Five 2028s Playing Like Veterans This Summer

As the summer softball season heats up, a new wave of talent is making its presence felt in a big way. A handful of 2028s are turning heads with performances well beyond their years. From clutch hits to lockdown defense, these five young athletes are proving that age is just a number when it comes to making an impact on the diamond.   Here's a closer look at the 2028 standouts who are playing like they've been here before.    Lily Benson is making a name for herself this summer as one of the most polished 2028s on the travel ball circuit. At the prestigious Scenic City tournament, Benson turned heads with a scorching .519 batting average and a .533 on-base percentage, racking up 14 hits and scoring 14 runs, which are both marks tied for second-best in the entire event. Her standout performance earned her All-Tournament Honors in the 16U division, which is a testament to her poise and production against older competition. She continued her hot streak at the Death Valley Invitational, where her impact at the plate and in the field helped propel her team to back-to-back top-eight finishes in elite national events. With her veteran-like presence and consistent excellence, Benson is proving she's a rising star.     Gabriella Cortez has been a standout among 2028s this summer, delivering veteran-level performances across some of the toughest stages in youth softball. She kicked off her hot streak at the Top Club tournament in OKC, where she reached base in 14 of her 20 plate appearances, tallying 10 hits and four walks. Building on that momentum, Cortez dominated at the OKC Summer Games, batting an incredible .577 with 15 hits and two walks to lead her team through an undefeated championship weekend. Most recently, she earned a spot in the prestigious All-American All-Star Game following her strong showing at the Colorado Showcase. With her ability to rise to the occasion, Cortez is proving she's already playing well beyond her years.     Khloe Williams is making waves both in the U.S. and on the international stage this summer, currently standing out as a key contributor for the USA Women's Junior National Team. A menace on the basepaths, a big bat in the lineup, and a defensive game-changer, Williams brings energy and impact to every inning she plays in. Her MVP performance at the PanAm Championship Games in Acapulco, Mexico earlier this year was just the beginning. Before heading to Italy with Team USA, she was tearing it up stateside, most notably at the Team 1 Elite Club Invite in Kansas City, where she hit .440 with a .423 OBP, launched four home runs, and drove in 18 runs. Whether she's flashing the leather or delivering clutch hits, Williams is proving she's one of the most complete and exciting 2028s in the game.     Victoria MacKenzie is quietly putting together one of the most consistent summers of any 2028, showing the kind of maturity and production that turns heads. The versatile outfielder and two-time HPP National Selection Invitee started her hot streak at the Pennsbury Invitational, where she batted .500 against elite competition. She followed that performance up with a dominant showing at the NE College Showcase, hitting .533 with a .589 OBP over five games. Then, she helped lead her team to a 6-1 record at the highly-competitive Team NJ tournament, continuing to deliver in clutch moments. With her smooth glove work, disciplined approach at the plate, and veteran-like presence, MacKenzie is a rising star to watch.     Elyse Broad is putting together a summer to remember, showcasing her versatility and veteran-like poise on both sides of the ball. Most recently at the Spartan Spectacular in Connecticut, Broad was nearly unstoppable at the plate, going 11-for-14 with two walks and swiping three bases, all while flashing the leather with a string of standout plays in the outfield. Prior to that, she made her mark in the Underclassman All-Star Game, where she reached base in both of her at-bats, pitched a scoreless inning, and held down the outfield for two more innings. Whether she's setting the tone at the plate, locking down the outfield, or stepping into the circle, Broad continues to prove she's one of the most well-rounded and impactful 2028s in the game.

As the summer softball season heats up, a new wave of talent is making its presence felt in a big way. A handful of 2028s are turning heads with performances well beyond their years. From clutch hits to lockdown defense, these five young athletes are proving that age is just a number when it comes to making an impact on the diamond.