AAU Awards: 2030 Defensive Players of the Year

Over the past handful of weeks, we've been covering our annual AAU awards for 2026. So far we've highlighted the Coach of the Year, AAU Newcomer of the Year, one Breakout Player for each class, the Most Valuable Duos in each class, and our Hard Hat All-Star Teams. Now in our fourth week of postseason award coverage, we have one more accolade to hand out – the Defensive Player of the Year awards. Much like last year, we'll be breaking things down by age level and highlighting two winners per class, plus a handful of honorable mentions.    Unlike some of our other awards, there isn't a clear-cut definition for what makes someone a Defensive Player of the Year. While in the pro leagues there are advanced stats like defensive rating and win shares, which can be used to precisely measure a player's defensive impact, we don't have anything of the sort for AAU. It's rare that rebounds, steals, and blocks are even tracked during the summer season. So, in lieu of trying to identify the best statistical defenders, we're approaching this one as more of an art than a science. For our purposes, DPOY can mean a lot of things. Some kids excel as on-ball defenders, some are outstanding on the boards, and some can force turnovers all day long. As a general rule, the players featured here played with relentless energy and effort this season, were regularly tasked with guarding their opponents top players, and consistently made winning plays when it mattered most.    As a final reminder: Only Minnesota players are eligible for these awards. This means that players from other states who play for Minnesota-based AAU clubs were not considered. On the other hand, players from Minnesota who play for out-of-state clubs were considered eligible, provided that we had the opportunity to see them play in person.    All that being said, here are our selections for Defensive Players of the Year in the class of 2030.     When thinking about how to best describe the [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] guard's defense, there's one particular performance that jumps out in my mind. It was at the AAU State Tournament back in May when Schultz really showed what she's capable of. In a tightly contested semifinal matchup against ‘The North' 3SSB, the game was coming down to the wire and it looked like it could be anybody's game. Until Kali came into the picture. The moment the 5'5 guard stepped onto the court, she took over. The Delano 9th grader came up with big play after big play, getting stops, forcing both live and dead-ball turnovers, and leading her team with a commanding presence and a tremendous amount of poise. While Schultz isn't the tallest or strongest player on the court, her ability to think the game and make smart decisions in high pressure situations made her an incredible asset for the 14U EYBL squad all summer.     Competing for the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] this summer, Kirchoff made her defensive presence known time and time again. Primarily an on-ball, perimeter defender, the 5'6 guard's biggest strengths are her speed and ability to anticipate where the ball is going next. With tremendous lateral movement, lightning fast hands, and a highly competitive attitude, Ava's aptitude for forcing turnovers is second to none. By pressuring ball handlers, anticipating passes, and generating deflections, Kirchoff routinely knocks the ball loose, allowing her to get a steal and transition bucket, or force a jump ball. On top of all of that, the East Ridge freshman simply never gives up on a play. As a gym rat who has a fiery passion for the game, Ava relishes in the challenge of defense. Each time she draws a tough assignment or makes a big play, the Stars standout adds even more fuel to the flame.    HONORABLE MENTIONS   [player_tooltip player_id='1345919' first='Alyse' last='Denne'] – [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'] 2030 UAA, Becker    [player_tooltip player_id='1345576' first='Jasmine' last='Mata'] – [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] 14U Elite, Forest Lake   [player_tooltip player_id='1110548' first='Elin' last='Retzlaff'] – [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United'] 2030 Blue, Hillcrest Lutheran   [player_tooltip player_id='1418505' first='Marianna' last='Davis'] – [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars'] ‘The North' 3SSB, Hopkins

Over the past handful of weeks, we've been covering our annual AAU awards for 2026. So far we've highlighted the Coach of the Year, AAU Newcomer of the Year, one Breakout Player for each class, the Most Valuable Duos in each class, and our Hard Hat All-Star Teams. Now in our fourth week of postseason award coverage, we have one more accolade to hand out – the Defensive Player of the Year awards. Much like last year, we'll be breaking things down by age level and highlighting two winners per class, plus a handful of honorable mentions.