On another level: The Arizona Republic's top girls soccer players so far this season
It's high school girls soccer season with section games on the schedule and the playoffs beginning next month. Here is The Republic’s list of the players making the most impact so far in Arizona for the 2023-2024 regular season.
This list was made with input from coaches throughout the state and observations from Republic staff.
Sydney Snowden, Sr., Gilbert Perry
One opposing coach called her the best player in Arizona so far. The senior defender is the anchor of one of the state’s top defenses, which has yet to surrender more than one goal in a single game this season. The Pumas have only allowed three goals and haven’t had a team score on the team since Dec. 5. Snowden, committed to Appalachian State, is very good on the ball and in the air as well. Perry is 7-1-2 on the season and looks poised to challenge Phoenix Xavier Preparatory in 6A yet again with Snowden leading the way on the backline.
Lourdes Lauterborn, Sr., Phoenix Xavier Preparatory
Lauterborn is the top player on the top team in the state. Coach Barbara Chura said Lauterborn, a Dartmouth commit, is playing the best ball of her talented group so far this season. She commands the game from the midfield, posing a threat to tap it in herself or setting up her teammates, with 5 goals and 4 assists in just 7 games played. Lauterborn is following in the steps of her former teammate — and neighbor — Bella Leonard, who was the 2022-2023 Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year and is now getting minutes at Notre Dame as a freshman. The Gators have had a comparatively light schedule thus far, but still look excellent in 2024: sporting a 6-0-1 record while outscoring opponents 31-1.
Cienna Gosewisch, Sr., Phoenix Desert Vista
Gosewisch is a defensive stalwart who is the rock of Desert Vista’s defense, the only team to hold No. 1 Xavier Prep scoreless this season. She rarely loses one-on-one battles. Coach Jack Soutar said Gosewisch is the “quarterback” for the Thunder. Despite being a defensive midfielder, she has notched 4 goals and 3 assists against arguably the state’s toughest schedule. With that schedule, Gosewisch has taken on some of the best forwards, wingers and midfielders the state has to offer. She is still searching for a collegiate home and is aiming to play at the University of Colorado Springs, according to Soutar. Desert Vista is 7-5-2, but has yet to lose a game in the new year.
Paxton Bock, Sr., Scottsdale Notre Dame Preparatory
A lethal forward up top, Bock is arguably one of the state's top threats to score, as well as the definition of a team player, elevating those around her on the field. A SMU commit, Bock is a game-changer who can play multiple roles and helps create scoring opportunities to the tune of 19 goals and 11 assists. She is one of the leaders for one of the top teams in 5A as the Saints aim for another deep run in the playoffs.
Brooke Fabri, Sr., Phoenix Pinnacle
Fabri is a powerhouse of a midfielder who is very comfortable on the ball. She Controls the field with her presence, which is certainly one of the reasons why she is committed to playing at South Florida next season. Through 12 games played, Fabri has recorded 4 goals and 3 assists. The Pioneers are 10-3-2 so far and are looking for a return trip to the 6A playoffs, where they hope to improve on their exit in the quarterfinals last season.
Aria Cain, Sr., Queen Creek Casteel
Cain is one of the leaders on and off the field for one of the state’s best teams, regardless of conference. Strong with both feet, and a dynamic player with technical skill, Cain is a captain for the Colts and is a catalyst with her electric speed. She leads the team with 12 goals and 3 assists. The Colts are 11-1-1, and everything is shaping up for Casteel to be playing in the 5A title game again in February. This would be its fifth consecutive time doing so, this time behind Cain’s prowess in front of the net.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: The Republic's top girls soccer players in the 2023-24 season
