Power Surge: Players Who Led The Summer In Bombs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, home runs took center stage on the travel softball circuit. At the top showcases all around the country, hitters consistently showcased their power, launching balls over the fence at an impressive rate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From pure power hitters to clutch players who could change the course of a game with a single swing, these athletes demonstrated that they are not only threatening at the plate, but they are also capable of being game changers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, Prep Softball highlights the standout players who led the summer in home runs.</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":143227,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Gabriella Shadek","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_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":"20","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Immaculate Heart Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Lady Dukes Lamar 18U","_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-68a37e1d4dbbd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gabby Shadek, a high school graduate of the class of 2025, just completed her final travel season with the Lady Dukes Lamar 18U team and will play at Duke. Throughout the summer, she displayed both power and consistency at the plate, finishing the season with 17 home runs, including seven at PGF Nationals alone. Behind the plate, Shadek's strong arm effectively kept runners from stealing bases, making her one of the most challenging catchers to run on. With her impressive batting skills and defensive capabilities, she is ready to make an immediate impact at Duke.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["107049"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-68a362e38236d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evie Willemssen is a first baseman and outfielder from Katy High School, set to graduate in the class of 2027. She currently plays for Texas Blaze United 16U Robertson. As a left-handed hitter, she had an impressive summer, achieving a batting average of .450 and hitting 16 home runs, while competing against some of the toughest teams in the country. Evie is an athletic and strong player, known for her smooth swing and remarkable power. She is already attracting attention from major college programs. With Sept. 1 approaching, it will be exciting to see how she continues to perform against top competition.</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":143231,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Savannah Coln","_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":"28","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mount Pleasant","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Team NC Bowman ","_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-68a12ff9a2630"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Savannah Coln has emerged as one of the most formidable power hitters in the country. Playing with Team NC Bowman, she demonstrated her ability to seize opportunities by hitting 15 home runs against elite national-level pitching throughout the summer. Coupled with another 15 home runs during her high school season, she has already hit 30 home runs in 2025. Her consistency at the plate and leadership as a player made her a true difference-maker for her team this summer. Savannah Coln is a player to continue to watch as she continues to grow as an 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":143233,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"McKenzie Leitgen","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_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":"21","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Desert Vista","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Top Gun National 18U","_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-68a12ff9a2723"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Iowa's McKenzie Leitgen had a fantastic last summer season with her Top Gun team at the plate. She hit .446 with a .540 OBP, while driving in 46 runs, crossing the plate 33 times herself, and blasting 13 home runs with 10 doubles. Even more impressive, she struck out only 13 times in 113 plate appearances, showcasing her discipline and consistency at the plate. A true middle-of-the-order force, Leitgen's mix of power, production, and reliability at the plate and on the field made her one of the most complete offensive players in her class. It will be great to continue to watch her success at the collegiate level.</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":143202,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jocelynn Kalkman","_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":"20","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Vista Ridge","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Colorado Batbusters 18U Gold ","_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-68a362e3822cc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jocelynn "Jojo" Kalkman, a 2027 C/3B from Vista Ridge High School, had a breakout summer with the Colorado Batbusters 18U Gold team, hitting an impressive .490 with 13 home runs and 66 RBIs across 51 games. Her lightning-quick bat and ability to drive the ball with power to all fields made her one of the most-feared hitters on the field. Kalkman will be stepping up to play with the Batbusters 18U National team this coming year, with whom she hopes to continue to prove herself as a game-changing talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["103624"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-68a12ff9a268f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaylee Hodges is an exceptional talent, a true three-way player who significantly impacts the game whenever she steps onto the field. She is one of the top pitchers in the 2027 class. She dominates the pitching circle with strength and calmness, shutting down strong teams effectively. Offensively, she is equally formidable, anchoring the middle of the batting order and hitting 12 home runs this summer, while competing with Team NC Bowman on some of the top stages in travel softball. This unique combination of dominance in the circle and power at the plate makes Hodges one of the most complete and impactful players in her class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["89569"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-68a37e1d4ddc9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Allyssa Parker of Oklahoma, who was a standout player for Aces Fastpitch 18U, demonstrated this summer why she is the definition of a true two-way player. At the plate this summer, she hit 12 home runs, while competing against some of the best talent in the country. On the field, she is a reliable shortstop with quick instincts, and in the circle, she effectively keeps hitters off balance with her command and composure. Whether she is driving the ball out of the park or shutting down opposing teams, Parker established herself as one of the most complete players in her class.</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":143210,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Bradi Gallaway","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_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":"Whitesboro","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Texas Blaze United 18U Robinson","_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-68a36998230d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bradi Gallaway is a shortstop and 2025 graduate of Whitesboro High School. Now a Louisiana Tech player, she recently concluded her travel ball career with the Texas Blaze United 18U Robertson team. This summer, Gallaway achieved an impressive batting average of .405, hitting 12 home runs, while competing against some of the best talent in the nation. She combines her natural power at the plate with exceptional instincts in the field. As a dependable leader at shortstop and a notable offensive threat, she consistently makes an impact in every game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["89563"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-68a3699823122"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jolyna Lamar, a 2025 Panther Creek High School graduate, will play for UCLA following a standout travel ball career with Lady Dukes Lamar 18U. She concluded the summer season with an impressive performance, hitting 14 home runs against elite pitching and showcasing a combination of speed and power at the plate. Defensively, Lamar is known for her smooth glove work, quick range, and consistent play in the middle infield. With her well-rounded skills and proven ability to excel on big stages, she is ready to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["89565"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-68a37e1d4de5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lexi McDaniel was an exceptional middle infielder for Aces Fastpitch 18U and a well-rounded player who is eager to display her skills at Oklahoma. With her smooth glove work and outstanding defensive instincts, she makes even the most challenging plays look effortless. At the plate, McDaniel demonstrated her power by hitting 14 home runs this summer, all while maintaining the consistency that established her as one of the most formidable hitters in her class. Already recognized as an elite-level talent, she is ready to make a significant impact in Norman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->