Top 2028 Prospects To Watch In North Carolina

<p>North Carolina's softball scene is witnessing a remarkable rise in talent within the 2028 high school class. These young athletes demonstrate exceptional skills and a strong commitment to their academic pursuits as well. Their hard work and stellar performances will certainly allow them to capture the attention of college coaches this summer.</p>   <p>Below, Prep Softball highlights some of the top players from North Carolina in the high school graduating class of 2028.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Team NC</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Zoey Woodruff is a standout multi-sport athlete at West Wilkes High School, shining in volleyball, basketball, and softball, while also maintaining a GPA of 4.125. As a freshman, she earned All-Conference honors for the 2024-2025 basketball season. On the softball field, Woodruff displays great competitiveness and leadership. She was named captain of the varsity team for 2025 as a freshman. Woodruff demonstrates outstanding speed and power at the plate and on the base paths. Her coach confidently stated that she could play most positions on the field and perform at a high level. Zoey Woodruff is an outstanding athlete committed to helping those around her, both in softball and beyond. Known for her incredible athleticism and talent, she stands out as a natural leader on the field. Alongside her dedication to sports, Woodruff excels academically, which will undoubtedly lead her to achieve great things at the next level.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Landyn Smith is an exceptional High Point Christian Academy athlete with a 4.0 GPA. As a freshman, she has already earned varsity letters in softball, basketball, and volleyball, demonstrating her athleticism and versatility. She started competing at the high school level in middle school and contributed to her team's two 3A North Carolina state championships. Raised in an athletic family, Smith attributes her success to their support. Her coach praises her ability to thrive under pressure and impact the game in various ways. She is known for her speed, bat control, and on-base skills. At the plate, she is a quick slapper with the ability to create chaos for the defense. She showcases her speed in the outfield and on the bases to take extra bases and track fly balls down. Smith poses a challenge to any opponent and, with her dedication as a student-athlete, is well-positioned for a bright future ahead.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Abigail "Eggs" Smith is a dedicated athlete on the Team NC-Pritchard 16U team, excelling as a right-handed pitcher and utility player. She represents Forsyth Home Educators and maintains a 4.0 GPA. Smith has also earned numerous accolades, including the 2025 Hot Stove Youth Player of the Year award and 2024 CSAA All-State honors. In her 2024 high school season, she achieved a .591 batting average and a .634 on-base percentage. Known for her exceptional batting skills and strong work ethic, Smith demonstrates a team-first mentality in games and practices. She is a versatile player who excels at the plate, consistently finding ways to reach base due to skills developed with her coaches. She often pitches on the field and plays various positions as a utility player. Smith shows dedication to academics and athletics, preparing for future opportunities at the next level.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">NC Challengers</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Adison Gardner is an outstanding student-athlete at Grace Christian School, boasting an impressive GPA of 3.9. She has consistently earned a place on the A Honor Roll, demonstrating a strong academic commitment. In addition to her academic achievements, Gardner excels in athletics, showcasing exceptional speed, agility, and explosive power on the softball field, making her a dynamic triple threat. Her unwavering work ethic and dedication to excellence have made her a two-time Dixie Softball Champion. Gardner showcases her speed at the plate, on the bases, and in the outfield, making her an invaluable asset to any lineup. She is well on her way to achieving great things and has a promising future ahead at the collegiate level.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Madison Newell is a dominant player and catcher from Southwest Guilford High School. Newell maintains a 4.2 GPA, consistently earning A Honor Roll recognition and proving her commitment to excellence extends beyond athletics. She is known as being a dominant force behind the plate, showcasing her strong arm by throwing runners out and using her voice to help lead her team. At the plate, she works hard to get on base, whether it's via a base hit or a shot in the gap. Newell's exceptional talent earned her a starting position on the varsity softball team as a freshman, showcasing her skills and strong work ethic. She consistently seeks ways to improve her performance on the field and at the plate. With her athletic and academic successes, Newell is on her way to a promising collegiate career in the future.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Kaelyn Houston is an outstanding first baseman from Overhills High School. She made a significant impact by earning a spot on the varsity softball team as a freshman, which is an incredible achievement in her second playing season. Houston's power from the left side continues to develop, making her a consent offensive threat. In the field, she plays a great first base, with quick reflexes and the ability to scoop any short hops that may come her way. Houston's dedication to improvement is evident on and off the field, as she maintains a strong 3.8 GPA and has earned A Honor Roll recognition. Her strong work ethic, talent, and dedication will ensure her success as a student-athlete.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lady Dukes</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Kailey Garner is an outstanding third baseman from South Central High School, showcasing her talents as a dedicated student-athlete. She maintains a 4.0 GPA and has received recognition on the A/B Honor Roll. Additionally, she serves as an AVID Student Leader. As a versatile multi-sport athlete, Garner excels in both softball and volleyball. She plays for the Lady Dukes National Burden/Lamar team and is recognized for her impressive defensive skills and powerful hitting. She consistently finds a way to advance runners and drive in runs. As a third baseman, she has quick reflexes, a strong arm, and excellent glove work. Her coach stated that she is a lockdown corner infielder for her team. Garner consistently demonstrates her leadership skills, whether on the softball field, the volleyball court, or in school. Her versatile athletic abilities, leadership skills, and strong academics will soon lead her to a great university.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Callie Hill is a versatile middle infielder and utility player from Weddington High School. She is a dynamic leader for the Lady Dukes 2028 Premier Burden/Lamar team, excelling at multiple positions. When she does play as a middle infielder, she showcases her leadership skills and exceptional glove work. When she gets on base, her impressive speed keeps defenses on their toes, as she finds a way to take extra bases in any way she can. Academically, Hill maintains a 4.1 GPA and earns A/B Honor Roll recognition while taking Advanced Placement and Honors classes. Outside of her athletic and academic pursuits, she actively gives back to her community through the Mentors Club and Boxes Against Hunger programs. Hill is passionate about sports and aims to study Sports Management in college. Her quickness, leadership skills, and academic success will help her advance to the next level.</p>

North Carolina's softball scene is witnessing a remarkable rise in talent within the 2028 high school class. These young athletes demonstrate exceptional skills and a strong commitment to their academic pursuits as well. Their hard work and stellar performances will certainly allow them to capture the attention of college coaches this summer.