Top 2027 Prospects To Watch In North Dakota

<p>Softball may not yet be as popular in North Dakota as it is in other regions of the U.S., but the class of 2027 is emerging as one of the state's most promising classes yet. Young softball players across the state are raising the bar in speed, power, and athleticism, and are on a promising path to excel at the collegiate level.</p>   <p>Below, Prep Softball highlights some of the top players in North Dakota from the high school graduating class of 2027.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dakota Selects</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Chloe Papenfuss is an exceptional Dakota Selects 16U National team member, excelling as a catcher and second baseman. As a team captain, she earned All-American honors in Region 8 and helped her squad win back-to-back North Dakota state championships in 2022 and 2023. Behind the plate, she consistently demonstrates her leadership skills and strong arm. In the batter's box, she is a clutch hitter, known for her ability to get on base, while also showcasing her power. Papenfuss maintains a 3.6 GPA off the field at West Fargo High School, demonstrating her commitment to being a student-athlete. She demonstrates coachability, consistently brings positive energy to every game and practice, and possesses a strong softball IQ. Chloe Papenfuss's versatility, leadership skills, and commitment to academic excellence make her a valuable asset to any college program.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Izzy Owens is an exceptional catcher and outfielder from Bismarck High School, where she maintains a perfect 4.0 GPA. She was recently recognized as the Student of the Month, reflecting her dedication and focus in the classroom. In 2022, Owens helped her high school team win a state championship, and in 2024, her squad finished as the state runner-up. She proudly serves as the captain of the Dakota Selects 16U National team, showcasing her leadership skills. With a strong softball IQ and a drive to improve, she is a tough competitor at the plate. Izzy Owens showcases her athleticism and versatility, whether behind the plate or in the outfield. Her vocal leadership and strong support for teammates, along with her commitment to athletics, will benefit her at the collegiate level.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='99584' first='Tristyn' last='Struck'] is an exceptional Dakota Selects 16U National team member, as she consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and the determination to improve her game. A versatile athlete, she excels at shortstop and the outfield positions, bringing competitiveness to every game she plays in, regardless of where she plays on the field. She has earned recognition for her athleticism, arm strength, and ability to cover a significant amount of ground in both the infield and outfield. She consistently motivates herself and her teammates to achieve their best results, and her positive attitude is infectious. [player_tooltip player_id='99584' first='Tristyn' last='Struck'] also maintains a 4.0 GPA at Horace High School. Her passion for the game and commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom suggest a bright future ahead of her in college.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Iowa Premier</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jocelyn Berg excels as a right-handed pitcher and infielder for the Iowa Premier National team. She maintains a 4.3 GPA at Red River High School in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and has earned the Presidential Scholar Award. In addition to her athletic achievements, she is an accomplished musician, receiving regional recognition. On the field, Jocelyn Berg is a three-time varsity softball letterwinner and a two-time All-State selection. She contributed to the 2023 USA Softball Northern National Champion team and earned recognition as North Dakota's top player for 2025. <span style="font-size: revert;font-family: var(--wp--preset--font-family--system-fonts)">Additionally, Berg is a USA All-American and a two-time USSSA All-American. She has just been voted team captain for her Red River team this season. Berg effectively commands the zone in the circle with all her pitches, keeping batters off balance. Her leadership, positivity, and strong work ethic will serve her well at the next level.</span></p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Dickinson Diamonds</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Maddie Bren is a versatile multi-sport athlete who excels in softball and volleyball. She attends Dickinson High School, and played a crucial role on the North Dakota Class A softball state championship teams in 2023 and 2024. Additionally, she was instrumental in leading her team to victory in the 2023 North Dakota B Region 7 volleyball championship. Bren is skilled at multiple positions on the softball field, including third base, second base, and catcher. She has strong hitting abilities and a powerful arm, making her a valuable asset to her school and travel teams. Outside of sports, Maddie Bren has an impressive 3.7 GPA, reflecting her dedication to her academic pursuits. She is enthusiastic about showcasing her skills and positive energy as she aims to advance in her athletic career.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Reagan McMahen is a dynamic two-sport athlete who excels in volleyball and softball at Dickinson High School. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, she maintains an impressive 3.9 GPA. McMahen is a strong classroom performer and a key contributor to her teams' successes, having helped secure the Class A state championships in 2023 and 2024. She is a versatile player in the pitching rotation for her high school and travel teams, as she commands the zone well and finds ways to compete. You may also see her tracking down fly balls in the outfield when she is not in the circle. McMahen is committed to giving back to the sport by coaching and encouraging young players in her club organization. Her strong hitting and pitching skills, along with her academic success, make her a valuable asset to her future collegiate team.</p>

Softball may not yet be as popular in North Dakota as it is in other regions of the U.S., but the class of 2027 is emerging as one of the state's most promising classes yet. Young softball players across the state are raising the bar in speed, power, and athleticism, and are on a promising path to excel at the collegiate level.