By OkayGoal 
The Girls Academy Summer Playoffs & Showcase wasn’t simply another youth soccer tournament. It was six days of elite competition, ambition, and opportunity, bringing together some of the country’s top girls’ soccer players, coaches, clubs, and college recruiters at SilverLakes Sports Complex in Norco, California. With playoff matches, showcase games, and National Championship races unfolding across multiple age groups from U-13 to U-19, the atmosphere was electric from the first whistle to the final kick.
The games brought together an incredible 123 clubs, 426 teams, and more than 8,000 players, creating one of the most competitive events of the season. Division I program attendance surged 19%, with nearly two-thirds of the coaches on site representing Division I programs. This level of collegiate scouting gave athletes exceptional exposure, opening doors to future opportunities while highlighting their talent on the biggest stages.
Girls Soccer Network was on the ground for two full days, immersing ourselves in the action. Founder and CEO Jennifer Gruskoff was joined by lead sportswriter and Give N’ Go podcast host Rohtas Wadera, content creator Bridget Takeda, and our production crew as we documented the stories that make the girls’ game so special. Between matches, we interviewed coaches, players, technical directors, and league leaders, recording more than 10 in-depth conversations that will be shared across Girls Soccer Network over the coming weeks.
While the level of soccer on the field was exceptional, it was the atmosphere surrounding the event that made it truly unforgettable. Everywhere you looked there was energy. Families lined the sidelines, teammates cheered one another on, college coaches evaluated talent, and players explored the bustling Players Village. The always packed soccer.com store became a destination between matches, buzzing with players and families throughout the weekend. The entire event felt less like a tournament and more like a celebration of how far the girls’ game has come and where it is headed.
One of the biggest takeaways for our team was the incredible sense of community. From conversations with coaches developing the next generation of players to young athletes chasing their dreams on the field, the Girls Academy once again demonstrated why it remains one of the premier development platforms in the country. Every interview reinforced the same message: the future of girls’ soccer is incredibly bright.
Stay tuned to Girls Soccer Network as we roll out our exclusive interviews, behind the scenes moments, and conversations from one of the biggest events on the youth soccer calendar. If our time in Norco was any indication, the next generation of the women’s game is already here.
The Players
Asia Jones
Jones is a standout player on the GA Advisory Panel, representing the Mid-Atlantic North Conference. The Advisory Panel is a player-led group made up of representatives from each club in the league. It gives players a way to collaborate, exercise leadership, and create positive change within the league. Jones is a fantastic striker for Pennsylvania Classics’ 2009 Girls Academy League team and has proven herself to be an impactful leader both on and off the field.
Cadence Buto
Buto is a student-athlete and phenomenal goalkeeper from West Grove, Pennsylvania, who attends Avon Grove High School. She has committed to continue her academic and athletic career by playing Division II soccer at Bloomsburg University. Buto has previously trained with the Eastern Pennsylvania Olympic Development Program (ODP) and has been a member of the GA Advisory Panel, a recognition of her leadership skills and talent on the field. Along with her success in soccer, Buto has balanced her schedule with rigorous academic pursuits, particularly in STEM subjects.
Gabriella Hollins
Hollins is an impactful 2011 midfielder who plays for the STA GA team and her varsity soccer team at Westfield High School. She was previously selected for the U.S. U15 Girls’ Youth National Team and its domestic training camp. Hollins has demonstrated the passion and determination needed to put in the work and reach the next level.
Gwyneth Provost
Provost is an amazing goalkeeper for Indy Premier United GA. She is regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the league and has attended the USYWNT U-15 Camp and the USYWNT U-14 National ID Camp. In addition to being an important part of her high school soccer team, she also plays basketball.
Sydney Eaton
Eaton plays for TopHat’s Girls Academy team as both defender and midfielder, showing the skill diversity she has to be a key player for her team. She was selected for the 2025 GA National Talent ID program and was part of the team that won the GA National Championship. Additionally, Eaton has been called into a USYWNT U-15 National Camp and was invited to Gotham FC’s 2026 Winter Talent ID Showcase.
Commissioners, Directors and Coaches
Caitlin Young
Young is the director of Utah Celtic, a top club in the Girls Academy, and the Girls Academy Female Director of the Year. She grew up playing for Utah Celtic during her most formative years of development, from ages 8 to 18. Young has said that she loved being a part of the club that shaped her youth. Her accomplishments include holding a U.S. Soccer license and being involved in several major soccer organizations, including U.S. Soccer as an educator and FIFA as a technical expert supporting development on a global level.
Patricia Hughes
Hughes is a commissioner for the Girls Academy League. She has a background in collegiate, developmental, and American youth soccer. As a commissioner for the GA since 2023, Hughes has helped foster an environment that encourages girls to excel on the field and grow into elite players.
Megan Frey
Frey is the GA Sporting Director and has more than 20 years of coaching and director experience in youth soccer. Before becoming Sporting Director, Frey served as the Executive Director of Long Island Soccer Club and the Girls Academy Board President.
Jeff Hughes
Hughes coaches at City SC, which has achieved success across multiple age groups. Most recently, Hughes was named Girls Academy Coach of the Year, further establishing himself as a key driver of club development.
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