Topeka-area players to watch this spring
TOPEKA — Individual brilliance can be the difference in any soccer match, especially in high school.
The Topeka area is rich in girls soccer talent with many players hoping to play in the college ranks. Here are some of the top players to watch this season.
Zahra Friess, Cair Paravel
Cair Paravel’s junior striker will look to enjoy another successful season with the Lions. Last year, she was named to the Class 4A-1A All-State first team. Friess helped Cair Paravel notch a 16-2-1 record in 2023.
Katherine Keys, Cair Paravel
The senior will balance out Friess this season while the duo leads the attacking line for Cair Paravel. Keys was named the Class 4A-1A Forward of the Year last season for her success on the field.
Elaina Wolff, Hayden
The Johnson County Community College signee returns for the Wildcats. Wolff, a midfielder, helped Hayden finish in third place in last year’s Class 4A-1A State Championship. Hayden ended the year with a 12-6-2 record.
Makenna Schuler, Seaman
The senior midfielder will be an important piece in distributing the ball to the wings and forwards this season. Schuler’s passing ability and vision helped Seaman finish with a 14-2-2 record last year.
Marin Schuler, Seaman
The senior goalkeeper will provide leadership and experience between the sticks this season. Schuler has been a mainstay in goal for the Vikings since her freshman season.
Ariana Smith, Shawnee Heights
The senior defender will try to bring clean sheets for the Thunderbirds. Smith was named to the United Kansas Conference’s honorable mention list in 2023.
Avery Zimmerman, Topeka High
The senior was named to the AllCentennial League first-team last season. The Emporia State signee will command the midfield for the Trojans this season.
Destiny Higgs, Washburn Rural
The junior midfielder returns for the Junior Blues after last year’s eight goals and three assists. Higgs has received offers to play college soccer at
Washburn and Central Missouri.
Kate Hinck, Washburn Rural
The forward bagged 13 goals and netted seven assists last season. Hinck was named to the All-Class 6A honorable mention list as she helped Washburn Rural secure a 15-5-1 record and finish in third place in last year’s Class 6A state tournament.
The junior has already secured an offer from Washburn to play soccer at the next level.
Hayley Legg, Washburn Rural
The Truman State commit scored four goals and finished with five assists last season. Legg is the senior captain of a team that has reached the Class 6A final four in nine straight seasons.
Liam Keating covers high school sports for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at Lkeating@gannett.com.