Next Wave: Top 2028 Talent in the Upper Midwest

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 class in the Upper Midwest is making its mark, showcasing skill, versatility, and a competitive level that translates at both the varsity and national stages. This group features dynamic attackers, versatile two-way midfielders, lockdown defenders, and a commanding presence in the cage, all competing on strong club circuits and earning early recognition at the state and national levels. From draw control specialists and disruptive on-ball defenders to creative finishers and disciplined goalies, these athletes impact every phase of the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the top 2028 prospects in the Upper Midwest:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["71580"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d550ce3b4ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Offensive catalyst with polish well beyond her class year. Krejci led Blake varsity in scoring as a freshman (53 goals in 13 games), producing as a primary option while commanding top defensive matchups. She wins with speed and deception, an explosive first step, sharp change of direction, and a roll dodge she can land cleanly with either hand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elite shot selection. She manipulates goalies with head fakes, shoulder dips, and subtle stick disguises before finishing. Comfortable attacking downhill, ripping from the 8, or creating space inside. True dual-hand threat: switches seamlessly on the dodge and can finish strong-side or off-hand without hesitation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["71581"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d550ce3b526"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dynamic, high-IQ attacker who plays with pace and purpose. Larson is a quick-trigger finisher with fast feet and an explosive first step that creates separation in tight windows. Dangerously attacks seams and drives to the cage. She can extend and finish in traffic, or step into range and rip from the 8-meter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Creative around the crease. She thrives in 1v1s, using body control and angles to break down defenders, and times her off-ball cuts with precision. Reads slides early, draws help, and makes the extra pass to backside cutters. True team-first scorer who understands how to manipulate defensive rotations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Two-handed threat adds versatility as a dodger and finisher. Plays with intensity on every possession and competes through the ride. As a freshman (2025): 8 goals, 7 assists, and All-American recognition. Offensive playmaker who can stretch a defense vertically and laterally.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["71582"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d550ce3b575"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Versatile attacker with a mature feel for the game. Kukuk has been playing since third grade, and that experience shows in how she uses her dodges as calculated tools rather than reactions. Utilizes her length effectively, keeps defenders at extension, and attacks leverage with confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Balanced producer, 19 goals and 4 assists as a freshman. She sees the field well and connects consistently as a feeder.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two-handed finisher who places shots with intent, identifying the goalie's weak spot rather than shooting blindly.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Active on the ride, competes for ground balls, and transitions seamlessly between attack and midfield responsibilities. Member of the 2025 WIAA State Runner-Up squad. Multi-phase contributor with strong spatial awareness and team-first instincts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["71583"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d550ce3b5bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Two-way midfielder who impacts the game in multiple phases. Grier earned Second Team All-State honors (Midwest Girls Lacrosse League) as an eighth grader and went on to compete on the Iowa/Nebraska National Team as a freshman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reliable on the draw circle. She uses her size and stick control to direct the draw to space, frequently placing it to herself to spark transition. Understands leverage and positioning to secure clean possessions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, she's a disruptor in the lanes. Active stick, reads eyes well, and steps into passing windows for clean interceptions. Extends pressure and forces attackers to adjust their release points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Offensively, she's a smart off-ball mover and an elite cutter. Times her cuts when defenders lose vision and finishes in stride. Uses shot fakes to move the goalie and can finish with either hand, making her a balanced scoring threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["71584"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d550ce3b606"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Midfielder-turned-defender whose transition background shows up every possession. Anderson excels in the open field, wins the ball and immediately pushes pace, turning defensive stops into fast-break opportunities. Comfortable carrying through traffic and getting the ball into the offensive end with purpose.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Locks down in 1v1 matchups. Strong footwork and body positioning force attackers down the alley and away from prime scoring space. Applies disciplined pressure without overcommitting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Active, disruptive stick. Lives in passing lanes, reads eyes early, and jumps feeds before they reach the crease. On the 8-meter, she closes space quickly, using speed and stick extension to contest and block shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Relentless on ground balls and consistently finishes possessions with clean takeaways. Defensive tone-setter who creates momentum through stops and turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["71585"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d550ce3b64e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Disciplined, multi-sport goalie whose training background shows up in her composure and mechanics between the pipes. Mabry plays with structure, balanced stance, hands set early, and constant micro-adjustments that keep her square to the shooter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Quick reaction time allows her to handle both high heat and low bounce shots. Comfortable making saves at all levels. She isn't afraid to get her feet involved, flashing kick saves on low angles to keep the ball out. Maximizes the cage, using her positioning and body control to take away space and shrink shooting windows.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Active on her feet and confident stepping to the ball. Maintains strong rebound control and resets quickly for second shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reliable on the clear with solid range and accuracy, able to push outlets beyond the restraining line to spark transition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["71586"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d550ce3b695"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Agile and technically sound goalie with quick hands and strong anticipation. Stuart reads shooters well, making high-quality saves even on her non-dominant side and excelling at stopping low shots around the cage. She stays patient under pressure, using proper positioning to cover angles and minimize scoring chances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Confident in transition, Stuart has range on her clears and can deliver accurate, long-distance passes to initiate fast breaks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Comfortable handling shots from X and around the cage, she consistently limits high-percentage opportunities while maintaining composure throughout the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->