Seven 2027 Breakout Catchers So Far This Season

<p>The Class of 2027 is filled with talented catchers making significant contributions this high school season. These athletes are not just behind the plate calling games; they are leaders, game-changers, and power hitters.</p>   <p>Whether shutting down the run game, controlling the defense, or coming through in clutch moments at the plate, these seven catchers are players to watch as their softball journeys thrive into the summer season. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">South Carolina</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jackie Knol is a Nation Ford High School catcher in South Carolina, class of 2027. She is establishing herself as a high-IQ player and a defensive powerhouse behind the plate. Academically, she excels as well, maintaining an impressive 4.99 GPA. In the current high school season, she has played 18 games, batting .310 with a .412 on-base percentage and a .912 OPS, which includes five doubles. Remarkably, she has maintained a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage over 115 chances. During her 81.1 innings behind the plate, Knol has thrown out six runners and picked off two. She effectively controls the running game, boasting a pop time of 1.61 seconds and a strong throwing arm. She has been selected for the USA HPP National Invite, serves as team captain, and is a top 30 catcher in 2024. Off the field, Knol is a youth camp instructor and a member of several academic honor societies. Combining leadership, precision, and hard work, Jackie Knol is a player to watch in this 2027 class.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Missouri</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Mason Hembree is a talented catcher from Ursuline Academy, excelling academically and athletically. She is the type of player every team desires behind the plate, thanks to her impressive arm strength, exceptional receiving skills, and strong leadership qualities. Hembree consistently shuts down the running game and effectively guides her defense, showcasing her high softball IQ and vocal presence. Hembree is an offensive powerhouse. She has a talent for making solid contact with the ball, no matter the pitch's location or speed. She consistently performs her best in critical situations, driving the ball into gaps and hitting hard. Hembree's skills on the field and her passion for softball have shaped her into a grounded athlete. Mason Hembree is an excellent student who maintains her grades and stays focused in the classroom. Her talent, athleticism, and mindset elevate her game to the next level.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Washington</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Jordan Rancourt, a 2027 catcher at Stanwood High School, is gaining recognition for his smarts, work ethic, and impressive versatility. Despite being new to softball, Rancourt has excelled as the starting catcher, boasting a .986 fielding percentage with 68 putouts. She is hitting .333 with runners in scoring position and has a .387 on-base percentage with 7 RBIs, helping her team to an 8-1 record. As a catcher, Rancourt analyzes the pitcher's motion, providing valuable feedback for her collegiate career. She has a 4.0 GPA, qualified for the state FBLA competition for the second year in a row, and was named Female Freshman of the Year in Powerlifting in Washington State for 2024. Jordan Rancourt's leadership and dedication to being an elite student-athlete make her a rising star in her class.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Florida</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Benny Powell is a versatile catcher and utility player from Chiles High School, known for her athleticism and advanced skills. At 6'0", Powell combines size, speed, and softball intelligence, excelling both behind the plate and in the infield.. As a freshman, she earned 1st Team All-Big Bend, Team Defensive Player of the Year, an All-State Nomination, and the All-State Academic Award, starting every game as the catcher. Powell is batting over .400 in her sophomore season and has hit three home runs. Behind the plate, after the first few weeks of the season, opposing teams stopped attempting to steal bases on her, showcasing how lethal her throws are behind the plate. Powell has a 4.5 GPA and is enrolled in three AP classes, showcasing her academic commitment alongside her athletic achievements. Benny Powell is emerging as a top prospect in the class of 2027, attracting attention from several Power 4 programs.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Massachusetts</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Bella Bourque is a catcher and infielder from Taunton High School, making a significant impact on a top state program. Competing in the highly competitive Hockomock League, Bourque is currently in her third year as a varsity starter, having joined the lineup as an 8th grader. As a left-handed hitter, she's off to a dominant start in 2025 with a .588 batting average, 1.784 OPS, 13 RBIs, and 16 runs scored in six games. Behind the plate, Bourque demonstrates poise, leadership, and strong defensive instincts. Her versatility and athleticism enable her to contribute effectively in any infield position. Academically, she holds an impressive 4.54 GPA, reflecting the same dedication in the classroom that she brings to the field. Bella Bourque's work ethic, leadership, and excellence on the field and in the classroom make her an elite player in the 2027 class to keep an eye out for this summer season.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">New Hampshire</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Nalia Hilton is a rising star who excels in all areas of her life—on the field, in the classroom, and within her community. She is a catcher and utility player at Pinkerton Academy, maintaining an impressive 3.9 GPA. Hilton is a member of her school's Leadership Council, volunteers at youth clinics, and participates in community church events. On the field, she stands out with a .500 batting average and a .750 on-base percentage (OBP) in her varsity season. Offensively, she possesses significant power and the ability to drive the ball effectively to all areas of the field. She shows great versatility behind the plate and across the field. Hilton is unafraid to get dirty, whether diving for a foul ball behind home plate or making a tough play in the field. Her softball intelligence and vocal leadership are evident when she is catching. In Spring 2024, she was the starting catcher for the Dominican Republic's U-18 National Team at the WBSC American Pan Championship in Colombia, maintaining a perfect fielding percentage. Nalia Hilton is not just a standout student-athlete; she is a driven, well-rounded young leader ready to make a name for herself.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Colorado</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Charlee Abelein is an exceptional catcher from Columbine High School, excelling in athletics and academics. As a varsity starter, she helped the Columbine Rebels win the Regional Championship and reach the final eight in the Colorado State Playoffs. Abelein concluded her high school season with an impressive batting average of .521, 32 RBIs, and 5 home runs, earning her a spot on the 2nd Team All-Conference. She is known for her clutch hitting and ability to drive the ball everywhere. Defensively, she demonstrates versatility and determination, excelling as both a catcher and third baseman. Abelein demonstrates her strong softball IQ on the field, both defensively and offensively. As a second-generation softball player, Abelein states that her passion for the sport was ignited by her mother, a former collegiate softball player. Charlee Abelein is a multi-sport athlete who competes in both softball and swimming. She has consistently achieved academic honors in high school, demonstrating her commitment to sports and academics. Charlee is gaining national recognition as a dedicated student-athlete.</p>    <p></p>

The Class of 2027 is filled with talented catchers making significant contributions this high school season. These athletes are not just behind the plate calling games; they are leaders, game-changers, and power hitters.