The 2026-27 season is already off to an exciting start for Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer, with three players announcing their commitments to continue their academic and soccer careers at the collegiate level.
Aubrey Folger has committed to Northern Arizona University, Jackson Gaydon has committed to Cornell University, and Emma Huffaker has committed to Minnesota State University.
Representing three different Phoenix Rising pathways, the commitments are another example of the opportunities available to players throughout the club.
Folger, a member of our Phoenix Rising FC ECNL Girls program, will remain in Arizona and join Northern Arizona University. The Lumberjacks compete at the NCAA Division I level in the Big Sky Conference and have established a strong history of success, including capturing both the Big Sky regular-season and tournament championships in 2022.
Gaydon will make the move to the Ivy League after committing to Cornell University. A member of Phoenix Rising FC’s MLS NEXT Homegrown program, Gaydon has also had the opportunity to train with the Phoenix Rising FC professional team and make appearances in matches, gaining valuable experience in a professional environment.
He will join a Cornell program coming off an impressive 2025 campaign in which the Big Red finished 14-4-2, reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament and led the Ivy League with 42 goals.
Huffaker, a member of the Phoenix Rising FC ECNL Regional League program, has committed to Minnesota State University. The Mavericks are coming off an outstanding 2025 season, finishing 17-1-4, winning the NSIC Tournament Championship and advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Minnesota State allowed just nine goals across 22 matches during the season.
The three commitments provide an exciting start to the 2026-27 season and continue Phoenix Rising FC Youth Soccer’s commitment to developing players and providing opportunities to compete at the next level.
Congratulations to Aubrey, Jackson and Emma on this incredible achievement. We look forward to following their continued development and celebrating many more college commitments throughout the season.
