FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 18, 2026
HTX 12 GA & 13 GA Conclude Outstanding Seasons at the Girls Academy National Finals
The 2025/26 Girls Academy season came to a close this past weekend at the prestigious GA National Finals, held at River City Sports Complex in Richmond, Virginia.
HTX Soccer was proudly represented by both the 12 GA and 13 GA teams after each claimed Frontier Conference Championships in their respective U13 and U14 divisions before earning qualification through last month's National Playoffs in Norco, California.
12 GA:
Entering the National Finals as the No. 1 ranked team in the country, they faced Midwest United in Thursday's quarterfinal. An unfortunate start saw HTX concede within the opening 90 seconds, falling behind 1-0. Despite responding with an outstanding performance and creating numerous scoring opportunities, HTX was unable to find the equalizer, with Midwest United advancing following a narrow 1-0 victory.
The team showed tremendous resilience by bouncing back to defeat Seacoast United before earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Indy Premier, ultimately falling 4-2 in the penalty shootout.
Season by the numbers.....
- Finished ranked 6th in the nation
- Frontier Conference Champions (W17-T1-L0)
- 58+ Goal Differential
- 16 Conference Shutouts
- Champions Cup Semifinalists (W6-T0-L1) with 6 Champions Cup Shutouts
- National Playoffs & Finals: 6th Overall (W4-T0-L3) with 2 National Event Shutouts
Roster: Alexis Page, Brooklyn Wilson, Eden Karim, Emily Carney, Jannie Toh, Katherine Weathers, Kayden Taylor, Keira Medeiros, Kelly Harper, Luciana Prather, Madi Smith, Makenna Vinson, Palmer Cudd, Saige Williams, Tegan Harper-Lee.
RECORD: W27-T1-L4
13 GA:
The team took on Michigan Jaguars in Friday's national semifinal with a place in the championship match on the line. After trailing 1-0 at halftime, HTX produced an inspired second-half comeback, equalizing late in an exciting, end-to-end contest that drew a large crowd because of its intensity and quality. With only minutes remaining, Michigan Jaguars found a late winner to edge the match 2-1.
The disappointment was short-lived as the team responded with an outstanding performance in the third-place match, defeating Rhode Island 3-0.
Season by the numbers.......
- Finished ranked 3rd in the nation
- Frontier Conference Champions (W13-T3-L1)
- 48+ Goal Differential
- 13 Conference Shutouts
- Champions Cup Finalists (W5-0T-2L) with 3 Champions Cup Shutouts
- National Playoffs & Finals: 3rd Overall (W4-T0-L2) with 3 National Event Shutouts
Roster: Aria Ghaemmaghami, Aryanna Mendoza, Darcy Gilette, Eleanor Barnes, Faith Mixon-Chase, Harper Lee, Hayleigh Simon, Henley Seckinger, Isa Vaughan, Kaylee DelBello, Leilani Weston, Olivia Prather, Olivia Rodriguez, Raeghan Arnold, Scarlett Vega.
RECORD: W22-T3-L5
Words from the coaching staff....
"The numbers speak for themselves. As a Champions Cup club in the Girls Academy, we consistently compete against the best teams in the country at every national event, and these two teams have proven they belong among the nation's elite," said Andrew Squire, Girls Academy Director. Beyond the results, what makes us most proud is the way these players compete and represent HTX Soccer on and off the field. Our 13 GA group has an incredible competitive spirit and togetherness. They consistently make the decisive plays in both penalty areas, where games are won and lost. For such a young team, they play with remarkable confidence in the biggest moments.
Our 12 GA entered the National Finals as the No. 1 seed, a recognition that was thoroughly earned after an incredibly dominant season. Their quality of play in every phase of the game has been exceptional. We're proud not only of their success, but also of the technical quality, style of play, and identity they have developed throughout the year.
Finally, I want to thank our players and families for their incredible commitment and support. Success brings longer seasons, shorter vacations, and greater sacrifices, and none of this would be possible without the dedication of our families and the GA Coaching Staff. In just over two weeks, a new season begins and with it, a fresh pursuit of a Girls Academy National Championship in 2027."
"As we continue to build a program that competes nationally with some of the best clubs in the country, these two age groups have shown what dedication and commitment can lead to from their hard work," said Willie Fowlkes, Head Coach. "We are extremely proud of these players and the sacrifices these families make to compete at the national level. These two age groups are going to be very fun to watch in the next 4-5 years. With this experience, we believe it will help these players become better at dealing with tough competition and be better teammates in the future."
To find an HTX Soccer program near you for any age or experience level, visit www.htxsoccer.com
About HTX Soccer
HTX Soccer is the largest youth soccer club in the Greater Houston area, with over 8,500 players ranging from recreational to elite levels, ages 3 to 19. Serving a 100-mile radius from Downtown Houston, HTX represents the true heart of soccer in the city and its surrounding communities. Since 2006, HTX has helped more than 820 players advance to collegiate soccer, more than any other club in the region. The club has also seen 67 players selected for youth national team activities, and 18 players go on to play professionally around the world.
HTX’s elite boys’ teams compete in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), while the elite girls’ teams participate in the Girls Academy (G.A.) League, both top-tier platforms in U.S. youth soccer.
HTX Soccer is proud to be home to:
🏆 2026 U13 Girls Academy Champions Cup Finalists
🏆 2025 U15 Girls Academy Champions Cup National Finalists
🏆 2025 U19 Girls Academy Champions Cup National Champions
🏆 🏆 Back-to-back USYS U13 Girls National Champions (2024 & 2025)
HTX continues to set the standard for youth soccer development and competition locally, regionally, and nationally.
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