Top 2028 Prospects To Watch In Nebraska

<p>Nebraska continues to produce some of the nation's top softball talent, and the 2028 class is no exception to that. These rising stars have already established themselves with outstanding performances on the field, displaying elite skills, a strong work ethic, and competitiveness.</p>   <p>This list highlights some of the state's most promising athletes, including dominant pitchers, powerful hitters, and skillful catchers. As these young athletes grow and develop, they are poised to make a significant impact both now and at the next level.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nebraska Gold</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='145442' first='Remy' last='Sunken'] is a dynamic right-handed pitcher and infielder known for her competitive spirit and leadership, which sets her apart both on and off the field. She is a student at Lincoln North Star High School, where she upholds an impressive academic record with a GPA of 3.78 and honor roll recognition. She plays for the Nebraska Gold 14U Zach team and consistently demonstrates adaptability and a willingness to do whatever is necessary for her team to win. Sunken thrives under pressure, which is crucial in high-level competition. She excels as a right-handed pitcher, effectively commanding the strike zone, and as an infielder. Her versatility and athleticism are evident in her defensive skills. Sunken has earned a varsity letter for her Lincoln North Star team, highlighting her role as a key player and natural leader. She consistently motivates herself and her teammates to excel at the highest level.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Johanna "Jo" Warriner is an elite Nebraska Gold 14U Zach team member. She attends Papillion South High School, where she effectively balances her athletic and academic commitments. Warriner maintains an impressive 4.1 GPA and consistently earns a spot on the 9th grade honor roll. She trains with her team and also participates in track and field to improve her speed and agility. Her success in various sports highlights her versatility, particularly beyond just the softball field. Whether she is using her leadership behind the plate or handling the ball well at the hot corner, Warriner showcases her quick reflexes and sharp decision-making skills on defense. She is recognized for her intense passion and fierce competitiveness in all her academic and athletic pursuits. Warriner's unwavering love for the game, strong work ethic, and dedication to competition make her a standout in every way.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Lily Johnson is a versatile player for Nebraska Gold '09 Swift and the Millard North High School softball team. At Millard North High School, she demonstrates her athletic skills by earning a varsity letter and excels academically with a GPA of 4.167. Johnson is known for her versatility, as she can play eight different positions on the field, making her an invaluable asset to any lineup. She commands the field with strong leadership skills and excellent communication with her pitchers when she is behind the plate. Her strong arm is a significant asset both behind the plate and in the field. At the plate, she demonstrates impressive power and effectively uses small ball tactics by leveraging her speed to reach base. With her adaptability, strong work ethic, and natural talent, Johnson is a player to watch as she continues to develop her skills.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Ella Tinsman is an exceptional player for the Nebraska Gold '09 Swift team, excelling as a pitcher and first baseman. As a student at Hastings High School, she has an impressive GPA of 4.5. In addition to her softball success, Tinsman is a multi-sport athlete who thrives in basketball. In the pitching circle, Tinsman stands out thanks to her height and precise control, which consistently keeps hitters off balance. When she isn't pitching, she often plays first base. Offensively, she showcases significant power, demonstrating her ability to hit numerous home runs. Tinsman's exceptional performance has garnered her multiple accolades, including a 2024 All-Eastern Midland Conference selection, a First-Team Lincoln Journal Star Class B honor, and a Second-Team Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska selection. With her combination of athletic talent, versatility, and academic success, Tinsman is most certainly a player to watch in the 2028 class.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Dylan Glatter is an exceptional catcher and utility player for Nebraska Gold '09 Swift and Skutt High School. As a dedicated student-athlete, she maintains a 4.0 GPA, successfully balancing her academic achievements with her elite softball skills. While she may not be the tallest player on the field, her impact is undeniable. Glatter is known for her exceptional receiving skills as a catcher, demonstrating her attention to detail and illustrating how her hard work is paying off. Offensively, she boasts an extremely high contact rate and has the power to hit home runs. She is a player you want at the plate when runners are on base, as she consistently gets things in motion. Her talent earned her All-State Class B Honorable Mention selections from both the Omaha World-Herald and the Lincoln Journal Star in 2024. Glatter's game IQ, talent, and leadership, both on and off the field, make her another standout player from Nebraska Gold with a promising future ahead.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nebraska Thunder</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Aubrey Burdorf is a fierce competitor and a true gamechanger on the field. She is a right-handed pitcher and middle infielder for Nebraska Thunder National - Piatt and Millard West High School. Burdorf has already built an impressive resume, earning a First-Team All-Metro Coaches Association Class A selection and serving as the Metro Coaches Association Freshman of the Year runner-up. She was also the winner of the 2024 Midwest Nationals MVP award and the 2025 CIS March Slugfest MVP honor. During the 2023-2024 Nebraska Thunder season, she pitched 99 innings with 183 strikeouts, ending the campaign with a .434 batting average. As a clutch performer, she excels under pressure and elevates her teammates to new heights. She excels both on the field and in the classroom, maintaining a 3.65 GPA. Plus, she always works hard to improve her skills when she is not at practice or studying. Burdorf's talent, determination, and passion for the game will serve her well at the next level.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Graclyn Simmons is an exceptional athlete from Nebraska Thunder National - Piatt. She attends Grand Island Northwest High School and maintains a 4.0 GPA. As a dominant right-handed pitcher and first baseman, she achieved an impressive 1.91 ERA and recorded 195 strikeouts during the fall 2024 season. Her impressive performance led to multiple All-State and All-Conference honors, including selections to the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star All-State Class B second teams. In addition to being named a First-Team All-Conference player, she was also selected for the All-Heartland Softball Super Squad. In the circle, she is a competitor who is ready to do what she needs to in order to win. Simmons is a multi-sport athlete excelling in softball, wrestling, and track and field, showcasing her versatility and competitive spirit. Her strong work ethic, leadership, and ability to balance academics and athletics highlight her unique qualities and bright future.</p>

Nebraska continues to produce some of the nation's top softball talent, and the 2028 class is no exception to that. These rising stars have already established themselves with outstanding performances on the field, displaying elite skills, a strong work ethic, and competitiveness.