Here are some of the top Kansas high school boys soccer, cross country, girls golf, and volleyball players to look out for this fall.
Owen Hughes (Bishop Miege)
A returning captain, Hughes is expected to lead Bishop Miege after establishing himself as one of the program’s top all-around players. He can excel anywhere on the field and is drawing Division I recruiting interest from across the country.
Andrew Eldridge (Bishop Miege)
Fresh off being named the Eastern Kansas League Goalkeeper of the Year, Eldridge enters the season poised for another standout campaign in goal. The returning junior is expected to continue his soccer career at the college level in fall 2027.
Tristan Coates (Blue Valley West)
After spending his first three varsity seasons playing out of his usual position, Coates will return to center back this season. A junior captain and honorable mention all-league selection last year, he brings strong technical ability and an exceptional feel for reading the game.
Drew Bragg (Bonner Springs)
As a sophomore midfielder, Bragg controls the tempo and reads the field at an elite level. His ability to see the game and direct play makes him an important piece for Bonner Springs.
Jaydon Adcock (Buhler)
Entering his fourth year as a starter, Adcock has been a key contributor since helping Buhler win a regional championship as a freshman. A two-time first-team all-league selection and honorable mention all-state honoree, he combines a high soccer IQ with strong character.
Judah Congdon (Cair Paravel Latin School)
After leading all Kansas players in Classes 1A-4A with 24 assists last season, Congdon also added 14 goals. The first-team all-state selection and senior captain brings extensive club experience with TISC Wolverines.
Aaron Foley (Campus)
Versatility makes Foley one of Campus’ most valuable returning players, as he can contribute at defender, midfielder or on the wing. A four-year varsity player and one of three returning starters, he pairs excellent one-on-one defending with distribution skill, offensive potential and a selfless work ethic.
Lawrence Chaney (Chanute)
As a returning senior captain, Chaney has led Chanute in scoring in each of the past two seasons. He is the program’s career points leader and needs just three goals to break its all-time scoring record.
Braylin File (Emporia)
Consistency, maturity and commitment have earned File the starting goalkeeper role for Emporia despite entering his junior season. He organizes the back line with confidence, communicates effectively and sets a high standard through his work ethic in training and competition.
Kristopher Lee (Manhattan)
Returning midway through last season, Lee helped change Manhattan’s trajectory as the team posted three wins and one tie after his return. His vision, composure and soccer IQ provide stability and creativity in the midfield while elevating the players around him.
Ben Pronske (Olathe East)
A four-year varsity player and member of Olathe East’s 2023 state championship team, Pronske brings proven production and experience. He led the team with 12 goals last season while earning first-team all-state and first-team All-Sunflower League honors.
Cruz Guzman (Paola)
Since becoming a consistent starter as a freshman, Guzman has been one of Paola’s top players for three seasons. The three-time all-league selection and all-state honorable mention recorded three goals and three assists last year.
Brady Liebl (Rose Hill)
Already committed to Creighton, Liebl enters the season after producing 24 goals and 25 assists in 2025. A first-team all-state and United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Regional selection, he brings an intense approach, high soccer IQ and tireless work rate as Rose Hill’s captain.
Adrain Lara Castro (Salina South)
A two-time team player of the year and three-time all-league selection, Lara Castro is coming off a first-team all-state season. He drives Salina South’s midfield and attacking play, while his recent UPSL experience with CKU adds to his résumé.
Titus Varnado (St. Mary’s Academy)
An all-around presence, Varnado can play throughout the midfield or farther forward. He led St. Mary’s Academy in assists last season and consistently impacts the game on the defensive end with his range and effort.
Carlos Martinez (Topeka)
Entering his fourth season as a starter, Martinez will serve as a major catalyst for Topeka’s attack. His work ethic in games and practice sets a strong example for the program.
Jonathan Flores (Wichita East)
After totaling 15 goals and 13 assists last season, Flores returns following a second-team all-state campaign. He combines high-level production with a humble approach and a commitment to helping those around him improve.
Jose Anima (Wichita North)
Creativity and relentless off-ball work make Anima a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. His ability to beat defenders one-on-one creates scoring opportunities, while his vocal leadership inspires teammates through his work ethic.
Noah Lacio (Wichita Southeast)
Operating as Wichita Southeast’s creative center midfielder, Lacio earned first-team All-City recognition last season. He also led the City League with 19 assists, demonstrating his ability to create opportunities for teammates.
CROSS COUNTRY
Ayvah Banda (Andale)
Coming off a strong freshman season, Banda enters her sophomore year with an enthusiasm for competition and a commitment to giving her best effort. She is expected to become a key leader for Andale’s girls team.
Sam Pavelski (Andale)
A senior who has been running since his freshman year, Pavelski understands the value of hard work. He put together a productive summer of training while also working long hours in manual labor.
Elyn Washburn (Caney Valley)
A two-time state qualifier, Washburn has been Caney Valley’s top runner for the past two seasons and a major part of the program’s league championships. She owns spots on the school track record board in three events and is just 11 seconds shy of the school’s 5K cross country record.
Braydon Messner (Caney Valley)
After a strong junior season in cross country and track, Messner enters his senior year focused on building upon his success. He posted times of 4:36 in the 1,600 meters and 2:01 in the 800 last spring while continuing to bring a team-first mindset to the program.
Kyson Henley (Central of Burden)
For several years, Henley has been one of Central of Burden’s most dependable runners. The senior will look to finish his high school career on a strong note.
Laney Hillmon (Chanute)
Following a breakout 2025 campaign, Hillmon enters her senior season as the reigning SEK individual champion. She also qualified for state with a top-10 regional finish and is working toward another league title and a state medal.
Tucker Applegate (Chanute)
A two-time SEK individual champion, Applegate is also a three-time state qualifier and the 2025 regional champion. After earning an eighth-place medal at state last season, the senior is motivated to finish his career with his best season yet.
Stratton Young (Cheney)
As the top returning state finisher in Class 3A, Young brings proven ability into the season. He is also recognized as a hard worker, well-rounded student and active member of FFA.
Alex Kirk (Circle)
A strong freshman track season put Kirk on the radar after he placed eighth in the Class 4A 1,600 meters and seventh in the 3,200 meters at state. The sophomore trains at a high level and is driven to continue improving.
Hunter Jankoski (Fredonia)
With three years of experience, Jankoski brings leadership and dedication into his senior season. He is focused on making the most of his summer training and closing his career on a high note.
Emily Karlin (Gardner Edgerton)
A breakout freshman season established Karlin as an important piece for Gardner Edgerton. She has the potential to make a major impact for the team this fall.
Josh Booton (Gardner Edgerton)
After a breakout junior track season, Booton enters the fall as Gardner Edgerton’s projected No. 1 runner. He posted times of 1:59, 4:35 and 10:20 on the track and is aiming to run in the low 16-minute range in cross country.
Eli Gaeddart (Goessel)
Fresh off a 2025 state cross country championship, Gaeddart also won state titles in the 1,600 and 3,200 meters during track season. He carries a 4.0 grade-point average and is known for being a considerate, motivated teammate.
Briley Allmon (Halstead)
Expected to lead Halstead as its No. 1 runner, Allmon is looking to return to the state meet during her senior season. She previously qualified as a sophomore and will look to navigate a challenging regional field this fall.
Jonathan Haspels (Halstead)
After serving as Halstead’s top runner throughout last season, Haspels enters his junior campaign with an opportunity to rebound. He has the experience to provide steady leadership for the Dragons.
Nick Newkirk (Hayden Catholic)
A nearly one-minute personal-best improvement last season helped Newkirk become a state qualifier. Entering his junior year, he remains focused on improving from one race to the next.
Reese Quinn (Hesston)
A proven state-level performer, Quinn placed fifth at the state cross country meet as a sophomore and third as a junior. She also enjoyed a strong track season with state finishes of third in the 3,200, second in the 1,600 and second in the 4×800 relay.
Riley Richert (Hillsboro)
Having competed in cross country since seventh grade, Richert has consistently challenged herself to improve. Her work ethic encourages others to join her efforts and helps elevate the entire team.
Sam Madden (Hutchinson Trinity Catholic)
Returning as a 2025 state individual qualifier, Madden is the lone top-seven runner back from Hutchinson Trinity Catholic’s Class 2A state championship team. He brings valuable championship experience to the program.
Jack Sauer (Kapaun Mt. Carmel)
After earning all-state recognition in a difficult Class 5A field last season, Sauer returns as one of the division’s top runners. He also placed sixth in a loaded 1,600-meter field during track season and is ready to lead Kapaun Mt. Carmel’s pack.
Rylee Smith (Kingman)
Consistency has defined Smith’s first two seasons with Kingman. She has regularly run in the mid-23-minute range and is working toward lowering her time enough to contend for a first state appearance.
Grayson Andersen (Kingman)
After leading Kingman as a freshman, Andersen returns with a personal-best time of 20:03. The program is looking for him to take another step forward and become its clear leader this season.
Baylee Frost (Maize)
As Maize’s top runner, Frost has earned first-team all-league and all-regional honors in each of the past two seasons. She also placed 24th at the Class 6A state meet while excelling academically and serving in band leadership.
Isaac Steele (Maize)
A 13th-place finisher at the Class 6A state meet as a sophomore, Steele ran 16:27 in cross country and produced track times of 2:00, 4:33 and 9:46. He brings maturity, consistency and strong character into his junior season as one of Maize’s team captains.
Jordy Padgett (Meade)
Dedicated to the craft of distance running, Padgett has made significant progress over the past two seasons. That growth showed last fall when he finished 14th at the state meet.
Oliver White (Minneapolis)
A leader throughout his high school career, White pairs a competitive attitude with a strong work ethic in athletics and the classroom. He has qualified individually for state in both cross country and track and is helping guide Minneapolis’ younger runners.
Kaden Esposito (Oswego)
Despite injuries limiting portions of his high school career, Esposito remains a runner with considerable potential. With those setbacks under control, he is aiming for a breakout season.
Ella Gruenbacher (Quinter)
One of Quinter’s hardest workers, Gruenbacher also sets the tone as a supportive and encouraging teammate. A strong student and former KSHSAA True Blue Athlete of the Week recipient, she is preparing for an ambitious senior campaign.
Carter Pennington (Quinter)
A top-10 medalist at the Class 1A state cross country meet last fall, Pennington has invested substantial time and mileage into becoming a top competitor. He also qualified for state track in the mile and two-mile races and is ready to lead Quinter as a junior.
Kaylie Shultz (Salina Central)
After posting the fastest time in Kansas and setting Salina Central’s school record at 16:35 last season, Shultz won league, regional and Class 5A state titles. The Bob Timmons Award winner is committed to Florida State and continues to set a positive example for the program’s younger runners.
Luke Affholder (Salina Central)
A longtime member of the Salina Central program, Affholder has continued to make steady progress with his times. He enters his final season with an opportunity to build on that development.
KJ Roberts (Santa Fe Trail)
A two-time state qualifier as a freshman and sophomore, Roberts placed 10th at regionals and second at the league meet last season. Coming off a strong track campaign, he is aiming to return faster and make an even greater impact this fall.
Edgar Najera (Satanta)
A multi-sport athlete and leader, Najera competed in cross country, football, basketball, track and golf last year while maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average. He broke through in both cross country and track, qualifying for state in each sport and setting the Satanta school cross country record.
Abigail Lewis (Shawnee Heights)
Entering her senior season, Lewis has played an instrumental role in helping increase interest in the Shawnee Heights program. Her presence has helped support the team’s growth.
Andrew Schulte (Shawnee Heights)
A senior leader, Schulte has provided consistent guidance throughout the summer. His example will be important as Shawnee Heights moves into the season.
Hudson Locke (Southeast)
Resilience has defined Locke’s journey after he battled back from heat stroke issues that interrupted his sophomore season. He regained his form during his junior year, won a league title in the 800 meters and helped the 4×800 relay qualify for state.
Codie Huehl (Sylvan-Lucas Unified)
A three-time state participant, Huehl placed sixth at state last season and consistently delivers at meets. She also pushes teammates in daily practices with a relentless work ethic and desire to improve.
Caleb Dlabal (Sylvan-Lucas Unified)
A positive attitude and consistent effort make Dlabal a valuable leader for Sylvan-Lucas Unified. The junior helps younger runners improve while earning respect throughout the school for his work ethic and involvement.
Nathaniel Almack (Wichita South)
A vocal leader for Wichita South, Almack embraces the daily work of training and encourages teammates to focus on long-term growth. He studies courses, evaluates his races and looks for technical improvements that can help him progress throughout the season.
GIRLS GOLF
Kinsley Montgomery (Bishop Carroll)
A gifted athlete and natural leader, Montgomery has put in significant work through winter and summer tournament competition against some of the nation’s top golfers. She has developed strong self-correction and course-management skills while setting a high standard through her discipline and commitment.
Alexis Ross (Bishop Carroll)
Coming off a state-medal season, Ross also earned GWAL all-league recognition and recorded six top-10 finishes as a junior. Her consistency, dedication outside of practice and ability to make smart on-course decisions make her a dependable senior leader.
Anika Paulsrud (Buhler)
After finishing as the 12th medalist at the Class 4A state tournament last season, Paulsrud returns with the potential to contend even higher. She was also a top-20 state medalist as a freshman.
Marlee Williams (Campus)
A two-year varsity golfer, Williams has made tremendous progress in her game. She will look to continue that development and qualify for the Class 6A state tournament this season.
Makena Hampton (Clearwater)
A varsity golfer since her freshman season, Hampton has a natural feel for the game that is aided by her softball background. She qualified for the Class 4A state tournament as a freshman and sophomore and is seeking another trip to state in her senior year.
Natalie Cure (Goodland)
Over the past three years, Cure has developed into a strong golfer with two state medals to her name. She finished seventh at state as a sophomore and 14th last season, positioning her to lead Goodland this year.
Brooklyn Holloway (Iola)
As Iola’s only senior and one of the program’s founding members, Holloway brings leadership and experience to the team. A three-sport athlete in golf, basketball and softball, she is looking to build on last season’s success and make a push toward the state tournament.
Scarlett Carr (Liberal)
A returning Class 6A state tournament qualifier, Carr enters her junior season as Liberal’s team captain. She is working toward consistently shooting in the 90s and potentially breaking into the upper 80s while leading the Lady Redskins.
Brynn Schoef (Thomas More Prep)
After placing eighth at state and winning numerous tournaments, Schoef enters her junior year hungry to continue improving. She has been a leader for Thomas More Prep’s girls golf program while also excelling in basketball and softball.
Chloe Schmidtlein (Topeka Seaman)
Since beginning competitive golf as a seventh grader, Schmidtlein has steadily made strides in her game. She earned the 20th-place medal at the Class 5A state tournament last season and has competed on Seaman’s state tournament team in all three high school seasons.
Kaselynn Carroll (Wellington)
Returning after playing a significant role on Wellington’s Class 4A state runner-up team, Carroll brings valuable varsity experience into her sophomore season. She medaled in several tournaments last year and will be counted on to help lead a younger roster.
Georgia Gulick (Wellington)
A key contributor to Wellington’s second-place Class 4A finish last season, Gulick returns with meaningful varsity experience as a sophomore. She medaled in numerous tournaments and will be looked upon to provide leadership following the graduation of four seniors.
Alina Lam (Wichita Southeast)
After finishing fourth individually at state last season, Lam returns as one of Kansas’ top golfers. She will look to build on that standout performance and again contend among the state’s best.
VOLLEYBALL
Emmy Kaberline (Andover Central)
A two-time all-league outside hitter, Kaberline set Andover Central’s single-season kills record with 336 as a sophomore. The AVCA Phenom, first-team all-league and first-team All-Metro selection is approaching 1,000 career kills and will be counted on for leadership and expanded back-row contributions.
Olivia Lewis (Andover Central)
Entering her second season as Andover Central’s starting setter, Lewis returns after compiling a program-record 850 assists last fall. A first-team all-league, second-team All-Metro and first-team academic all-state selection, she is nearing 1,000 career assists and will direct the Jaguars’ offense.
Rorey Waldren (Buhler)
A true utility player, Waldren returns as an all-league first-team selection in AVCTL Division III. She set the school record for digs in a season while leading Buhler in both assists and digs.
Landry Voth (Cheney)
Voth is a player to watch for Cheney this season. She will look to make an impact for the Cardinals throughout the year.
Cate Rogers (Circle)
A two-year starting setter, Rogers ran Circle’s 5-1 offense effectively as a junior and earned second-team all-league honors. Her experience and steady leadership will be important for the Thunderbirds this season.
Raimee Lipker (Clay Center)
A two-time first-team all-state selection, Lipker enters her senior season with more than 1,000 career kills and 1,000 career digs. The 5-foot-11 outside hitter has established herself as one of Clay Center’s most accomplished players.
Lily Edwards (Clay Center)
After earning first-team all-state honors as a junior and second-team recognition as a sophomore, Edwards returns with a proven résumé. The 5-foot-10 senior outside hitter has surpassed 1,000 career kills and 1,000 career digs.
Lairen Pauly (Conway Springs)
A six-rotation pin hitter, Pauly led Conway Springs in aces, kills and blocks during her junior season. The KVA all-academic first-team selection combines court awareness, volleyball knowledge and poise in pressure situations as she enters her senior year.
Emilee George (Eisenhower)
As a six-rotation setter, George will lead Eisenhower’s offense while also providing a strong blocking presence at the net. Her ability to contribute in every rotation will make her a key player for the Tigers.
Kinly Place (Ellsworth)
A two-year starting setter, Place brings confidence, experience and strong court awareness into her junior season. She runs Ellsworth’s offense, makes quick decisions under pressure and consistently puts teammates in position to succeed.
Lila Michael (Erie)
After transferring from St. Paul last season, Michael stepped into a middle-hitter role and earned first-team Three Rivers League recognition. With a full year in the Erie program, she is positioned to build on that success.
Delaney Duerksen (Goessel)
A six-rotation player, Duerksen is steady in both the front and back rows for Goessel. The junior leads with a selfless approach, strong drive and an energy that carries over to her teammates.
AJ Reiff (Hesston)
Returning as a first-team all-league setter, Reiff provides an experienced presence for Hesston. Entering her junior season, she will be an important part of the Swathers’ offense.
Jacy Proctor (Hesston)
A returning second-team all-league middle blocker, Proctor brings valuable experience into her junior season. She will be expected to provide a strong presence at the net for Hesston.
Kylie Warden (Hesston)
After earning all-league honorable mention recognition, Warden returns as a senior outside hitter for Hesston. Her experience will be a valuable asset for the Swathers this season.
Chloee Dinkel (Hill City)
A junior middle hitter, Dinkel has helped elevate Hill City’s on-court communication and energy. She is among the team’s statistical leaders and provides leadership through her work ethic and commitment.
Sabri Rohr (Hill City)
As a sophomore middle hitter, Rohr is already contributing among Hill City’s statistical leaders. Her energy, work ethic and ability to push teammates make her an important part of the program’s future.
Delilah Galliart (Holcomb)
After recording 625 digs last season, Galliart enters her junior year with 1,058 career digs. The standout libero posted a 2.13 serve-receive rating and 31 aces in 2025 while establishing herself as an elite defensive presence.
Gretchen Bott (Linn)
A three-time first-team Twin Valley League selection, Bott was named the Class 1A Division II Player of the Year in 2025. The senior setter/right-side hitter combines all-around ability with a strong work ethic and competitive leadership.
Rylie Whitfield (McPherson)
A three-sport athlete committed to play softball at Southeast Missouri State, Whitfield runs McPherson’s 5-1 offense as its setter. Her competitiveness and athletic versatility make her a vital player for the Bullpups.
Carmin Pavlovich (McPherson)
A highly competitive two-sport athlete, Pavlovich is set to continue her softball career at the college level. She is McPherson’s top receiver and has the versatility to contribute as either a hitter or libero.
Emery Shinliver (Medicine Lodge)
A senior libero, Shinliver surpassed 1,000 career digs as a junior and remained among the top 10 Class 2A players in digs last season. Her speed, competitiveness and defensive leadership make her the anchor of Medicine Lodge’s back row.
Emmy Gerdes (Medicine Lodge)
After surpassing 1,000 career assists as a junior, Gerdes enters her senior season as one of Class 2A’s top setters. She ranked among the top 10 in assists and aces last year while creating offense and posing a threat in the front row.
Macie Corcoran (Perry-Lecompton)
A four-year varsity starter, Corcoran has contributed at both middle and outside hitter for Perry-Lecompton. The six-rotation player is on track to reach 1,000 career kills early in the season and brings strong leadership to the court.
Kayleigh Vogl (Pretty Prairie)
Returning as Pretty Prairie’s leading hitter, Vogl has the potential to be one of Class 1A’s most dominant players. The senior sets the tone with her work ethic, commitment and competitive drive.
Jaelyn Spangler (Ransom/Western Plains)
A two-time first-team all-league selection, Spangler also received KVA all-state honorable mention recognition last season. The senior outside hitter could take on an expanded role for Ransom/Western Plains this fall.
Chloe Mock (Rose Hill)
A returning six-rotation player, Mock led Rose Hill in assists and ranked second on the team in kills last season. Her strong setting ability will help drive the Rockets’ offense.
Emme McNaul (Rose Hill)
Entering her senior season as Rose Hill’s returning libero, McNaul led the team in serve reception and digs last year. Her strong back-row presence will be essential to the Rockets’ defensive effort and offensive transition.
Nora Burdiek (Rossville)
Driven and determined, Burdiek consistently brings a strong work ethic and a desire to improve herself and her teammates. The senior has the ability to make crucial plays and is poised for an impactful final season.
Delaney Harris (Salina South)
After playing six rotations as a sophomore, Harris returns prepared to fill a key role for Salina South. Her offseason work has helped her become a more well-rounded player capable of contributing wherever needed.
Quincy Cook (Santa Fe Trail)
A powerhouse at the net, Cook is one of Santa Fe Trail’s strongest blockers and a dependable all-around player. The senior also contributes in serve receive and defense while leading through her dedication and relentless effort.
Kamryn Carlson (Seaman)
An incoming freshman outside hitter standing 6 feet tall, Carlson is expected to play all the way around for Seaman. Her size and versatility give her the potential to make an immediate impact.
Lauren McGinn (Sedgwick)
A dynamic middle blocker with an impressive vertical, McGinn can attack from multiple areas of the court. Her passing ability may give her an opportunity to play all six rotations while stepping into a larger leadership role.
Zoey Nixon (Smith Center)
A senior middle hitter who has played varsity since her sophomore season, Nixon has put in considerable work in the weight room. Her leadership and motivation will be important as Smith Center pursues a successful season.
Leah McKelvey (Smith Center)
Returning as a senior middle hitter, McKelvey has been a varsity contributor since her sophomore year. Her work in the weight room and leadership will help set the standard for Smith Center.
Lily Pancost (Sylvan-Lucas Unified)
A selfless, high-energy competitor, Pancost does whatever is necessary to help Sylvan-Lucas Unified succeed. The returning all-league selection has started at setter since her freshman year while also serving as one of the team’s top attackers.
Raegan McDonald (Valley Center)
A six-rotation player, McDonald led Valley Center in multiple categories last season with 319 kills, 252 digs and 31 aces. The second-team AVCTL Division II selection brings a 1.97 serve-receive rating, a strong work ethic and poise in difficult situations.
Johanna Fountain (Wichita Northwest)
A dynamic middle blocker, Fountain emerged as a force at the net during her sophomore season after spending her freshman year developing on junior varsity. Her blocking presence, powerful attacks and athleticism give her significant potential as she continues to grow.
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