Oregon high school softball players to watch: 50 names to know in 2024
The Oregon high school softball season got underway this month. Here are 50 of the state's top stars entering 2024.
Note: There are hundreds of standout softball players in Oregon this season, and this is not meant to be a "top 50" list. Feel free to let us know about some of the other players you're expecting to star in the months ahead.
Lily Riley (Oregon City) photo by Dan Brood
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P Addisen Fisher, Bend, senior
Fisher has led the Extra Inning Softball Elite 100 national rankings for the class of 2024 the past couple of seasons, and the UCLA signee was an SBLive Oregon first-team all-state selection last year after going 17-2 with an 0.32 ERA in 110 innings, striking out 214 and allowing just 37 hits and 16 walks. She batted .602 (1.773 OPS) with seven home runs and 44 RBIs.
P/SS Alexis Perez, Crater, senior
Perez won Midwestern League pitcher of the year honors for the second consecutive season and was a second-team 5A all-state selection as a junior, helping the Comets reach the quarterfinals of the state playoffs. The Bushnell University signee was 9-3 with a 1.78 ERA, striking out 60 in 55 innings. “Alexis has continued to work hard to develop her skills, even after being named pitcher of the year in the conference,” Crater coach Chris Arnold said. “She is excited to have an opportunity to help lead our team this season.”
2B/3B Ali Martinez, McNary, senior
Martinez won a second 6A/5A wrestling state championship last month, but she considers softball “her true favorite,” receiving Central Valley Conference player of the year and first-team SBLive Oregon all-state honors for the Celtics last year, when she batted .526 in conference play with five home runs, 22 RBIs and 20 runs.
P Ayla Davies, Burns/Crane, senior
Davies capped a season in which she was named 3A pitcher of the year and a second-team SBLive Oregon all-state selection by pitching a 12-inning shutout in the state championship game against Scio. The Southern Oregon commit finished 26-0 with an 0.42 ERA, striking out 389 and walking just 25 in 164 innings, allowing opponents to bat just .079. “Her dedication to her craft and her emotional stability have been a key piece to our success over the last three years,” Hilanders coach Robert Medley said. “Our expectation for her this coming season is to be as tough as ever and to continue to be an incredible leader for our program.”
C/2B Amyah Miranda, Cascade, sophomore
Miranda didn’t play like a freshman for the Cougars last season, making the 4A all-state second team as a catcher after batting .535 (.600 OBP) with eight doubles, nine home runs, 46 RBIs and 32 runs. In 84 plate appearances, she walked 13 times and struck out seven. “Mayah could be an outstanding coach some day if she were to choose that path,” Cascade coach Marty Jeppsen said. “She has given her time to our youth programs, helping out at the 12u and 14u levels.”
OF Anna Harper, Henley, junior
As a sophomore, Harper won Skyline Conference player of the year honors and was a first-team 4A all-state selection, batting .500 with nine home runs and 40 RBIs to help lead the Hornets to the state final.
P Annie Campos, Henley, senior
Campos was named Skyline Conference pitcher of the year last season and batted .600 with six home runs and 43 RBIs, earning first-team 4A all-state recognition and pitching the Hornets to the state championship game.
SS Avery Coffin, Sheldon, senior
Coffin played her first two seasons on the Irish baseball team before joining the softball program last year. She played an integral role in their second 6A state championship, batting .346 with five home runs and 30 RBIs and earning third-team all-state honors.
P/1B Avery Rust, Tigard, junior
Rust was a second-team 6A all-state utility player last season, going 5-2 with a 4.50 ERA and 48 strikeouts in the circle and batting .367 (.881 OPS) with seven doubles and 25 RBIs. “Avery brings a quieter but just as intense mentality and leadership to how she goes about her business and works,” Tigers coach Pete Kostel said. “She brings power to the lineup.”
CF Berkleigh Tuck, Jesuit, junior
Tuck committed to Cal Baptist last summer after a sophomore season in which she batted .439 (1.243 OPS) with seven doubles, a home run, nine RBIs, 17 runs and eight stolen bases. The first-team 6A all-state selection also played a flawless center field for the Crusaders. “She is an outstanding outfielder with a great arm, tracks the ball well and gets to everything that’s hit,” Jesuit coach Jim Speciale said. “She has great speed at the plate and on the bases. She hits from the left side, hits for power, and is a great slapper and bunter.”
3B Brooke Peterson, Sheldon, senior
Peterson played a big part in the Irish’s 6A championship season, earning first-team SBLive Oregon all-state honors after batting .474 (1.332 OPS) with three home runs, 18 RBIs, 48 runs and 25 stolen bases. She signed with Idaho State in November, with Bengals associate coach Rebekah Cervantes saying, “Brooke is a high-level athlete that has great knowledge of the game. She is a true threat at the plate and has the ability to play anywhere on the field.”
IF Brooklyn Lick, Ridgeview, junior
Lick was one of the breakthrough stars in 5A last season as a sophomore, batting .557 (1.507 OPS) with 11 doubles, five triples and 28 RBIs. She was a second-team all-state selection for the Ravens.
P/1B Delaney Hoyle, Lakeridge, senior
Hoyle also broke through last season for the Pacers, making the 6A all-state third team for her work in the circle (14-3, 1.46 ERA, 302 strikeouts and 43 walks in 168 innings) and at the plate (.547 batting average, 1.691 OPS, 11 doubles, 10 home runs, 28 RBIs). The state’s No. 4 prospect according to Softball Northwest has signed to play at Portland State. “Delaney means a lot to the program, not just because of her pitching and hitting, but because of all the work she does with younger athletes in the community, doing lessons and clinics,” said her coach and father, Howard Hoyle. “Because she primarily pitches, you do not get to see what an exceptional fielder she is. She is able to play almost any position at a high level.”
P Despina Seufalemua, The Dalles, junior
Seufalemua was a first-team all-state utility/designated player for the 4A state champion Riverhawks last season, batting a team-best .535 (1.757 OPS) with 12 doubles, 13 home runs and 43 RBIs and backing up 4A pitcher of the year Kennedy Abbas, going 4-0 in seven appearances with a 2.13 ERA. “I look forward to seeing her continue to push herself in the circle as the season progresses,” The Dalles coach Lindy Macnab said. “She is a competitor. Her fastball is near 60 mph, and she has a really beautiful changeup.”
P/IF Destiny Cornwell, Sherwood, junior
Cornwell started last season as the Bowmen’s No. 2 pitcher, but by midseason, she owned the circle, making the 6A all-state second team with a 2.10 ERA and striking out 111 in 85⅔ innings.
P Drew Williams, Grant Union/Prairie City, senior
Williams was the dominant pitcher in 2A/1A last season in leading the Prospectors to their first state title, going 21-3 with a 1.38 ERA, striking out 211 and allowing opponents to bat just .171. The College of Idaho commit is a two-time 2A/1A pitcher of the year. “Drew has been a leader for us since she was a freshman,” said Grant Union/Prairie City coach Zach Williams. “She has led us to the state championship game on the mound all three years and provides an emotional spark and love of the game that is invaluable.”
SS/CF Ella Dardis, Tigard, senior
Dardis is the Tigers’ primary shortstop but occasionally plays another critical defensive position. At either, the third-team 6A all-state selection shines — she batted .407 (1.036 OPS) with four doubles, five triples and 14 RBIs in the leadoff spot last season to help Tigard reach the second round of the state playoffs. “Ella brings a lot of energy and intensity to her play,” Tigers coach Pete Kostel said. “She has a high standard for herself and is hoping to be stronger on the bases this year.”
IF Elle Merlino, Central Catholic, senior
Merlino was a first-team all-Mt. Hood Conference selection last year, when she batted .500 with a .676 on-base percentage, two triples and 11 runs in MHC play to help the Rams reach the 6A state playoffs. The four-year starter signed with Santa Clara University in the fall.
OF/P Ellie Joseph, Oregon City, junior
Joseph stepped up as a sophomore on a team that reached the 6A state championship game, receiving all-state honorable mention in right field after batting .404 (1.067 OPS) with nine doubles, three triples, 14 RBIs and 18 runs. The lefty also backs up all-state pitcher Lily Riley in the circle, going 6-1 in 12 appearances with a 1.60 ERA, 43 strikeouts and 10 walks in 48 innings. “Ellie has always been a strong bat in the lineup for us and a strong outfielder,” Pioneers coach Mackenzie Washington said. “But we expect her to take on more innings in the circle this year to round out our pitching staff.”
SS Evyn Morriss, Westview, senior
Morriss made the 6A all-state second team as a third baseman last season, but she’s moving to shortstop this year for the Wildcats. The Cal State East Bay signee batted .466 with a team-high .554 on-base percentage, scoring 31 runs and driving in 30 and going 13 for 13 stealing bases. “She is a great hitter and looks so good at shortstop,” Westview coach Ronda McKenzie said. “She is one of the best infielders I have ever coached. Evyn provides on-field leadership and has high expectations for herself and her teammates.”
3B Grace Wilson, Wilsonville, senior
As a junior, Wilson made the 5A all-state first team in helping the Wildcats reach the state semifinals, batting a team-leading .510 (1.524 OPS) with 13 doubles, 10 home runs, 53 RBIs and 37 runs. Wilsonville coach Steve Harms described the George Fox commit as “a power hitter with great defensive skills at third base.”
P Holland Jensen, Corvallis, senior
The second-team 5A all-state selection signed with St. Martin’s University in Lacey, Wash., after leading the Spartans to a second consecutive state playoff appearance.
OF Jaydn Puncochar, Forest Grove, senior
Puncochar returns to lead the Vikings this season after making the 6A all-state second team as a junior, batting .430 with eight home runs and a 1.320 OPS.
C Jeilane Stewart, The Dalles, senior
Stewart played a big role in the Riverhawks breaking the state record for home runs in a season (70), blasting 12 and driving in 29 runs, scoring 47, stealing a team-high 16 bases and batting .450 (1.501 OPS) as a first-team 4A all-state selection. The Dalles coach Lindy Macnab recalled the last of her home runs during the team’s 16-0 victory over Henley in the state final on a fake bunt-and-hit call. “She was able to get her hands back from her bunt and hammer the ball out of the park,” Macnab said. “Jeilane has such a powerful bat and can play anywhere on the field and do it well.”
2B Jocelyn Hanan, Eagle Point, senior
Hanan is a two-time 5A all-state selection for the Eagles, making the first team as a sophomore and the second team last season, when she batted .494, scored 46 runs and drove in 30.
P/1B Kadence Morrison, Dallas, senior
Morrison last season was the 5A pitcher of the year and a first-team SBLive Oregon all-state selection in leading the Dragons to their first state championship, going 16-2 with a 1.26 ERA, striking out 164 and walking 27 in 111⅓ innings. She batted .349 with eight RBIs. “She has shown consistent leadership both on and off the field, guiding the team through challenges and setting a positive example for her teammates and future Dallas players,” Dragons coach Brandi Jackson said.
2B Kaelyn Golden, Dallas, senior
While Morrison mowed down batters in the circle, Golden took care of business for the 5A state champion Dragons at the plate, batting .400 with two home runs, 11 RBIs, 34 runs and 13 stolen bases in earning second-team all-state honors. “She is a hard worker, and that has been evident in her performance the last three years,” Dallas coach Brandi Jackson said.
3B Keilani Crichton-Tunai, The Dalles, senior
Crichton-Tunai was a second-team 4A all-state selection last year for the state champion Riverhawks, batting .471 (1.419 OPS) with 10 doubles, eight home runs, 33 RBIs, 39 runs and five stolen bases. She and her twin sister Kaleyah, a center fielder, will play at Mt. Hood Community College next season. “She has worked hard in the offseason to strengthen her bat and continue to develop her skills,” The Dalles coach Lindy Macnab said.
C Kinley Pappas, Sheldon, senior
Pappas was the batterymate for SBLive Oregon pitcher of the year Payton Burnham, making the 6A all-state first team after batting .527 with 18 doubles, three home runs and 26 RBIs. The Utah State signee also can play either corner infield position. “Kinley is a kid who really enjoys the game and is driven to be the very best,” Utah Tech coach Randy Simkins said upon her signing. “She has proven herself in both high school and travel ball that she can hit elite pitching, and we’re excited to see how she competes at the Division I level.”
IF LaTerra Foster-Frison, Gresham, junior
Foster-Frison was a second-team 6A all-state selection last year as a sophomore, when she batted .490 (1.527 OPS) with eight doubles, seven triples, nine home runs and 47 RBIs for the Gophers. “LaTerra is our most explosive player,” Gresham coach Jim Gardenhire said. “At the plate, ‘Tee’ sparks our offense and gets our momentum rolling. She gets to balls none of our other players could, and now as a junior, she gives us a calming, comfortable, reassuring presence on the field.”
CF Lia Komitor, Lake Oswego, senior
Komitor will handle center field duties for the Lakers for a third season after making the 6A all-state second team last year, when she batted .376 (.470 OBP) with five doubles, three triples and a team-high 12 stolen bases. She’ll provide a veteran presence to a lineup stocked with freshmen and sophomores this season. “Lia has been an incredibly consistent player both offensively and defensively over the last three years,” Lake Oswego coach Rob Cavagnaro said. “Her speed on the bases always creates trouble, and her range in the outfield was critical to last year’s success.”
CF Libby Juker, Estacada, senior
Juker has been part of the core of players who led the Rangers to their first 4A state playoff win two years ago and returned to the postseason last season, when she was a first-team all-state selection after batting .500 with 42 RBIs. “Libby is fantastic at leadership, very good at getting the girls pumped up and is very coachable,” Estacada coach Mike Clark said. “I can always count on her to make the play when we are in a tough game.”
P/1B Lily Riley, Oregon City, senior
Riley has pitched the Pioneers to the 6A state final each of the past two seasons and was the hard-luck loser in both games, tossing nine shutout innings as a sophomore before losing in the 10th against Tigard, then no-hitting Sheldon for 6⅓ innings before giving up an unearned run in another 1-0 defeat. The SBLive Oregon first-team all-state selection and Utah Valley signee finished 16-2 with an 0.98 ERA, 211 strikeouts and 30 walks in 129 innings, and she batted .383 (.986 OPS) with nine doubles and 22 RBIs. “I expect Lily to be the heartbeat of the team in the circle,” Oregon City coach Mackenzie Washington said. “She continues to elevate her pitching, and we expect another great season with the ball in her hands.”
P/CF Mackenzie Bekofsky, McMinnville, senior
Bekofsky last season was half of one of the best batteries in the state, earning Pacific Conference pitcher of the year and third-team 6A all-state honors after striking out 76 in 83⅓ innings over 13 starts with a 2.44 ERA. The University of Montana signee batted .404 (.463 OBP) with 10 home runs (giving her 23 over the past two seasons), 41 RBIs, 38 runs and 11 stolen bases. McMinnville coach Josh Terry called her “one of the best to ever put on a Grizzly uniform. From Day 1 as a freshman, Mack has had to carry the load in the circle for us. This season, her leadership will set the tone for our young group.”
C Maddie Holly, Wilsonville, senior
Holly was the NWOC player of the year as a sophomore and made the 5A all-state first team for the second consecutive season last year, when she batted .484 (1.263 OPS) with nine doubles, three home runs and 26 RBIs. In 118 plate appearances, she had 21 walks and struck out just four times. She threw out one-third of the baserunners who attempted to steal against her.
OF Madalynn Sagapouletele, Gresham, sophomore
Sagapouletele won 4A player of the year honors and was a first-team SBLive Oregon all-state selection for The Dalles last year, batting .446 (1.659 OPS) with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs in helping the Riverhawks win the state title. She transferred to Gresham over the summer and will also catch for the Gophers — that is her primary position during club ball. “We are incredibly blessed to have Maddy this year,” Gresham coach Jim Gardenhire said. “Her fun yet serious approach to the game, combined with her skill set and natural abilities, definitely fit right in, and I think she is getting more comfortable. I’m eager to see what she has in store for this season.”
3B/SS Malia Scanlan, Cascade, junior
Scanlan led the Cougars’ young core to the 4A state playoffs last season, earning first-team all-state honors after batting .587 (.652 OBP) with 11 doubles, a school-record 14 home runs, 50 RBIs and 49 runs. She had 16 walks and just five strikeouts in more than 90 plate appearances. “In addition to having a great bat with power, she works extremely hard at her fielding,” Cascade coach Marty Jeppsen said. “She brings a competitive spirit to every practice and game that is infectious to the team.”
C/3B Marti Anderson, La Grande, junior
Anderson batted .506 with eight home runs and 51 RBIs for the Tigers last season, earning first-team 4A all-state honors in leading her team to the state quarterfinals. The College of Idaho commit then drove in 30 runs and batted .417 for her club team. “Marti is a lead-by-example player and person,” La Grande coach Walt Anderson said. “She has continued to work hard in the weight room and offseason hitting and defensive work. I expect her to continue with her steady work ethic and consistent play.”
IF Mya Ward, West Salem, junior
Ward has made the 6A all-state third team each of the past two seasons for the Titans, batting .486 last year with two home runs, 25 RBIs and 22 runs.
P/1B Myleigh Cooper, Scio, junior
Cooper led the Loggers to the 3A state final last season, winning player of the year honors from the state’s coaches after going 22-2 with an 0.49 ERA, 276 strikeouts and 23 walks in 144 innings and batting .603 with six doubles, 15 home runs, 58 RBIs and 49 runs. The Cal Poly signee was walked intentionally 18 times (and 29 total). “She has worked very hard since last year and continues to get better,” Scio coach Jim Mask said. “She sets a great example for the rest of the team and the young players in our community. We’re very excited to see what can be accomplished this year.”
P Natalie Macik, McNary, sophomore
Macik made the 6A all-state first team last season as a freshman designated player, batting .442 with two home runs, 14 RBIs and 18 runs during Central Valley Conference play.
P Payton Burnham, Sheldon, senior
Burnham garnered SBLive Oregon pitcher of the year, Gatorade Player of the Year and first-team Extra Inning Softball All-American honors last season, leading the Irish to the 6A state title by pitching shutouts in each of their five playoff games. She finished the season 30-1 with an 0.19 ERA and 375 strikeouts in 186 innings, and she batted .404 (.674 slugging) with five home runs and 35 RBIs. Burnham, the No. 2 recruit in the state according to Softball Northwest, highlighted Arkansas’ No. 5 recruiting class when she signed in November. “Payton is a tireless worker,” Irish coach Mike Faulconer said. “She has worked incredibly hard to become the player she is today.”
C/3B Presley Lawton, North Medford, senior
Lawton signed with the University of Oregon last fall after winning all-Southwest Conference first-team honors at catcher for the second consecutive year, batting .435 with 29 RBIs. She is ranked No. 3 on Softball Northwest’s class of 2024 state prospect rankings. “We are thrilled to be able to keep Presley home,” Ducks coach Melyssa Lombardi said. “She has impressed me with her versatility and leadership behind the plate.”
P Rowan Thompson, South Salem, senior
Saxons coach Scott McCormick called Thompson, a University of Oregon signee and the state’s No. 5 prospect according to Softball Northwest, “one of the best I’ve ever coached and a driving force in our program for the past three years.” Thompson was a first-team 6A all-state selection last year, when she went 19-6 with a 1.00 ERA, striking out 292 in 154 innings, and she batted .347 with six home runs and 36 RBIs. “Her leadership skills have been amazing as she grows to become a complete all-around player,” McCormick added. “”She will lead a very young and inexperienced team, and hopefully they can grow and improve around her.”
SS Savannah Watterson, Grant Union/Prairie City, junior
Watterson enters her third year as the Prospectors’ starting shortstop after helping them win their first 2A/1A state title, batting .543 (1.387 OPS) with three home runs, 46 RBIs and a .927 fielding percentage and receiving 2A/1A co-player of the year recognition. “She has a plus arm with great range and is dependable,” said Grant Union/Prairie City coach Zach Williams. “She’s a quiet leader that leads by example and never gets outworked.”
CF Serena Hattori, West Albany, senior
Hattori fueled the Bulldogs offense last season, batting .461 (1.277 OPS) with nine doubles, four triples, four home runs, 29 RBIs, nine stolen bases and 38 runs. The first-team 5A all-state selection and Mt. Hood Community College commit struck out one time in 95 plate appearances. “Serena has been a consistent contributor to our program,” West Albany coach Danielle Duman said. “She tracks and reads balls well in the outfield, has a strong arm, is smart on the bases and has a variety of tools she can use in the box.”
C Sierra Llamas, Southridge, junior
Llamas moves behind the plate this year for the Skyhawks after making the 6A all-state second team as an infielder last season, when she batted .473 (1.225 OPS) with 15 doubles and 17 RBIs. The Portland State commit had a .989 fielding percentage. “Sierra has been able to fill gaps the team faced in seasons past, but catcher is her primary position, and she has locked down that role for the foreseeable future,” Southridge coach Christina Archambault said. “She is versatile and successful in any role we put her in. We’re excited to see what this season has in store for her.”
2B Sophia Groshong, Westview, senior
Groshong moved between the outfield and second base last season, when she was a first-team 6A all-state utility player, batting .416 (.960 OPS) with team highs in runs (33) and stolen bases (37 in 39 attempts). Wildcats coach Ronda McKenzie will use her primarily at second base this year, where “her athleticism allows her to make some amazing plays. Sophia will also be our leadoff hitter. She can bunt, slap and hit away and is super speedy. And her positivity is invaluable to the team.”
IF Taylor Aldrich, Bend, junior
The Lava Bears graduated several big bats from their 5A state semifinalist team, which means Aldrich — a second-team all-state selection — takes on a bigger role this season. She batted .402 (1.164 OPS) last year with five home runs, 29 RBIs and 38 runs.
SS Zoe LeBreton, The Dalles, senior
The Riverhawks rode a potent offense (12.1 runs per game) to the 4A state championship last season, and LeBreton powered it with a team-high 49 RBIs and 52 runs, batting .449 (1.421 OPS) with 10 doubles, 11 home runs and 15 stolen bases. The first-team all-state infielder recently committed to Clackamas Community College. “Zoe is such an integral part of our team,” The Dalles coach Lindy Macnab said. “Her bat looks even better this year, and she was pretty solid last year. She has been really working hard in the offseason to improve her mechanics and prepare for college-level softball. And she is such a solid human being off the field.”
