Here are the players to watch for the 2023 season of Nebraska high school boys and girls soccer.
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BOYS
Aidan Nachi, Lincoln East: The senior finished second in the state with 21 goals a year ago, finding the back of the net in each of East’s four postseason matches — including a district championship winner in the final minute and two in the state semifinals. He’ll be one of the top scoring threats in the state again this season.
Sam Schendt, Omaha Skutt: His fingerprints were all over Skutt’s run to a third straight state title. Schendt tallied five goals and five assists in six postseason matches, including the winning goal in the state final. The senior will look to follow up a 12 goal, 14 assist campaign as the SkyHawks aim to become the first boys program in state history to win four straight titles.
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Jacob Hove, Omaha Creighton Prep: A physical presence in the back for the Junior Jays, Hove was a key part of a Prep defense that gave up 0.79 goals per match a season ago. That unit will be tested early, as Prep has matches against three of the other four teams in the Class A top five in the first week of the season.
GIRLS
Annie Mulder, Lincoln East: Committed to Kansas State since before she even played high school soccer, Mulder has lived up to the hype. She’s been equal parts lockdown defender and offensive spark plug over her career, and will be counted on to again give the Spartans production all over the field as a senior.
Ava Makovicka, Gretna: A Swiss army knife in the middle for the two-time defending Class A champion Dragons. The Nebraska recruit gives her team a little bit of everything, tallying 12 goals and three assists a year ago while also helping lock down a defense that conceded goals in just four matches last season. “A defensive force that can quickly turn into an offensive weapon,” is how Gretna coach Chase Hutchison described Makovicka.
Emma Brezenski, Columbus Scotus: After racking up a state-leading 38 goals and adding 16 assists during her freshman campaign, what does Brezenski have left for an encore? A state title, she’s hoping. She tallied 13 goals in three district matches, part of seven hat tricks on the season, in helping push the Shamrocks to the state semifinals.
Photos: Nebraska high school state soccer championships, Tuesday
Gretna's Alec Scharff (11) celebrates his team's victory following the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Gretna players celebrate with fans following the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Gretna's Brett Perkins (14) celebrates with teammates Colin Mcclung (3) and Michael Stukenholtz (10) after Perkins' second goal in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday.
Omaha Westside's Luke Noameshie (14) and Gretna's Caden Ruff (2) battle for the ball in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday.
The Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday.
Gretna's Brett Perkins (14) celebrates with teammate Colin Mcclung (3) after his second goal in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday.
Gretna players surround their head coach, Tyler Ortlieb, following the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Omaha Westside's Coehen Rusin (5) and Gretna's Brett Perkins (14) and Thomas Sowinski (17) all go for the ball in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Omaha Westside's Jacob Garcia (8) controls the ball in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Gretna's Thomas Sowinski (17) celebrates with teammates after his goal in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Omaha Westside head coach Michael Dean argues with a referee after a red card is given to Omaha Westside's Luke Noameshie (14) in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Omaha Westside head coach Michael Dean watches his team in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Omaha Westside's Mitchell Fehr (3) and Gretna's Maguire Perkins (7) chase after the ball in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Fans watch from the berm, the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Omaha Westside fans cheer on their team in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Gretna's Maguire Perkins (7) and Omaha Westside's Luke Noameshie (14) chase after the ball in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Omaha Westside's Martin Mormino (1) can't block a shot in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Gretna fans cheer on their team in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Gretna's Michael Stukenholtz (10) and Omaha Westside's Anthony Feldman (13) battle for the ball in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Omaha Westside fans cheer on their team in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Gretna head coach Tyler Ortlieb watches his team in the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Gretna players watch their team in the final seconds of the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Gretna's Michael Stukenholtz (10), Carson Poole (6), Brett Perkins and Caden Ruff (2) smile with fans in the final seconds of the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Gretna players celebrate with their trophy following the Gretna vs. Omaha Westside NSAA Class A state championship boys soccer game in Omaha on Tuesday. Gretna won the title 8-0.
Lexington's Jordy Enamorado (right) tries to stop Omaha Skutt Catholic's Dylan Toth during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Lexington's Kenny Morales-Juarez (left) slides to block Omaha Skutt Catholic's Ryan Witt during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic players celebrate their Class B state soccer championship win over Lexington at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic players celebrate their penalty kick goal late in their Class B state soccer championship game against Lexington at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic players celebrate their penalty kick goal late in their Class B state soccer championship game against Lexington at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic players celebrate their Class B state soccer championship win over Lexington at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Lexington players react after losing their Class B state soccer championship game against Omaha Skutt Catholic at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Lexington players react after losing their Class B state soccer championship game against Omaha Skutt Catholic at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Aiden Trumm (right) and Matthew Roumph celebrate their Class B state soccer championship win over Lexington at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Lexington's Diego MartinezMaravilla (left) tries to get past Omaha Skutt Catholic's Noah Boyd during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Lexington's Ernesto VargasHernandez scores a goal during their Class B state soccer championship game against Omaha Skutt Catholic at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Lexington's Diego MartinezMaravilla (left) battles Omaha Skutt Catholic's Zachary Ourada for the ball during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Cole Essner (right) fouls Lexington's Alexander Perez-Tunay during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic players celebrate their Class B state soccer championship win over Lexington at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Lexington's Angel Diaz (left) battles Omaha Skutt Catholic's Aiden Trumm during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Aiden Trumm (left) and Lexington's Jesus PradoReyes react after PradoReyes gets a yellow card and Skutt is awarded with a penalty kick during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Lexington's Jesus PradoReyes (left) and Jordy Enamorado (center) battle Omaha Skutt Catholic's Dylan Toth for the ball during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Ryan Witt (left) tries to score during their Class B state soccer championship game against Lexington at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Dylan Toth (left) and Lexington's Fernando Casillas battle for the ball during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Lexington's Jordy Enamorado (right) tries to stop Omaha Skutt Catholic's Dylan Toth during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Aiden Trumm (left) and Lexington's Fernando Casillas battle for the ball during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Aiden Trumm (left) and Cole Essner (right) battle Lexington's Bradley OrozcoGonzalez for the ball during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Aiden Trumm (left) and Matthew Roumph celebrate their Class B state soccer championship win over Lexington at Morrison Stadium on Tuesday.
Photos: Nebraska high school state soccer championships, Monday
Gretna celebrates their victory following the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Gretna's Savannah Defini (12) goes after the ball against Lincoln Southeast's Corynne Olsen (2) and Cadence Bonneau (20) in the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday.
Lincoln Southeast's Samantha Searcey (13) and Gretna's Karli Williams (5) watch the ball fly toward Gretna's Alexis Cerone (40) in the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday.
Gretna's Aidan Pohlmann (19) celebrates her goal with teammates in the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday.
Gretna's London Defini (17) and Lincoln Southeast's Mirabelle Hesse (9) chase after the ball in the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
The ball gets past Lincoln Southeast goalkeeper Samaya Hogg (1) in the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Gretna's Allison Marshall (34) celebrates with teammates after her goal in the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Gretna fans cheer on their team during the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Gretna's Savannah Defini (12) gets ahead of Lincoln Southeast's Corynne Olsen (2) in the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Lincoln Southeast's Corynne Olsen (2) kicks the ball between Gretna's Riley Ehlert (7) and Anna Harris (15) in the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Lincoln Southeast's Samaya Hogg (1) can't block a header goal by Gretna's Ava Makovicka (2) in the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Lincoln Southeast fans cheer on their team during the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Gretna's Julia Witt (37) and Lincoln Southeast's Kylee Kurtzer (3) keep an eye on the ball in the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Gretna's London Defini (17) and Lincoln Southeast's Mirabelle Hesse (9) chase after the ball in the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Gretna's Regan Ehlert (8) dances on the sideline in the final seconds of the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Lincoln Southeast's Rachel Warrick (10), Mirabelle Hesse (9) and Corynne Olsen (2) huddle together following the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Gold medals for the winners of the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Lincoln Southeast huddles before the start of the Gretna vs. Lincoln Southeast NSAA Class A state championship girls soccer game in Omaha on Monday. Gretna won the title 6-1.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Elizabeth Rosenthal (left) battles Norris's Reese Borer for the ball during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Victoria VanDyke (left) battles Norris's Sophia Talero for the ball during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic players celebrate Presley Douglas's goal during their Class B state soccer championship game against Norris at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Norris players celebrate Grace Kohler's goal during their Class B state soccer championship game against Omaha Skutt Catholic at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic players celebrate their Class B state soccer championship win against Norris at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic players celebrate their Class B state soccer championship win against Norris at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic players celebrate their Class B state soccer championship win against Norris at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Elizabeth Rosenthal celebrates her goal during their Class B state soccer championship win against Norris at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic players celebrate their Class B state soccer championship win against Norris at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's McKenna Mann (right) hugs Lakin Appell after winning their Class B state soccer championship win against Norris at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic players celebrate penalty kick goal during their Class B state soccer championship game against Norris at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Breena Whitaker (left) battles Norris's Grace Kohler for the ball during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Delaney O'Doherty (left) battles Norris's Sophia Talero for the ball during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Addison Burt (left) battles Norris's Jaidy Suarez for the ball during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Norris's Grace Kohler (left) battles Omaha Skutt Catholic's Victoria VanDyke for the ball during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Norris's Grace Kohler (left) battles Omaha Skutt Catholic's Victoria VanDyke for the ball during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Norris players celebrate Kennedy Sullivan's goal against Omaha Skutt Catholic's McKenna Mann during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Norris's Kennedy Sullivan (right) scores a goal against Omaha Skutt Catholic's McKenna Mann during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Monday.
Omaha Skutt Catholic's Madalyn Meyer (right) challenges Norris's Ella Klein during their Class B state soccer championship game at Morrison Stadium on Monday. After colliding with Klein, Meyer ended up receiving a red card.
