Top 2028 Prospects To Watch In Iowa

The state of Iowa has long been a breeding ground for exceptional softball talent, consistently producing athletes who excel at both regional and national levels. As we look ahead to the class of 2028, several young prospects have already begun to make their mark on the field, showcasing skills and potential that suggest promising futures in the sport.   Below, Prep Softball highlights some of the top prospects from Iowa in the high school graduating class of 2028.    Dylan Amling is a standout catcher with a commanding presence behind the plate. She demonstrates exceptional leadership by working tirelessly for her pitchers and effectively communicating with her team to ensure smooth in-game execution. Her ability to control the game defensively, block well, and frame pitches makes her a reliable asset behind the dish. Offensively, Dylan possesses significant power at the plate. She has a natural ability to drive the ball, consistently displaying home run power and the ability to change the game with one swing. Not only is she a power threat, but she also maintains a high batting average, proving her consistency and well-rounded approach at the plate. Dylan's work ethic, leadership skills, and ability to perform in high-pressure situations make her a valuable player for both Kennedy High School and Nebraska Gold.     Sophia Caudle is a dynamic outfielder with a strong combination of speed, arm strength, and offensive consistency. As an 8th grader, she put up impressive numbers, hitting .445/.496/.479 with 49 singles, showcasing her ability to consistently put the ball in play and get on base. Her ability to rise to the occasion was evident in the state tournament, where she batted an outstanding .667 and swiped five bases, proving her effectiveness as a clutch performer. Defensively, Sophia possesses a 65 mph throwing velocity, allowing her to cover ground efficiently and make strong, accurate throws from the outfield. Her 2.8-second, 60-ft sprint highlights her speed, making her a threat both on the basepaths and in the field. Her defensive range and quick reactions make her an asset in the outfield, capable of making tough plays and preventing extra-base hits. Sophia's standout performance as an underclassman earned her Third-Team All-State honors. She also received First-Team MAC honors. These honors solidified her as one of the top young talents in the region.     [player_tooltip player_id='101988' first='Adilynn' last='Banks'] is a versatile and high-impact player who excels both offensively and defensively. Primarily a third baseman, she also has the ability to play catcher, showcasing her adaptability and strong defensive skill set. With quick hands and a strong, accurate throw, she is a reliable presence in the infield, capable of making tough plays with ease. Offensively, Adilynn brings power and consistency to the plate. Her 71 mph exit velocity translates to a dangerous bat, capable of driving the ball with authority and sending it over the fence. Her .364/.481/.485/.966 stat line as a freshman highlights her ability to get on base, produce runs for her team, and deliver extra-base power. With 24 hits, 15 RBIs, and 2 home runs, she is a key offensive contributor and a run producer in any lineup.     Charlie Damstetter is an elite two-way player with the versatility to impact the game in multiple ways. As a right-handed pitcher, she commands the circle with confidence, controlling the game and keeping hitters off balance. During the Perfect Game 14U Softball Super Regionals, she delivered 9.1 innings of work with 7 strikeouts, demonstrating her ability to compete at a high level. Offensively, Charlie is a formidable left-handed hitter with the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Her .500 batting average and .545 on-base percentage during the tournament, along with 5 singles, 3 doubles, and 2 triples, highlights her gap-to-gap power and consistency at the plate. She is also a run-producer, tallying 8 RBIs and scoring 10 runs, proving her ability to deliver in clutch situations. Charlie's speed and aggression on the bases make her an even greater offensive threat. Her combination of pitching ability, offensive power, speed, and defensive versatility makes her a high-level competitor with amazing abilities that could translate well at the next level.     Rylee Kluver, a middle infielder from West Des Moines, is a rising prospect with a diverse skill set and strong potential. At the plate, Rylee is a right-handed hitter with a fluid, athletic swing and excellent barrel control. Her mechanics and timing allow her to stay on plane with pitches, producing consistent contact. As she continues to build strength, her power numbers are expected to increase, making her a key offensive threat in the future. Defensively, Rylee excels as a middle infielder, showcasing quick reflexes, solid glove work, and a sharp first step. She makes difficult plays look easy. She plays her position with confidence and is consistently improving her footwork and range, positioning herself for continued growth. Rylee sets the tone for the rest of the infield, staying vocal and keeping her teammates engaged. She combines defensive excellence, athleticism, and a high softball IQ to control the game and make an impact on both sides of the ball. Her skills make her a phenomenal athlete with the ability to go far in the sport.

The state of Iowa has long been a breeding ground for exceptional softball talent, consistently producing athletes who excel at both regional and national levels. As we look ahead to the class of 2028, several young prospects have already begun to make their mark on the field, showcasing skills and potential that suggest promising futures in the sport.