Michigan Stars Elite Join Girls Academy

Jonathan Turner
6 hours ago
3 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

Michigan Stars Elite Soccer Club has officially been accepted into the Girls Academy, one of the top youth development platforms in the United States, marking a major milestone for the club and its player pathway.

“Welcoming Michigan Stars Elite into the Girls Academy is an exciting step forward for both the club and the league,” said Trish Hughes, Commissioner of the Girls Academy. “Michigan Stars Elite has built a strong reputation for developing players with intention, supported by experienced coaching, a clear curriculum, and a commitment to long-term player success.”

She added, “Their focus on providing a high-quality training environment and a meaningful experience for athletes both on and off the field aligns closely with the values of the Girls Academy. We are confident they will continue to elevate opportunities for their players and make a positive impact within the Girls Academy pathway.”

A Complete Pathway for Players

For Michigan Stars Elite, joining the Girls Academy represents the final step in building a complete development model for its athletes.

“We’re excited to join the Girls Academy, one of the top platforms in the country,” said Dan Chunn, Club President / GM. “We’ve built a really strong environment at MI Stars with great facilities, coaches, and families, and this was the final piece we were missing.”

He continued, “In the past, during the high school years, our top girls often had to leave to find the right platform. Now they get the best of both worlds — competing at the highest level while still representing their high school, which we strongly support. It truly completes the pathway for our girls.” BE A STAR: The Michigan Stars Elite Standard

At the core of Michigan Stars Elite is their mission: BE A STAR.

More than a motto, it reflects a commitment to:

Technical mastery
Tactical intelligence
Elite player development

The club fosters a culture built on creativity, grit, passion, and sportsmanship—developing confident, competitive athletes ready to lead on and off the field.

About the Girls Academy

The Girls Academy is the leading youth development platform for elite female soccer players in the United States. It is the only national platform that represents the collective vision of its member clubs while actively engaging the voice of players in shaping the league.

The GA maintains an unrivaled standard of excellence in:

Coaching
Competition
Regional and national showcase events

The league is committed to creating an environment that empowers each player to reach their full potential as both an athlete and a person, while fostering a lifelong love of the game through competition and community.

League Structure & National Platform

Beginning in the 2025/26 season, the Girls Academy includes:

120+ member clubs nationwide
Age groups from U13 through U19
11 conferences across the country

League play begins in August and culminates with playoffs and national finals in June and July. Top teams also compete in additional high-level competition platforms, further enhancing development opportunities.

The Players’ Voice Matters

One of the defining features of the Girls Academy is its commitment to player involvement.

Through the Advisory Panel, players have a direct role in shaping the league by:

Providing feedback and ideas
Leading initiatives and charitable efforts
Influencing league experiences and opportunities

This player-driven model ensures the league continues to evolve with the needs and vision of its athletes.

With this move, Michigan Stars Elite solidifies its place among the top development clubs in the country, providing its players with a complete pathway to compete, grow, and succeed at the highest level of youth soccer.