10 Ames-area Iowa high school girls soccer players to watch ahead of the 2024 season
The Ames area featured several outstanding Iowa high school girls soccer teams during the 2023 season.
In Class 3A, Gilbert made the state championship game and Nevada made its 11th straight trip to state. Ames posted a winning 10-9 record in 4A, and Ballard just missed going over .500, finishing 7-8.
Though several outstanding players from those teams have moved on, there is still plenty of talent returning for the 2024 season.
This is just a preseason list, so plenty of new names could emerge during the season. But here, in alphabetical order by last name, are the top 10 girls high school soccer players in the Ames area right now.
Avery Anderson, Nevada
Position: Forward
Year: Junior
Anderson is the top offensive weapon returning in the Tribune area.
As a sophomore, Anderson went off for 24 goals in 18 games, earning all-state recognition. She scored four goals as a freshman.
Evelyn Anderson, Nevada
Position: Defender
Year: Junior
Avery's twin sister will be a key contributor for Nevada at the other end of the field.
Evelyn will be counted on to step up and lead Nevada's back four with sweeper Emma Strottman out for the season with an ACL injury. Evelyn can also contribute on offense if needed, having scored seven goals a year ago.
Emma Evans, Ames
Position: Midfielder
Year: Senior
With the loss of prolific forward Alexis Winkey, Evans is the top returning scorer for Ames entering the 2024 season.
The talented midfielder put up 10 goals and dished out one assist last year. She made all three of her penalty kicks as well.
Tori Meinecke, Nevada
Position: Forward
Year: Senior
Meinecke forms an elite scoring tandem with Avery Anderson at forward for Nevada.
During her junior season, Meinecke was second on the team with 10 goals. She was outstanding at distributing the ball as well, leading Nevada with 15 assists to earn all-state honors.
Isabelle Nelson, Nevada
Position: Midfielder
Year: Senior
Nelson is back to anchor Nevada's midfield one last time.
The 6-foot-2 senior is an intimidating presence on the field. She dished out 10 assists and netted four goals in 2023.
Elle O'Brien, Gilbert
Position: Forward
Year: Senior
The hero of Gilbert's 2023 Class 1A state semifinal win over Des Moines Christian returns to try and help the Tigers rebuild after losing a lot of key talent off their outstanding state runner-up team from a year ago.
O'Brien is a force on both sides of the field. She netted 12 goals and handed out three assists in 2023.
Madisen Powers, Gilbert
Position: Midfielder/forward
Year: Sophomore
Powers had a breakout freshman season to help Gilbert reach the 1A title game last season.
Powers put 13 goals into the net, and she also dished out five assists in 2023. She will be counted on even more in 2024 as Gilbert must replace All-State forward Syndey Lynch, who went for an impressive 25 goals and 15 assists a year ago.
Haley Prakashan, Ames
Position: Defender
Year: Senior
Prakashan will be counted on to provide a big lift on defense for Ames this season.
As a junior, Prakashan was a steady performer for the Little Cyclones. In addition to her defense, Prakashan is a skilled passer who had one assist last season.
Sarah Thatcher, Gilbert
Position: Forward/midfielder
Year: Senior
Thatcher gives Gilbert a player who can do it all.
She can play forward or midfield, and she even spent a little time at keeper last season. In 2023, Thatcher finished with eight goals and one assist, and she chipped in six saves on eight shots faced as keeper.
Megan Rowedder, Ballard
Position: Midfielder/defender
Year: Senior
Rowedder was an excellent all-around performer for Ballard in 2023.
She is Ballard's top returning offensive weapon with eight goals and six assists and a tough defensive player to boot.
Joe Randleman covers high school sports for the Ames Tribune. Contact him at jrandleman@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeRandleman
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: 10 Iowa girls soccer players to watch in the Ames area during 2024
