepers: Shannon Alvord (Junior, Northside Methodist Academy), Anna Harrison McGehee (Sophomore, Donoho), Aliyah Sanchez (Sophomore, Tanner)

Second Team

Forwards: Amelia Hamiter (Sophomore, Tuscaloosa Academy), Sydney Freeman (Senior, Northside Methodist Academy), Amelie Spillman (Sophomore, Lee-Scott Academy), Maggie Boyd (Junior, Madison Academy), Amber Tindle (Freshman, Mobile Christian), Sarah Tidwell (Junior, Holy Spirit), Sydney Warren (Senior, Northside Methodist Academy)

Midfielders: Abby Rose Smith (Eighth, Whitesburg Christian), Callie Cook (Eighth, Glencoe), Lauren Wigley (Sophomore, Donoho), Arylynn Heranndez (Eighth, Collinsville), Bea Anderson (Senior, G.W. Long)

Defenders: Peyton Grey (Junior, Glencoe), Kennadie Boatman (Junior, Mobile Christian), Mary Claire Morgan (Senior, Northside Methodist Academy), Ciel Coma (Junior, Holy Spirit), Kaitlyn Culverhouse (Junior, G.W. Long), Melany Morales (Freshman, Clements), Morgan Perry (Senior, Donoho)

Goalkeepers: Eden Autry (Sophomore, Madison Academy), Maggie Renshaw (Senior, Houston Academy)