The Arizona high school girls soccer playoffs are heating up, with the Open Division and initial rounds of the 3A and 2A tournaments completed. While upsets have begun to reshape the landscape, Phoenix Xavier Prep continues to demonstrate why they are a perennial powerhouse, aiming for a historic sixth consecutive state championship. The Open Division, combining the top three conferences, is proving to be a battleground for several contenders, but the Gators remain the team to beat.
Xavier Prep’s dominance is undeniable. The No. 5 seed has cruised through the early stages of the Open Division, first routing Peoria Sunrise Mountain and then delivering a decisive 7-0 victory over Waddell Canyon View in Round 2. Only one other school, Chandler Seton Catholic in 3A, has achieved a six-peat, adding extra weight to Xavier Prep’s current run. The Gators’ success isn’t happening in a vacuum; several teams are vying for the title, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Chandler Hamilton and Queen Creek Casteel are emerging as strong challengers to Xavier Prep’s reign. Hamilton, the No. 1 seed, secured wins against Sahuarita Walden Grove (4-0) and Chandler Arizona College Prep (4-0). Casteel, seeded second, also impressed with victories over Tucson Catalina Foothills (4-0) and Anthem Boulder Creek (4-0). Both teams have recent history with Xavier Prep, having reach agonizingly close to dethroning the Gators in recent championship games. Last season, Casteel lost in overtime, while Hamilton fell 5-4 on penalty kicks in 2024.
Open Division Contenders Emerge
Beyond Hamilton and Casteel, Scottsdale Chaparral (No. 3), Chandler Basha (No. 4), and Phoenix Desert Vista (No. 11) are also in contention. Chaparral, under coach Robyn Carlson, boasts eight previous state titles. Basha, having built a competitive program over the past four years under coach Ryan Watrous, will face Xavier Prep in the quarterfinals. Desert Vista, the defending 6A state champion, adds another layer of complexity to the Open Division bracket.
An early upset in the Open Division came from Gilbert Highland, who defeated No. 8 Gilbert Perry 2-0 in Round 2. This result was a surprise, considering Perry’s consistent playoff appearances in recent years – reaching the Open semifinals in 2025, the 6A quarterfinals in 2024, and the 6A championship in both 2023, and 2022. Highland, while a strong athletic program, hasn’t reached a championship final in 11 years.
Brackets Set for 6A, 5A, and 4A
With the Open Division quarterfinals set, the brackets for the 6A, 5A, and 4A tournaments are now finalized. Perry, following their loss in the Open Division, has been placed as the No. 2 seed in the 6A tournament and is considered a strong favorite. Phoenix Pinnacle, the No. 1 seed in 6A, will also be a team to watch after a loss to Desert Vista in Round 2.
In 5A, Gilbert Campo Verde holds the top seed and is expected to contend for the championship. Although, Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep, the No. 5 seed and 2024 state champions under coach Mike Varela, shouldn’t be underestimated. A significant upset occurred in the Open Division with Queen Creek Crismon’s Round 1 loss to No. 23 Glendale Mountain Ridge, but Crismon is now heavily favored to excel in the 4A tournament. Crismon features senior forward Sydney Droen, who has an impressive record of 144 goals and 112 assists.
Smaller Divisions See Dominant Performances
The 3A tournament is shaping up to be a potential showdown between No. 1 Phoenix Northwest Christian and No. 2 Gilbert Christian. Northwest Christian dominated San Tan Foothills with a 14-0 victory, aiming to add to their three titles won between 2019 and 2022. Gilbert Christian also cruised to a win, defeating ALA Mesa North 16-0. Gilbert Christian has won two championships since 2020, having appeared in three championship games since then. Queen Creek Benjamin Franklin, seeded third, could also challenge for the title after a 6-0 win over Page in Round 1.
In 2A, the higher seeds advanced as expected, with No. 1 Phoenix Country Day School defeating North Phoenix Prep 2-0 and No. 2 Glendale Prep Academy winning 6-0 against Avondale St. John Paul Catholic II. Freshman forward Naomi Burge continues to shine for Glendale Prep, adding two more goals to bring her season total to 51, making her one of Arizona’s leading scorers.
As the playoffs progress, the competition will undoubtedly intensify. The coming weeks will reveal whether Xavier Prep can continue its remarkable run or if another team will rise to claim the Arizona high school girls soccer championship. The quarterfinals and subsequent rounds promise exciting matchups and compelling storylines for fans across the state.
What are your thoughts on the potential for an upset in the Open Division? Share your predictions in the comments below!