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Catchers Changing Games From Behind The Plate

Catchers Changing Games From Behind The Plate
Photo: Sophia Wright/X
Kayla Lombardo
Kayla Lombardo June 16, 2025 @ 09:00 AM
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In this article:

Kaylani Meadows
Kaylani Meadows C/2B | 2028
OH
Sophia Wright
Sophia Wright C/UTL | 2028
WA
Emily Speringo
Emily Speringo C/3B | 2028
CT
Mackenzi Bradley
Mackenzi Bradley C/UTL | 2026
SC
Madison Eliza Cantu
Madison Eliza Cantu C/3B | 2027
TX
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Behind every great softball pitcher is a catcher calling the shots, controlling the tempo of games, and shutting down runners attempting to advance bases.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Across the nation, these standout backstops not only receive pitches, but they also change games with their leadership skills, instincts, and defensive prowess.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, Prep Softball highlights five standout catchers who are changing the outcomes of games from behind the plate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["97211"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":108139,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6841ea505dffc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Madison Cantu is a dynamic force behind the plate, known for her active presence, sharp instincts, and fearless approach to catching. A strong blocker with a consistent bat, Madison thrives in high-pressure moments, especially when it comes to throwing out runners at second and third base. Her competitive fire comes alive on the field, balanced by a calm, team-first attitude off of it. Whether she's guiding her team during a tough game or working hard to improve her skills, Madison leads with heart, resilience, and purpose, making her a catcher who truly changes the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["106273"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":108141,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6841ea505e075"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With a commanding presence behind the plate and a sharp softball IQ, Kaylani Meadows thrives as a vocal and confident leader for her team. As a catcher, she embraces the responsibility of being the field general. She reads situations well, makes in-game adjustments, and guides her teammates with poise and clarity. Her next-pitch mentality ensures that no moment is too big for her, even under pressure. Her versatility and communication skills make her a cornerstone of every inning. Beyond the diamond, Kaylani maintains a 3.9 GPA, is a member of the High Honor Roll, and was chosen for her school's Peer Leadership Program, adding to her leadership qualities as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["101086"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":108146,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6841f2ab9308f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Emily Speringo brings a competitive edge and high-level awareness to the catcher position, thriving most in the moments that demand quick thinking and leadership skills. Known for her smart decision-making, she commands the field with confidence, reading plays as they develop and working closely with her pitchers to build strong synergy. Emily is the type of catcher who never takes a play off, always pushing herself while keeping her teammates energized and united. Whether she makes a clutch throw or says positive words to her teammates from behind the dish, she sets the tone defensively and builds trust through her solid communication and consistency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["101138"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":108151,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6841f2ab930fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophia Wright plays the catcher position with fearless intensity and unwavering dedication. Known for her relentless hustle, she sacrifices her body to block every pitch and keep runners from advancing bases. Quick, agile, and reactive, Sophia turns routine plays into standout moments, anchoring her team's defense with grit and heart. Her competitive mindset is matched by her composure under pressure. With a sharp focus and high softball IQ, Sophia remains calm in high-stakes situations, consistently making smart, timely decisions behind the plate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["99063"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":108153,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6841f2ab93155"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mackenzi Bradley is a steady, team-first catcher known for her leadership skills and defensive grit behind the plate. She's vocal, composed, and always ready to lift up her teammates, and especially her pitchers, through a game's tough moments. Mackenzi thrives under pressure, quickly bouncing back from mistakes and keeping her energy up. Her experience facing top national talent has sharpened her instincts and game awareness, and her commitment to hard work and discipline makes her a reliable anchor for any defense she is a part of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Behind every great softball pitcher is a catcher calling the shots, controlling the tempo of games, and shutting down runners attempting to advance bases.

Madison Eliza Cantu

Madison Eliza Cantu

POS C/3B
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Madison
Eliza Cantu
Class
2027
Position
C/3B
HS
Veterans Memorial (Corpus Christi, TX)
|
TX
Catchers Changing Games From Behind The Plate
Madison Cantu is a dynamic force behind the plate, known for her active presence, sharp instincts, and fearless...
Written by Kayla Lombardo
Read more at PrepSoftball.com
Prep Softball

Madison Eliza Cantu

Instagram Twitter
State: Texas
School: Veterans Memorial (Corpus Christi, TX)
Club: Texas United 16 U, Cuellar
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Kaylani Meadows

Kaylani Meadows

POS C/2B
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Kaylani
Meadows
Class
2028
Position
C/2B
HS
Pickerington North
|
OH
Catchers Changing Games From Behind The Plate
With a commanding presence behind the plate and a sharp softball IQ, Kaylani Meadows thrives as a vocal...
Written by Kayla Lombardo
Read more at PrepSoftball.com
Prep Softball

Kaylani Meadows

Twitter
State: Ohio
School: Pickerington North
Club: Iowa Premier National 14U Dickel/Paz
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Emily Speringo

Emily Speringo

POS C/3B
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Emily
Speringo
Class
2028
Position
C/3B
HS
Joseph A. Foran
|
CT
Catchers Changing Games From Behind The Plate
Emily Speringo brings a competitive edge and high-level awareness to the catcher position, thriving most in the moments...
Written by Kayla Lombardo
Read more at PrepSoftball.com
Prep Softball

Emily Speringo

Instagram Twitter
State: Connecticut
School: Joseph A. Foran
Club: SOFTBALL U
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Sophia Wright

Sophia Wright

POS C/UTL
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Sophia
Wright
Class
2028
Position
C/UTL
HS
Puyallup
|
WA
Catchers Changing Games From Behind The Plate
Sophia Wright plays the catcher position with fearless intensity and unwavering dedication. Known for her relentless hustle, she...
Written by Kayla Lombardo
Read more at PrepSoftball.com
Prep Softball

Sophia Wright

Instagram Twitter
State: Washington
School: Puyallup
Club: Ai bandits
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Mackenzi Bradley

Mackenzi Bradley

POS C/UTL
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Mackenzi
Bradley
Class
2026
Position
C/UTL
HS
White Knoll
|
SC
Catchers Changing Games From Behind The Plate
Mackenzi Bradley is a steady, team-first catcher known for her leadership skills and defensive grit behind the plate....
Written by Kayla Lombardo
Read more at PrepSoftball.com
Prep Softball

Mackenzi Bradley

Twitter
State: South Carolina
School: White Knoll
Club: Carolina elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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