The Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) girls soccer scene is gearing up for an exciting 2026 season, showcasing a wealth of talent across the state. With numerous players making their mark in previous seasons, here are 25 standout athletes to watch as they aim to elevate their teams and compete for championships.
First on the list is Sadie Aston from Lewis Mills, a senior defender who played a crucial role in her team's impressive defensive record, contributing to eight shutouts during the regular season and three more in the Class M tournament. Aston has committed to continue her soccer career at Stonehill College.
Another player to watch is Olivia Baglio from Ridgefield, a senior midfielder who helped her team reach the CIAC Division I semifinals before falling to the eventual champions, Greenwich. Baglio's performance earned her a spot on the All-FCIAC First Team, highlighting her skills as a right winger.
Molly Benson of Mercy is also a key player to follow. The senior midfielder was named a GametimeCT First Team All-State selection twice and an All-New England pick. Last season, she tallied an impressive 21 goals and 16 assists, and she is set to play at Fairfield University next fall.
Kayla Bonfiglio from Wethersfield, a senior forward, was the leading scorer for her team last year, netting 14 goals. She has already committed to play at the University of New Haven in 2027. Meanwhile, Gabriella Chronakos, a senior goalkeeper from Brookfield, was recognized as an All-SWC pick and recorded 14 shutouts last season, showcasing her prowess in goal.
Liv Correia of East Hampton, a senior forward, finished the 2025 season with 18 goals and 14 assists, earning her All-Shoreline Conference honors. Similarly, Mia Cunningham from Seymour, another senior goalkeeper, was the top-ranked keeper in the NVL last season, boasting a goals-against average of 1.22 and contributing five goals and five assists.
Taryn Czick from St. Joseph is another standout to watch. The senior midfielder, who has committed to Villanova, scored 16 goals and provided 12 assists last season. Skylar Defrank from Woodland, a junior forward, returns after a stellar season where she netted 19 goals and assisted on 11, including the decisive goal in the NVL tournament final.
Other notable players include Michaela Deiso from Lauralton Hall, who earned All-SCC First Team honors with 12 goals and 17 assists, and Sienna Ettinger from Greenwich, a sophomore forward who played a pivotal role in her team's first CIAC championship victory last year.
Liv Fanning from Masuk, a sophomore forward, also made a name for herself during her freshman year, contributing to her team's first state championship appearance. Addison Girard from Simsbury, a senior forward and All-American, is another player to keep an eye on, having scored 19 goals and provided 24 assists last season.
As the 2026 season approaches, the spotlight will be on these talented athletes, each of whom has demonstrated exceptional skill and potential. With many players committed to collegiate soccer, the upcoming season promises to be filled with thrilling matches and outstanding performances.
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