Eighth-grader Elizabeth Finn growing, learning at Worcester Academy

Elizabeth Finn (2) celebrates with her Worcester Academy teammates. (Maddie Malhotra/New England Soccer Journal)

Elizabeth Finn is no stranger to being around older players. As a 2004 birth-year, she often trains up one or two age groups with FC Stars' ECNL teams.

But going against 17- and 18-year-olds? That’s something brand new for the Scituate, Mass., native while playing this fall at Worcester Academy.

An eighth-grader, Finn is on the Hilltoppers’ varsity team and one of their top attacking players.

“The fact we’re a relatively young team with really strong upperclassmen leadership in terms of the character is only going to benefit Elizabeth,” Worcester Academy head coach Jennifer Marino said. “It’s a good situation.”