Top 2027 Prospects To Watch In Oregon

<p>As we look to the future of softball in Oregon, the class of 2027 is emerging as one of the most talented groups in recent memory, making this an exciting time for the sport in the Beaver State.</p>   <p>This article highlights the top prospects in the 2027 class, featuring student-athletes already demonstrating remarkable skill and potential—whether as elite pitchers, power hitters, or versatile utility players. They thrive on the field and excel in the classroom, demonstrating their commitment to being elite student-athletes.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">NW Vandals</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Cadence Kennedy is an outstanding multi-sport athlete from Mountain View High School in Oregon, maintaining a GPA of 3.86. She excels as a varsity athlete in both basketball and softball. Kennedy made the varsity softball team as a freshman and earned the title of Bend Bulletin Athlete of the Week for her remarkable performance in Central Oregon sports. Additionally, she is a proud member of the NW Vandals-Morton travel team. As an exceptional teammate, Kennedy is known for her strong work ethic, coachability, and leadership skills. Defensively, she is a versatile player, primarily serving as a catcher, while also occasionally playing shortstop. Kennedy showcases her strong arm and outstanding defensive abilities, regardless of her position. She demonstrates power and consistency at the plate and is a dynamic baserunner with impressive speed. Overall, Cadence Kennedy is not only a gifted student-athlete who excels on the field and in the classroom, but she is also a positive presence among her teammates. Her hard work and exceptional play will surely attract college coaches' attention.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">High Desert Renegades</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Cassidy Sandgren is a talented multi-sport athlete from Bend High School, excelling in softball, basketball, and tennis. As a freshman, she significantly contributed to the Bend softball team's 5A state championship, and earned First-Team All-League honors as a first baseman. Cassidy played for the High Desert Renegades this past summer and fall, but will not participate in travel softball this summer due to family commitments. Cassidy Sandgren demonstrates impressive versatility in her athletic abilities, confidently playing both corner infield positions. She also showcases a strong arm and exceptional defensive skills in the infield. At the plate, Sandgren possesses remarkable home run power, exceptional speed, and a batting average close to .500. She is known for putting pressure on the defense in every way possible. Cassidy excels as a student-athlete, balancing her commitments with hard work and strong leadership qualities. Her dedication will undoubtedly advance her college prospects.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Oregon Blaze</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Khloe Long is an exceptional first and third baseman from Banks High School. She maintains an impressive 3.8 GPA and was named to the honor roll as a freshman, showcasing her dedication to being a student-athlete. In her first high school softball season, Long made the varsity squad and excelled, earning a spot on the Third-Team All-Conference team. Additionally, Long is a proud member of the Oregon Blaze Boynay 18A team, where she has also distinguished herself as a standout player. She possesses quick reflexes and a sharp in-game IQ as a corner infielder. She uses her leadership skills and positive attitude to guide her teammates in the infield during games. Long is a powerful hitter with many high school and travel ball home runs and doubles. She is a dedicated student-athlete who also volunteers with local Little League softball teams. Her commitment to continuous improvement, leadership, and hard work will help her find the right collegiate team for her.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Washington Ladyhawks - King</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='100750' first='Ashlynne' last='Franssen'] is a right-handed pitcher from Gladstone High School. She is a dedicated student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA, balancing her academic and athletic responsibilities. As a freshman, she was named to the honor roll. Known for her impressive work ethic and stamina, Franssen consistently performs at her best in most games. She earned the MVP award for Fastpitch Cares Oregon and was recognized as a Second-Team All-League pitcher last season. In addition to softball, she is also a member of the Gladstone basketball team, showcasing her versatility and athleticism. She enjoys running and weightlifting in her free time, contributing to her overall stamina and game performance. When she steps into the pitching circle, she does so with confidence. Franssen excels at spinning the ball and commands the strike zone with each pitch. Offensively, she is a power hitter, consistently making hard contact with the ball and using her speed to take extra bases. She is athletic, takes pride in weightlifting, and strives to get stronger whenever possible. [player_tooltip player_id='100750' first='Ashlynne' last='Franssen'] has dedication and a strong work ethic, which are two characteristics that collegiate coaches highly value.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Dixie Pokladnik is an outstanding shortstop from Oregon City High School. She maintains a 3.0 GPA, while also balancing her dedication to softball. She is also a proud member of the Washington Ladyhawks 16U King team based in Oregon. Pokladnik exhibits exceptional skill on the field, handling the ball from various angles with confidence and precision. She attacks the ball well, making tough plays look easy and making her an elite presence in the infield. As a shortstop, she often showcases her voice to lead the rest of the infield throughout games. Pokladnik's exceptional footwork lets her cover ground quickly and use her strong arm to make deep throws from the five-six hole. Beyond her defensive abilities, she is a force at the plate. Dixie Pokladnik exudes unmatched confidence when she steps into the batter's box. With each swing, she demonstrates significant power, and her impressive speed often allows her to take extra bases, putting pressure on the opposing defense. As a student-athlete, her passion for the game and commitment to excellence make her an ideal candidate for collegiate coaches.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Preps Academy</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Samantha Pokorny is a talented pitcher and utility player from Sam Barlow High School. She maintains a 4.0 GPA, reflecting her commitment to being a dedicated student-athlete. She hopes to study Chemistry once she gets to college. Additionally, she is a proud Preps Academy 16U - Darling team member. Once Pokorny steps onto the field, her passion for the game is evident in her play. Her dedication to improving her skills keeps her competitive in high school and travel ball leagues and tournaments. As a pitcher, she confidently commands the circle, spinning the ball and effectively targeting the strike zone. Beyond her pitching skills, Pokorny is a versatile team player, willing to play any position as needed. Samantha Pokorny is a dependable contact hitter and a consistent presence on the bases. Known for her coachability and strong leadership skills, she was named a team captain. Her dedication, passion for the game, and hard work both on the field and in the classroom make her an ideal player for any collegiate coach looking to strengthen their roster.</p>

As we look to the future of softball in Oregon, the class of 2027 is emerging as one of the most talented groups in recent memory, making this an exciting time for the sport in the Beaver State.