News Summary
Emma Valdes of AC Flora has been awarded both the Player of the Year and Reader’s Choice Player of the Year honors for the latest girls soccer season. With a remarkable season tally of 31 goals and 30 assists, Valdes played a critical role in leading the Falcons to their first state championship. The selections for the All-Area Girls Soccer Team included notable performers from across South Carolina, showcasing the heightened level of competition in high school girls’ soccer.
Columbia, SC – Emma Valdes of AC Flora has been named the Player of the Year and Reader’s Choice Player of the Year for the 2025 season, leading the state’s All-Area Girls Soccer Team following a stellar performance throughout the season. Valdes, a standout center-midfielder, closed the season with an impressive tally of 31 goals and 30 assists, playing a pivotal role in guiding the Falcons to their first state championship.
The selection of Valdes was complemented by a roster of first-team players that captured the highlights and talents from across the state’s competitive high school soccer landscape. Second in scoring was Victoria Coleman of Gray Collegiate, who earned recognition for her exceptional season that saw her net 32 goals along with 22 assists.
First Team Highlights
Joining Valdes on the first team are standout players such as:
- Anna Allen, River Bluff: A sophomore forward who scored 22 goals and assisted on 11.
- Kennedy Bagley, AC Flora: The sophomore goalkeeper boasted an impressive 0.319 goals against average and achieved 19 shutouts.
- Grace Benson, Chapin: A senior who recorded 9 goals and 10 assists, recognized as a Class 5A All-State selection.
- Mary Grace Gabriel, Ben Lippen: A sophomore forward known for her scoring prowess with 24 goals and 5 assists.
- Lila Bowers, Chapin: A junior midfielder contributing 20 goals and 17 assists, already committed to Winthrop University.
- Victoria Coleman, Gray Collegiate: In addition to her scoring success, she has been celebrated as a Class 4A All-State selection.
- Elle Brewer, Hammond: A senior honored as the SCISA 1-4A Player of the Year, also set to play for Winthrop.
- Madilyn Horning, Mid-Carolina: A senior standout scoring 32 goals with 5 assists.
- Sophie Hoffman, Gray Collegiate: A senior goalkeeper with a 0.718 goals against average and recognized as the MVP of the North-South All-Star game.
Additional Notables and Second Team Honorees
Other notable mention includes second-team players such as Brooks Brewer from Hammond and Caroline Cantrell from Gray Collegiate, among others who showcased their talents throughout the season. In total, 12 additional players made the second team, giving a wider look at talent spread across multiple schools.
Background Context
This year’s selections highlight the growing competitiveness in high school girls’ soccer across South Carolina. The All-Area Girls Soccer Team, which is comprised of players from both public and private schools, showcases top performers who have made significant impacts in their respective positions. Not only are these players being recognized for their immediate performance, but many have also committed to playing at the collegiate level, signifying a strong future for women in soccer.
The selection process utilized statistics gathered throughout the season, along with input from coaches and analysts, aiming to honor the talents and achievements observed on and off the field. Given the rigorous competition and outstanding athleticism displayed by South Carolina high school soccer players, this year’s All-Area selections serve as a testament to the skill and dedication these young athletes have brought to the game.
The 2025 season may be over, but the legacy of players like Emma Valdes continues to inspire upcoming athletes as they strive for excellence on the pitch.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Emma Melinauskas Named Athlete of the Week for Spring Sports
Chapin and AC Flora Girls Soccer Teams Reach State Championships
Additional Resources
- The State – High School Soccer News
- Wikipedia: Girls Soccer
- MLive – Girls Soccer District Titles
- Google Search: High School Girls Soccer
- Our Midland – Midland High Soccer Team
- Google Scholar: High School Soccer
- MRT – Adelina Hahn
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School Athletics
- MLive – Saginaw Area Girls High School Soccer
- Google News: High School Girls Soccer News
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