2029 Pitchers Who Already Show Elite Composure

Pitchers in the 2029 class are already showing poise that goes well beyond their years.   From championship runs to international stages, these young arms have embraced pressure and turned it into performance. What stands out most is not only their talent, but also their ability to remain steady, composed, and competitive no matter the moment.   Below, Prep Softball highlights 2029 pitchers who have already proven they can command the circle with confidence and leave a lasting impact on their teams.    CJ Smock has made dramatic strides as a pitcher, and the growth shows every time she steps into the circle. Her development is not just natural progression, but it is also the product of discipline, consistency, and countless hours in the weight room to build strength and durability. That foundation has allowed her to handle high-pressure moments with the kind of poise you rarely see in a player her age. What separates CJ is her competitive presence. She commands attention both in the circle and at the plate, carrying herself with confidence and a will to win. Offensively, she is a force, most recently posting a .375 batting average with 64 hits, 66 RBIs, and 10 home runs. Add in her 14 doubles, four triples, and a 1.099 OPS, and it is clear she can impact the game from multiple angles. For a pitcher, the mental side often defines the difference between good and great. Smock has already shown she can stay locked in, execute consistently, and carry her team in big moments. Pair that with her offensive firepower, and you have a player who embodies elite composure, while still on the rise.     Reagan Christopherson has already built a résumé that speaks volumes about her talent and competitive drive. In 2025, she helped guide her team to the AFCS 14U Tier 1 Championship and earned an invitation to the USA Softball U-15 HPP National Selection Event. She also stood out at the USA Softball 14U All-American Games, where her squad secured a top-three finish. These accolades show that she thrives on the biggest stages. Her personality is calm and steady, and she does not waver when the pressure is at its highest. That composure pairs with a deep toolset in the circle. Christopherson commands high-spinning pitches that consistently sit in the 60-64 mph range, forcing hitters into uncomfortable swings and keeping even the strongest bats off balance. She delivers with confidence, never letting the moment become too big. Reagan is more than a pitcher. She is a consistent power hitter who embraces the responsibility of hitting in the clean-up spot. Her presence in the lineup brings reliability and production, giving her team an edge both in the circle and at the plate. With poise, power, and proven results, Christopherson has the tools and mentality that define elite composure at an early age.     Jalayah Slaughter continues to prove herself as one of the most reliable young arms on the national stage. Her summer was highlighted by being named the Alliance Fastpitch TFL July Player of the Month in the Super Division after recording 33 strikeouts in 28 innings with a 1.75 ERA. She also earned USA Softball All-American honors and a spot on the 14U Alliance All-Tournament Team, Tier 1. Those accolades reflect both her consistency and ability to excel against high-end competition. At the AFCS, Slaughter helped guide her Bombers squad to a tie for fifth place out of 103 teams, showing she could rise to the moment when it mattered most. Across 27 innings, she collected 32 strikeouts, while issuing only five walks and posting a 1.77 ERA. The numbers speak to her command and knack for missing bats while limiting damage. What sets Jalayah apart is her ability to remain composed and competitive in every situation. She thrives on the challenge of facing the best, and her steady presence gives her team confidence on the field. With her combination of results, accolades, and poise under pressure, Slaughter has established herself as a pitcher who already embodies elite composure in the circle.     Braelyn Johnson has already proven she can handle the toughest stages the game has to offer. At PGF Nationals, she went toe-to-toe with some of the best 16U teams in the country and helped her squad secure a fifth-place finish out of 80 teams in the Premier bracket. Against older competition, Johnson showed maturity beyond her years, throwing 20.2 innings with 22 strikeouts and a 2.71 ERA. Her ability to attack hitters in those situations revealed both her composure and competitive edge. Her impact has also been felt on the international stage. Representing the United States at the WBSC U-15 Women's Softball World Cup in 2025, Johnson delivered a no-hitter against Australia in the opening round, setting the tone for Team USA's undefeated start. That performance highlighted her ability to thrive under pressure and pitch fearlessly with her country on her jersey. Braelyn combines talent with a steady presence in the circle. She embraces challenges, whether it is competing against older athletes at PGF or facing international lineups on the world stage.     Leilani Shawnee is the definition of a well-rounded competitor. A 2029 right-handed pitcher, utility player, and power hitter, she brings discipline and drive both on and off the field. In the classroom, she is a National Junior Honor Society member with a 4.5 GPA, and her commitment to excellence carries over into athletics. A multi-sport standout, Shawnee is also a two-time state placer in wrestling for Oklahoma, which is a testament to her toughness and competitive edge. Her love for softball and ability to compete at a high level shine through in her performances. In her first seven high school scrimmages, Shawnee came out swinging, posting an .818 batting average, an .846 on-base percentage, four doubles and five singles. In the circle, she is equally sharp, delivering a 0.00 ERA in her last three appearances. That dual-threat ability makes her a player who can impact the game in multiple ways. Leilani has been competing on the national softball stage for most of her playing career, and she embraces every challenge with poise and passion. Her combination of academic achievement, athletic versatility, and unwavering love for the game makes her a standout prospect with the tools to succeed at the collegiate level. With elite composure, she is already carving a path that blends both athletic and academic excellence.

Pitchers in the 2029 class are already showing poise that goes well beyond their years.