Butler's Malina McElroy (1) possesses versatility that will help the Golden Tornado in their search for a WPIAL playoff spot. Ralph LoVuolo/Special to the Eagle

Returning top scorers, assist aces, defenders and goalkeepers adept at short-circuiting opposing attacks.

Butler County's girls soccer scene features them all as teams prepare for the 2026 PIAA season.

The following are 12 of the top players to watch this year, listed alphabetically:

Karns City's Phoebe Brandon (15) is adept at both scoring and setting up her teammates for goals. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

Brandon scored 20 goals and added 28 assists in 2025 to help KC win the District 9 title.

She has “unmatchable speed” according to Gremlins coach Tracy Dailey. Brandon was named All-Upper Allegheny Valley Soccer League and to the Butler Eagle's all-star team last year.

Mars' Jade Breese, left, returns as her team’s leading scorer from 2025. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle

Rob McGraw

She paced the Planets in goals scored as a sophomore with 15 and added 10 assists, earning all-section honors in the process.

Freeport's Alyssa Cooper (9) is a three-year starter on defense for the Yellowjackets. Ralph LoVuolo/Special to the Eagle

Yellowjackets coach Steve Kukic referred to Cooper as “tough, fast, skilled and composed.” She will combine with teammate Brinley Sullivan to form the strong core of Freeport's defense.

SV coach Mark Perry sees Grillo as the program's next Division I prospect. After a strong freshman season, she's back as part of a robust defense for the Raiders.

Freeport will rely on junior forward Elena Jenkins (8) for crucial goals this season. Ralph LoVuolo/Special to the Eagle

She scored 15 goals last year, including the game-winner against Burrell in the WPIAL championship game. She will move into Camryn Woods' position of center forward after the latter's season-ending ACL injury suffered in the offseason.

Butler's Lucia Leyland (40) will be counted on for her leadership and skill this season. Ralph LoVuolo/Butler Eagle

Was recognized with all-section and All-Big 56 Conference honors last year after sparking Butler's offense with four goals and 10 assists. Her strong dribbling skills allow her to work around defenders.

Frankie Liberati (10) is a do-everything junior for North Catholic. Ralph LoVuolo/Special to the Eagle

Liberati is able to play all over the field, even filled in at outside back during the WPIAL playoffs last year. She scored five goals and dished out seven assists as a sophomore.

She played every position last year except goalkeeper, and that versatility will once again have a ripple effect across the entire roster. McElroy had two goals and three assists as a junior.

Karns City's Bree O'Donnell (25) will combine with teammate Phoebe Brandon to give the Gremlins a lethal scoring duo. Butler Eagle file photo

She thrives in 1-on-1 matchups and, as KC's high forward, puts a lot of pressure on opposing defenses. O'Donnell tallied 21 goals and nine assists as a junior.

Seneca Valley goalie Sydney Postler is entering her third year as a starter. Eddie Clancy/Special to the Eagle

A University of Charleston (W.Va.) commit, Postler is entering her third year of starting in net for the Raiders. She was voted All-WPIAL in 2025 after posting 10 shutouts.

Mars goalie Ciara Spaun brings valuable varsity experience into the 2026 season. Eddie Clancy/Special to the Eagle

Spaun has been Mars' starter in net since taking over in the playoffs during her freshman year. She earned 12 shutouts last year.

An all-region selection in District 10 as a junior, she returns to lead the Rockets' offense after posting 14 goals and eight assists last year.