Russell Players Earn All-State Honors

The Kentucky High School Soccer Coaches Association released its All-State teams, with several players from Russell, East Carter, Ashland and Boyd County recognized.

Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Soccer

Expressive sports illustration of a high school soccer player in kelly-green jersey mid-stride on a grass pitch with rolling hills behind. — Brylee Mullins earned First-Team All-State honors, and Harper Robinson, Melvin Witter and Micah Brown were named to the Second Team by the Kentucky High School Soccer Coaches Association. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Kentucky High School Soccer Coaches Association released its All-State soccer teams this week. Brylee Mullins earned First-Team All-State recognition, while Harper Robinson, Melvin Witter and Micah Brown were named to the Second Team.

Why it matters

The honors recognize standout individual seasons across Kentucky high school soccer and highlight players from several regional programs. They also reflect the competitive level of teams in the 16th Region and surrounding districts.

Brylee Mullins recorded 26 goals and 13 assists in his senior season, while Melvin Witter scored 32 goals. Micah Brown recorded 18 shutouts and allowed only nine goals across the entire season.

The players

Kentucky High School Soccer Coaches Association

The state coaches' body that selects and releases the annual All-State soccer teams for Kentucky high schools.

The details

Harper Robinson made the All-State Second Team, and Gunnar Hignite scored 10 goals and earned 16th Region First Team honors. Melvin Witter was also named 16th Region Tournament Most Valuable Player, and Micah Brown was named keeper of the year.

The Kentucky High School Soccer Coaches Association released its All-State teams on November 7, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The All-State selections come at the close of the fall season and reward players from programs that compete in the 16th Region, where Russell has reached two region final appearances. Russell's girls team has also won four consecutive 63rd District titles, a sustained run that places the program among the area's steadier contenders.

Players named to the All-State teams gain statewide recognition that can factor into college recruiting and scholarship consideration. Fantasy and local rankings for the honorees will reflect these standout seasons.

The takeaway

Honors like All-State recognition highlight how individual production and team success combine to set players apart across a state. Following regional soccer closely can reveal which programs and athletes are building momentum heading into future seasons.