TOPEKA — The weather is warming and some of the best soccer players in the state will take to the pitch soon. Shawnee County had some incredible postseason performances with many teams going far in the state tournament a season ago. Many of the same players are back this year.

Ally Barker, Cair Paravel

The senior defender will lead the back line for the Lions this season. Barker was key in helping Cair Paravel reach the Class 4-1A State Championship last year where they ultimately fell in 2OT to Bishop Miege.

Anna Becker, Seaman

The Vikings star basketball player will take to the pitch once again for her senior season. Becker was named to the United Kansas Conference first team last year and helped Seaman reach the Class 5A State Quarterfinals.

Kelly Ann Chada, Cair Paravel

The junior forward played a key a role in last year’s fantastic season that saw the Lions reach the state title game. Chada has the ability to score goals on her own, but her ability to set her teammates up in set piece situations separates herself from the rest.

Carsyn Broxterman, Hayden

The junior earned a spot on the Class 4-1A All-State second-team last season as she performed well in the forward position. Broxterman also earned a first-team spot on the all-Centennial League list, too.

Destiny Higgs, Washburn Rural

The senior is one of the top ball-winning midfielders in the city. Her anticipation of the opposition along with her passing ability makes her a key force for the Junior Blues this year. Higgs is signed to play at Washburn next season and she’s coming off of a year where she was named the second-team all-Class 6A a year ago.

Kate Hinck, Washburn Rural

One of the top players in the Topeka area returns for her senior season. Hinck is signed to play college soccer at Washburn next year. She helped the Junior Blues take third in last year’s Class 6A State Tournament. She earned a spot on Class 6A’s first-team list, too.

Reese Huscher, Hayden

The junior midfielder committed to playing college soccer at Washburn last fall. Huscher had a fantastic sophomore season claiming first-team honors in the Centennial League.

Addyson Kaberline, Washburn Rural

The senior was a star in the backline for the Junior Blues this year. The defender earned second0team honors for all of Class 6A last year and was put on the All-Centennial League first team, too.

Maegan Mills, Seaman

The senior goalkeeper returns for his final season in between the sticks for the Vikings. The Tulsa volleyball signee was excellent during her fall volleyball campaign. Her athleticism on the court and quick reflexes translate well to the keeper position.

Morgan Robinson, Shawnee Heights

The sophomore was named second-team all-Class 5A last season. Robinson will be key in scoring goals leading the front line for Shawnee Heights this year.

Isabell Van Fleet, Shawnee Heights

The senior forward was a goal-scoring machine last season with the Thunderbirds. She helped Shawnee Heights to reach the Class 5A State Quarterfinals and she was named to the Class 5A second-team.

Micah Williams, Highland Park

The sophomore had an extremely successful freshman year campaign where she led the team in goals scored. Williams’ ability to fend off defenders and attack the goal makes her one of the best strikers in the capital city.