Prospects With The Best Glove Work At Shortstop

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The shortstop position is one of the most challenging in softball. It demands quick hands, elite athleticism, sharp instincts, and fearless hustle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top shortstops in the game do more than make routine plays—they cover various fielding opportunities, throw accurately from multiple angles, and effortlessly execute game-changing plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, Prep Softball highlights seven players who are leading and dominating the shortstop position this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":117255,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Reagan Rowsey","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"30","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"South Florence ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Carolina ELITE National Drotar","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68816875b0807"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reagan Rowsey, a middle infielder from South Florence High School in the class of 2027, is gaining recognition for her impressive performance on the field. Playing for Carolina ELITE National Drotor, Rowsey demonstrates energy, determination, and a high softball IQ. This season, she has batted over .500 in three out of five tournaments, resulting in an overall average of .383 against elite competition. Defensively, Rowsey has proven to be a significant asset, recording 41 putouts, 31 assists, and six double plays, showcasing her smooth glove work and quick release. Reagan Rowsey is reliable both at the plate and on the field at the shortstop position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":117666,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kayson McClain","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"23","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Marion ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Fury Premier 2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68816875b08a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kayson McClain, known as KBelle, is an exceptional shortstop from Marion High School. Her energy and skill make her a standout player. She is distinguished by her excellent glove work, quick foot speed, and ability to throw from various arm angles. With lightning-fast reaction times to hits and excellent communication on the field, she confidently anchors the defense. McClain is unafraid to get dirty, diving for plays up the middle and showcasing her true athleticism. This summer, she has an impressive batting average of .341 and a .423 on-base percentage, demonstrating her effectiveness both at the plate and in the field. At bat, she has a smooth and confident swing that allows her to make solid contact with any pitch. Kayson McClain is the middle infielder you want on your team to lead the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["107320"],"_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":117672,"_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-68816875b08f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hayden Hill is another outstanding shortstop from Fury Premier 2027, recognized for her exceptional speed and strong defensive skills. Her ability to cover ground and make difficult plays in the gaps distinguishes her from her peers. She ranks among the best in her age group at preventing steals and effectively applying tags. Hill's glove work is precise, her communication skills are strong, and she is a true team player who enjoys competing. The energy she brings to the game is unmatched. Offensively, she demonstrates both power and consistency. This summer, she has a batting average of .333 and an on-base percentage of .419, showcasing her determination and reliability on both offense and defense. Hayden Hill's ability to lead by example with energy and consistently compete makes her stand out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":117667,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Hanna Kimbrell","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"23","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Winfield City","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"LA Voodoo 18U Barksdale/Traub","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68827680719c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hanna Kimbrell, a shortstop from Winfield City High School and a proud LA Voodoo 18U Barksdale/Traub team member, is making a significant impact on the field this summer. She has been outstanding at the plate, boasting a batting average of .484 and an on-base percentage of .510. She has recorded 14 doubles, five home runs, and 41 RBIs, showcasing her steady power throughout the summer. Defensively, Kimbrell is a smooth and reliable shortstop, recognized for her quick transitions, efficient transfers, and strong presence in the infield. Her elite batting skills and consistent performance have garnered significant attention from Division I programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":117668,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jordyn Waltrip ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"23","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Hancock County","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Fusion 16U Premier Clark ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6882768071a90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jordyn Waltrip, a talented shortstop from Hancock County High School and a Fusion 16U Premier Clark team member, is gaining recognition as one of the top shortstops in the 2028 class. At 5'3", she showcases determination, quick feet, and exceptional glove work. Waltrip's range is remarkable, as she consistently dives for balls in the five-six hole and in the shallow outfield, demonstrating fearlessness and instinct. This summer, she has recorded 22 assists, 39 putouts, and three doubles, maintaining an impressive .940 fielding percentage at one of the most challenging positions on the field. Waltrip is dedicated to her craft and consistently seeks out ways to improve as an overall athlete.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":117250,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Zaliyah Jones","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"23","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Escondido Charter","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Power Surge Berndes/Mujica","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6882768071b29"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zaliyah "Z" Jones is a shortstop and outfielder for Power Surge Berndes/Mujica known for her game-changing abilities. She combines speed, power, and defensive skill, making her one of the most well-rounded athletes in her class. Offensively, Jones can shift momentum with a single swing. In June, she achieved a .500 batting average, hitting two home runs and scoring nine runs in five games. She hit three home runs over the July 4th weekend and recorded an impressive 1.559 OPS. Defensively, she excels at shortstop, utilizing her athleticism and strong arm to get runners out. Her quick instincts and rapid release are unmatched. As a leader, Jones plays with passion and energy, setting the tone for her teammates and improving everyone around her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":117670,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Lucy Thompson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"23","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Legend","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"CO Batbusters 18U Smith","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6883d1d7aa850"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lucy Thompson is committed to Nebraska and is an exceptional shortstop who has had a fantastic summer season, establishing herself as a top talent in the 2026 class. She's hitting .380 this summer, with seven home runs, and 26 stolen bases, showcasing her speed and consistency. Defensively, Thompson performs at an exceptional level. She effortlessly covers ground up the middle and in the five-six hole, thanks to her lightning-quick first step and extraordinary instincts. Thompson isn't afraid to dive for any ball, transforming routine plays into game-changing moments. With her remarkable reflexes and athleticism, Lucy Thompson is a highlight reel in the making.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->