Best high school softball freshmen across the nation in 2024

These 20 players are budding stars on the softball diamond

Spring sports are finally here, and many ninth-graders are already making an impact at the varsity level in high school softball.

SBLive Sports set out to identify some of the brightest emerging softball stars across the country.

Here are 20 freshmen who are ready for prime time on the diamond. 

Vote: Who is the best freshman high school softball player in the country in 2024?

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Vote: Who is the best freshman high school softball player in the country in 2024?

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Abby Atkinson, Boyd (Texas) 

Atkinson has been nothing short of sensational during her freshman season for Boyd. Through her first 13 appearances, Atkinson was 11-1 with seven no-hitters and 154 strikeouts in 59 1/3 innings. She also hit .362 at the plate during that span. 

Haylen Ayers, University School of Jackson (Tennessee)

Ayers is an electric infielder who already recorded a five-hit game this season. She is also a star basketball player for University School of Jackson. 

Caylee Barbe, Trinity Catholic (Florida)

Barbe is a two-way talent who is batting .500 while also dominating in the circle. In Trinity Catholic’s home opener against Dunnellon, Barbe pitched a shutout with 17 strikeouts. 

Quinlyn Bary, Severna Park (Maryland)

Bary is another versatile player who excels as an infielder and pitcher. Her fastball already sits in the mid-60s entering her freshman year at Severna Park. 

Leanna Bourdage, Gainesville (Florida)

Leanna Bourdage is starring in the circle and at the plate as a freshman.

Chris Watkins/Special to the Gainesville Sun/USA Today Network

Bourdage has struck out 10 or more batters in each start this season, including a 13-strikeout three-hitter in a recent win over Trenton. She is also batting .385. 

Macie Bryant, Barbers Hill (Texas)

One of the top freshmen pitchers in the country, Bryant throws hard and loves to pile up strikeouts. She plays for a stacked Barbers Hill team that is chasing another Class 5A state title.

Molly Davi, Maryknoll (Hawaii)

Davi is a dominant pitcher who is already a national recruit while playing in Hawaii. She recently fired her first no-hitter at the high school level. 

Addison DeRoche, Cheverus (Maine)

A coveted prospect by multiple SEC teams, DeRoche can play either corner infielder spot, but her future is in the circle. She is a power arm with excellent control.

Kaylee Hodges, Matoaca (Virginia)

Hodges is another elite pitching prospect who can also play some infield. As a pitcher, Hodges is a strikeout machine. 

Stacy Jennings, Richland (Texas) 

Jennings is a power hitter who has already made a difference in Richland’s lineup. She also has a nice fastball in the circle. 

Analia Lopez, Rio Mesa (California)

Playing for one of the best teams in the country, Lopez has been a Day 1 contributor in multiple ways for Rio Mesa. She whirled a 15-strikeout complete game in a recent win over Buena and has also been an effective hitter. 

Mia Martinez, Langham Creek (Texas) 

Martinez, an infielder, is batting .458 with 12 doubles and 37 RBIs in 72 at-bats. In a recent win over Cypress Springs, Martinez went 4 for 4 with three doubles and three runs scored. 

Morgan Maxwell, West Forsyth (North Carolina)

In her first 19 innings of the season, Maxwell didn’t allow an earned run while striking out 25. The two-way standout also shined at the plate during that stretch with a .636 batting average through five games. 

Courtney Norwood, South Warren (Kentucky)

A varsity standout since seventh grade, Norwood blasts home runs at the plate while piling up strikeouts in the circle. As a pitcher, she excels at changing speeds.

Taylor Poland, Orange Beach (Alabama)

Poland has been an immediate contributor for Orange Beach, a three-time defending state champion and one of the top teams nationally. The infielder/outfielder has hit for contact and power as a freshman. 

Hunter Quentel, Kingwood (Texas)

Quentel tossed a 13-strikeout no-hitter on opening day and has kept it going for Kingwood. The talented two-way standout has also blasted three home runs.

Audrey Reibeling, Benton (Louisiana) 

Reibeling patrols the outfield for Benton while doing plenty of damage at the plate. In her season debut, Reibeling came up a triple shy of the cycle with four RBIs. 

Reagan Schmitz, Lebanon (Tennessee) 

Lebanon’s leadoff batter, Schmitz is getting on base and doing plenty of damage. She had eight total stolen bases during a recent doubleheader at the Gulf Coast Classic. 

Miley Sperling, Gibson Southern (Indiana)

Sperling also plays volleyball, but the talented freshman is best known for her softball abilities. She is a standout pitcher who can play some infield. 

Jaylin Turner, Fairmont (Ohio)

Turner is a left-hander who excels at mixing her pitches to get outs. She is also a dangerous hitter with plenty of pop in her bat. 

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-- Bob Lundeberg | @sblivesports