Florida's Under-The-Radar Names To Know This Season

With the high school softball season in full gear, Florida's diamonds are sparkling with emerging talent. From powerful hitters to agile fielders, these athletes are becoming game-changers right before our eyes.   Below, we examine some of Florida's under-the-radar softball players who merit more acknowledgment this season leading up to summer ball.    [player_tooltip player_id='99954' first='Emerson' last='Gunkel'] is a rising star in the world of high school softball. As a 2026 pitcher for Monteverde Academy, she played a crucial role in securing the 2024 3A state championship for her team. Emerson's talents extend beyond the circle—she is also a formidable presence at the plate, showcasing her versatility and athleticism. Her commitment to the sport is evident through her participation with the Tampa Mustangs Bell and TC Team Netherlands 18U squads, with whom she continues to hone her skills and compete at a high level. Emerson's dual-threat capabilities make her a player to watch, as she consistently proves her worth both as a pitcher and a hitter.     [player_tooltip player_id='103180' first='Hailey' last='Cottrill'] is a dynamic force on the softball field, excelling as both a middle infielder and outfielder. Playing for Florida Storm National Masso and Melbourne High School, Hailey's leadership shines through as the captain of this year's varsity team at Melbourne. Known for her impressive home run power, she played a pivotal role in leading her team to a district championship in 2024. Hailey's reliability at the plate makes her a hitter her team can always count on, and her versatility on the field adds to her value as a standout player.     [player_tooltip player_id='103937' first='Ariel' last='Ramirez'] is making waves in the softball world as a freshman, already amassing 200 career strikeouts midway through her second season and throwing a no-hitter this year. Her talents extend beyond the diamond as a multi-sport athlete who excels academically with a 4.2 GPA. Ariel plays for Rock Gold Manetta 18U, showcasing her skills as a 2028 prospect. Not only is she a dominant force in the circle, but she also backs herself up at the plate, making her a well-rounded player. Ariel's leadership was evident early on when she led her high school team to a district championship as an 8th grader, setting the stage for a promising career ahead.     [player_tooltip player_id='104168' first='Emma' last='Pynes'] is a standout player in the 2027 class, excelling both as an outfielder and a right-handed pitcher. Her impressive 4.57 GPA reflects her dedication in the classroom, while her performance on the field speaks volumes about her athletic prowess. As a 2023 PGF National Champion, Emma has already proven her capabilities at a high level of competition. Known for her power hitting, she had racked up 7 home runs and 19 extra-base hits this high school season at the time of this writing, making her a formidable presence at the plate. Emma's combination of academic excellence and athletic talent positions her as one of the top players to watch in her class.     [player_tooltip player_id='102879' first='Victoria' last='Carmona'] is a versatile and dynamic player in the 2027 class, excelling as both an outfielder and shortstop. Known for her ability to both slap and swing away, Victoria brings a unique skill set to the plate. Her speed is a significant asset, allowing her to cover ground on the field and be a threat on the bases. As a freshman last year, she played a major role in leading her team to a district championship, showcasing her talent and leadership early on in her high school career. Victoria's combination of speed, versatility, and hitting prowess makes her a standout player to watch.

With the high school softball season in full gear, Florida's diamonds are sparkling with emerging talent. From powerful hitters to agile fielders, these athletes are becoming game-changers right before our eyes.