Top 2027 Prospects To Watch In Arizona

<p>The Arizona softball scene is thriving, as the class of 2027 begins to make a significant mark with its group of highly-skilled young athletes.</p>   <p>These players are shaping the future of the sport by showcasing their talent in the circle, at the plate, and on the field. They consistently demonstrate an impressive combination of power, precision, and leadership. With outstanding performances in high school ball and on club teams, this talented group is quickly becoming a formidable presence in the sport.</p>   <p>Below, Prep Softball highlights some of the top prospects from Arizona in the high school graduating class of 2027.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Arizona Hotshots</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Sofia Pacheco is an outstanding student-athlete at Xavier College Prep, where she maintains an impressive 3.75 GPA, demonstrating her dedication to academics. She is a versatile player, excelling as a right-handed pitcher, middle infielder, and outfielder. As a freshman, she played a vital role in her varsity team's victory at the state championships and showcased her pitching skills at PGF Nationals in 2024. In the circle, Pacheco mixes all her pitches well and commands the zone with each of them. Known for her reliable drop and rise ball, she often complements those pitches with her fastball and changeup, keeping opponents off balance in the box. Offensively, Pacheco finds ways to put pressure on the defense, especially with her impressive speed, with a 2.8-second home-to-first time. Her travel coach stated that one of her greatest assets is her composure under pressure—Pacheco remains calm and focused in any situation, never getting too high or too low, which makes her a key player. Sofia Pacheco's ability to remain composed under pressure, command the field as a pitcher, and express her passion for the game will continue to guide her to her future collegiate program.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Breanna Gonzalez is an impressive athlete at Sunrise Mountain High School, maintaining a 3.0 GPA. As a talented middle infielder and outfielder, she immediately impacted the varsity team as a freshman. She also played a crucial role in helping her team qualify for the Alliance Nationals in 2025. Recently, Gonzalez has transitioned to slapping, which has added a new dimension to her offensive game. Her speed is another key asset, as she features an impressive time of 2.8 seconds from home to first base, making her a constant threat at the top of the lineup. Defensively, Gonzalez is a versatile fielder who excels at second base and continues refining her shortstop skills. She is determined and continually improves her game by taking extra reps in practice and spending more time in the batting cages. Her strong work ethic and athleticism make her a standout player on and off the field.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Arizona Rising Appel/Hamel</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Isabella Cadena is an outstanding softball player at Basha High School and is recognized as one of the top athletes in the 2027 class. She combines speed, power, and a strong work ethic to lead by example on the field. Known for her competitiveness, she is a formidable presence in every game. From the outfield, Cadena is known for her strong voice and exceptional speed and skill. She is a powerhouse on offense, showcasing her talent consistently. Her leadership stands out, as her teammates admire her and she fosters a culture of sportsmanship and unity among them. Off the field, Cadena maintains a GPA of 3.5, excelling academically while also balancing the demands of her athletic schedule. Her commitment to sports and academics demonstrates her discipline and goal-oriented mindset, which will serve her well at the next level.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Alessia Velazquez is a dedicated Queen Creek High School athlete, maintaining a 3.5 GPA. One of her proudest achievements in sports is making the varsity team for the 6A Queen Creek High School team as a freshman, for whom she made significant contributions on a journey to the state championship game. She strives for improvement on the field, valuing her teammates, coaches, and the chance to compete. She often plays shortstop, covering a ton of ground and showcasing her strong arm and athletic ability. Alessia Velazquez is a formidable player at the plate, demonstrating excellent ball control and impressive power. Off the field, she focuses on improving her skills while cherishing time spent with her family, who are central to her life. As a well-rounded elite student-athlete, Velazquez respects the game and enjoys the thrill of competition. Because of these qualities, she will excel at the next level.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Claire Achilles is a highly-motivated and talented Tanque Verde High School athlete. She has a strong academic record with a 3.75 GPA, demonstrating her dedication and commitment to excellence in academics and athletics. Known for her fierce competitiveness, Achilles approaches every game with intensity and passion, inspiring her teammates to give their best. On the field, she commands the circle and the strike zone, and she excels at tracking down fly balls in the outfield. She is a truly versatile athlete. She earned accolades like the Silver City Tournament MVP and the Snowflake Player of the Game in high school. Off the field, Achilles focuses on personal training to boost her speed, strength, and health, preparing her for the next level. She excels in academics and sports, while also serving on the Student Council and earning honors like Honor Roll and Student of the Week.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Lilly Hamel stands 5'10" tall and excels as a skilled right-handed pitcher and outfielder. With an impressive GPA of 4.30, she excels both on the field and in the classroom. Moreover, Hamel demonstrates her determination by performing well under pressure and confidently taking the ball during critical game moments. During her freshman season, she led her team to the final four in the playoffs. Her remarkable talent was evident as she dominated opponents, achieving an impressive 21 victories while pitching 172 innings. Hamel continues to dominate for the Arizona Rising travel team, outperforming some of the top teams in the country. Off the field, Hamel values time spent with her family and the additional effort she puts in. With her strong work ethic, she dedicates herself to mastering pitching techniques, specifically perfecting her spin. Hamel aims to showcase her skills and dominance in her sophomore season to help her team and attract collegiate interest.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='107003' first='Angie' last='Falls'] is a talented right-handed pitcher and outfielder from Xavier High School. She has a GPA of 4.10 and is highly focused on her academics. She shines as a two-way player, excelling in pitching and hitting during her freshman year. Falls secured 22 wins, leading her team to the 6A state championship. She achieved an impressive batting average of .495 at the plate, also hitting 5 home runs and recording 41 RBIs. She quickly established herself as one of Arizona's top performers in pitching and hitting categories. On the field, Falls is recognized for her calm and confident demeanor, consistently supporting her teammates. She is a proud member of the 2024 Sports 360 AZ All-Academic team. Falls has received several accolades, including selections to the 6A Premier All-Region Team and the 6A All-District Team. At Xavier College Preparatory, she's earned first honors every semester, showcasing her commitment to academics and athletics. She has a strong work ethic and continuously seeks to enhance her hitting and pitching skills for the next level. [player_tooltip player_id='107003' first='Angie' last='Falls'] is eager to continue showcasing her elite skills and strong work ethic in both athletics and academics.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TN Mojo</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Brooke Curtis is a skilled and dedicated softball player from Queen Creek High School. She excels as both an outfielder and a right-handed pitcher for the Queen Creek team and the Tennessee Mojo Morales/Ramsey squad, which is one of the club's Arizona teams. Curtis maintains a 3.5 GPA, demonstrating her ability to balance athletics and academics effectively. Her leadership skills and commitment beyond the softball field were recognized when she was honored as an FFA Greenhand. Curtis is known for her powerful hitting on the field and has accumulated 13 home runs. Her pitching abilities contributed to Leading Edge Academy winning a state title in 2023 before her transfer. Off the field, Curtis is recognized for her hard-working, team-first attitude. She is always willing to do whatever her team needs, showcasing her leadership and versatility. Brooke Curtis's commitment to her sport, academics, and personal development makes her a well-rounded and respected athlete.</p>

The Arizona softball scene is thriving, as the class of 2027 begins to make a significant mark with its group of highly-skilled young athletes.