The 2026 season was a year of significant growth for the Platte County girls soccer team, culminating with sophomore Emily Fadler having a standout campaign to earn Defensive Player of the Year from the Greater KC White Division postseason awards.
Platte County sophomore Emily Fadler was named the Greater KC White Division Defender of the Year after a standout season.
Fadler, who has featured on Platte County’s varsity squad since her freshman season, helped the Pirates to a runner-up finish in conference play with an 11-3 league record in her second year. Platte County finished the season 15-7 overall, falling in the district finals for the second straight year.
The Pirates’ defense, which primarily featured Fadler alongside senior center back partner Kaylee Dixon, held strong for 10 shutouts this season. The 5-foot-6 sophomore was voted the best defender of all eight teams in the White Division.
Fadler was named to the all-conference first team, where she was joined by Platte County’s leading scorer, Addison Stone. Stone, also a sophomore, led a Platte County offense that scored 4.4 goals per game, the team’s highest mark since 2022.
The Pirates also had Ainsley Habel and Saige Dickens earn second team honors, while the freshmen trio of goalkeeper Kylie Hill, midfielder Ella Miller and midfielder Mary Dellinger were honorable mention.
After beginning the season 2-4, Platte County went on a pair of winning runs to flip their season around. Working with a youthful roster, the Pirates had winning streaks of six, four and three at various points in the season.
Grain Valley senior Radleigh Childers was named Conference Player of the Year while Alayna Maybell, another Grain Valley senior, earned Goalkeeper of the Year.