Top 2028 Prospects To Watch In Illinois

Illinois has long been a state where softball talent thrives, and the class of 2028 is shaping up to continue that trend. Across the state, youth softball players are stepping up to the plate and preparing for a big year ahead. These athletes range from power hitters to ace pitchers.   Below, Prep Softball highlights some of the top players from Illinois in the high school graduating class of 2028.    Jocelyn Cushard is a phenomenal right-handed pitcher at Plainfield East High School. Balancing the demands of playing softball and basketball at a high level, Cushard maintains an impressive 4.7 GPA, showcasing her dedication to academics. As a Junior National Honor Society member, Cushard has demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and community service. Her involvement in the Student Council further highlights her leadership skills and dedication to positively impacting her school community. At the plate, she is a formidable hitter, consistently making contact with the ball and driving in runs for her team. Her athleticism and versatility make her a valuable asset to any team she plays for.     In the competitive world of high-level softball, it is challenging to stand out both on the field and in the classroom. Lulu Johnston is someone who does just that, balancing a rigorous academic schedule with a demanding sports life. With her 4.2 GPA, Johnston exemplifies the true meaning of a student-athlete. On the field, she is a force to be reckoned with. Boasting an impressive 68 mph overhand velocity, she has a powerful arm that makes her a valuable asset to any team. Her skills don't stop there, however, as Johnston is also known for her excellent glove and bat, making her a well-rounded player who can contribute both defensively and offensively to any team. As a lefty batter with home run power, Johnston consistently delivers at the plate, driving in runs and changing the course of games with her powerful swings.     As a power hitter, [player_tooltip player_id='103069' first='Isabella' last='Marinaro'] has a reputation for making the ball fly. With a natural ability to hit for distance and consistency, she's become known for her explosive presence at the plate. Her offensive statistics from the fall season speak for themselves: a .300 batting average, 28 RBIs, and 3 home runs. Add in 14 stolen bases, and it's clear that her speed, agility, and presence on the field are just as formidable as her bat. But this power hitter doesn't just shine in the batter's box. Her defensive prowess as a catcher is where she truly shines. Verified by USA Softball, her best pop-time is an impressive 1.76 seconds, a mark of excellence that places her among the best in the nation. What makes her even more impressive is her consistency—she regularly maintains a pop-time of 1.88 seconds or under. During the fall season, she also logged 117 innings behind the plate with a fielding percentage of .967.     Sophia Kateeb's journey began at a young age, and her talent was evident early on. She earned a spot as a USA Softball All-American at just 12 years old—a rare and prestigious achievement that signifies her elite level of play among her peers. Beyond natural talent, one of the key elements to her success is her dedication to honing her skills. She regularly takes private pitching lessons ensuring that her mechanics, speed, and pitch control are constantly improving. These one-on-one coaching sessions have allowed her to fine-tune her delivery and gain a deeper understanding of the game's nuances. This fall, she hit a personal record of 65 mph on her pitches, a feat that demonstrates her raw arm strength and ability to generate impressive velocity. Throwing at this speed at a young age places her in an elite class of pitchers and signals that she's well on her way to becoming a dominant force in the circle in the years to come.     As a USSSA Direct Invitee for three consecutive years (2022, 2023, and 2024), Raegan Wojowski has proven herself. She stands among the elite players in the country. In addition to her USSSA recognition, she was named a USA Softball All-American in 2023. Building on her success, this athlete was also selected as a USA HPP National Selection Invitee for both 2023 and 2024. As a right-handed power hitter, Wojowski can turn games around with a single swing of the bat. Her impressive power at the plate consistently allows her to hit for both average and distance, making her a constant threat to opposing pitchers. As a catcher, she excels in all areas—blocking, framing pitches, and managing pitchers. She has an exceptional ability to control the game from behind the plate. She brings leadership and poise to her position. Her quick reflexes, high softball IQ, and ability to read the game make her a formidable presence behind the plate and a player to watch for years to come.

Illinois has long been a state where softball talent thrives, and the class of 2028 is shaping up to continue that trend. Across the state, youth softball players are stepping up to the plate and preparing for a big year ahead. These athletes range from power hitters to ace pitchers.