Boston, August 28, 2025
News Summary
As the 2025 girls’ high school soccer season approaches, excitement builds with the release of the preseason Top 20 poll and a list of standout players to watch. The poll serves as an early indicator of contenders to challenge for sectional and state titles, highlighting both established talent and up-and-coming players across various schools. Coaches and fans will be eager to see how these dynamics unfold as teams begin their campaigns.
Boston — The 2025 girls’ high school soccer season is set to begin next week, with a preseason Top 20 poll and a comprehensive list of players to watch released ahead of opening matches. The poll and watch list highlight returning stars, college-bound seniors, and rising juniors expected to influence team fortunes across divisions.
Season snapshot and preseason poll
The preseason Top 20 poll has been published to set expectations for the coming season, identifying programs considered contenders and teams positioned to challenge for sectional and state honors. The poll is intended as a guide rather than a prediction, and rosters, injuries, and early-season form may change outcomes quickly as play begins.
Key players expected to impact the early season
Coaches and observers will be watching several standout players who combine significant scoring, playmaking, defensive leadership and college commitments. Highlights from the watch list include:
- Bella Bingham (Walpole): Recognized as last season’s Bay State Herget MVP and committed to Fairfield; expected to provide a pivotal scoring touch for the Timberwolves.
- Maggie Blosser (Masconomet): A junior forward who transitioned from center back; recorded 34 goals and 12 assists last season and is committed to Maryland.
- Emily Burnham (Wellesley): An attacking midfielder who scored in the Division 1 final and finished the season with 20 goals and 7 assists; committed to Penn.
- Elizabeth George (Medfield): An All-State selection and Dartmouth-bound senior; posted 10 goals and 14 assists last season.
- Allie Lanciani (North Reading): Senior headed to Babson with 24 goals and 15 assists last season; known for positional versatility.
- Ruby Mathis (Acton-Boxborough): Senior defender committed to Northeastern; serves as a key defensive anchor.
- Emmy O’Donnell (Concord-Carlisle): Junior committed to Duke, trained with the USA U-17 program and was voted the third-best player in the Dual County League last season.
- Lydia and Nicole Proia (Natick): Senior twins both committed to Seton Hall; identified as crucial elements of Natick’s attacking structure.
- Lauren Sutliffe (Duxbury): Senior forward who posted 14 goals and 14 assists as a junior and intends to finish her high school career strongly prior to enrolling at Northeastern.
- Kelsey Tuttle (Norwell): Junior midfielder committed to Louisville; regarded as the engine of her team’s midfield.
Additional players to monitor
Beyond the top-tier watch list, several other underclassmen and seniors are noted for potential breakout seasons and meaningful contributions to their teams:
- Isla Anderson (Scituate, Jr.)
- Taylor Bello (Hingham, Jr.)
- Caroline Bothfeld (Nauset, Jr.)
- Aly Fernandes (Mansfield, Sr.)
- Makenna Foley (Plymouth North, Sr.)
- Addison Hansbury (Bishop Feehan, Jr.)
- Madeline Hargraves (Durfee, Sr.)
- Jacqueline Manning (North Quincy, Sr.)
- Sophie McElligott (Melrose, Sr.)
How these players shape team outlooks
Teams returning high-impact scorers and playmakers are generally viewed as more likely to contend for sectional and state titles, while programs that lose key seniors often rely on tactical adjustments and younger players stepping into expanded roles. Several squads on the watch list combine experienced leaders with college-bound talent, which can provide both immediate quality and heightened expectations.
Notable trends and context
College commitments are a prominent feature of the preseason landscape, with multiple players already committed to Division I and Division III programs. These commitments reflect both individual development and program strength at the high school level. Position shifts, such as defenders moving into attacking roles, and players with national team training experience are additional variables that could impact early-season results.
What to expect in the opening weeks
Early matches will test preseason assessments. Teams with depth and experience may move quickly to the top of the rankings, while under-the-radar squads could challenge expectations. Monitoring injuries, lineup changes and results from the first two weeks will provide clearer indications of which teams are primed for deep postseason runs.
FAQ
When does the 2025 girls’ soccer season start?
The season begins next week, with schedules varying by school and division. Local athletic departments and school calendars will list exact kickoff dates.
What is included in the preseason Top 20 poll?
The poll ranks the top 20 programs entering the season to provide a snapshot of contenders based on returning personnel, last season’s performance and perceived strength. The poll is a guide and not a definitive predictor of final outcomes.
Who are the most notable players to watch?
Key players mentioned include Bella Bingham, Maggie Blosser, Emily Burnham, Elizabeth George, Allie Lanciani, Ruby Mathis, Emmy O’Donnell, the Proia twins, Lauren Sutliffe, and Kelsey Tuttle, plus several other underclassmen and seniors poised to make an impact.
How do college commitments affect the high school season?
College commitments often indicate a player’s advanced skill level and can raise expectations for both the individual and their high school program. However, team success still depends on overall roster depth and coaching strategies.
Quick reference: Players to watch
| Player | School | Class | Position/Role | College Commitment | Last Season Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bella Bingham | Walpole | Sr. | Forward / Scorer | Fairfield | Bay State Herget MVP; pivotal scoring touch |
| Maggie Blosser | Masconomet | Jr. | Forward (former center back) | Maryland | 34 goals, 12 assists |
| Emily Burnham | Wellesley | Sr. | Attacking midfielder | Penn | 20 goals, 7 assists; scored in Division 1 final |
| Elizabeth George | Medfield | Sr. | Midfielder / Playmaker | Dartmouth | 10 goals, 14 assists; All-State |
| Allie Lanciani | North Reading | Sr. | Versatile attacker | Babson | 24 goals, 15 assists |
| Ruby Mathis | Acton-Boxborough | Sr. | Defender | Northeastern | Key defensive anchor |
| Emmy O’Donnell | Concord-Carlisle | Jr. | Midfielder/Attacker | Duke | Trained with USA U-17; top DCL performer |
| Lydia & Nicole Proia | Natick | Sr. | Attackers | Seton Hall | Twin attackers central to team offense |
| Lauren Sutliffe | Duxbury | Sr. | Forward | Northeastern | 14 goals, 14 assists |
| Kelsey Tuttle | Norwell | Jr. | Midfielder | Louisville | Team midfield engine |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: MA Girls Soccer Players to Watch
- Wikipedia: Girls’ Soccer
- UMass Athletics: Massachusetts Women’s Soccer Edges Out Harvard 2-1
- Google Search: Women’s Soccer Trends
- Boston Globe: MA Girls Soccer Division 1 Colleges
- Google Scholar: High School Girls Soccer
- Go Crimson: Women’s Soccer Set to Open 2025 Season at Massachusetts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Soccer
- Daily Collegian: Women’s Soccer Hangs On to Beat Harvard 2-1
- Google News: Massachusetts Girls Soccer
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