Early Risers: 2028s Already Turning Heads This Fall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The early signs of greatness are already emerging from the 2028 class. From the summer to the fall, these young athletes have quickly demonstrated that they belong on the national stage. With impressive defensive skills, powerful bats, and high softball IQ, each of these players is establishing a reputation for themselves on softball diamonds around the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, Prep Softball takes a look at a few standout players from the 2028 class who are already making an impact this fall and setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting year ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["108815"],"_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":145466,"_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-68d6ebeec4143"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaelyn Deckerd, a standout for the St. Louis Chaos 16U National Gill team and a promising 2028 prospect, is a player to watch this fall. As a pitcher, she throws a fastball in the 63–64 mph range, with a sharp rise ball, a deceptive changeup, and solid command of her curveball and screwball.&nbsp;With an arm speed of 68+ mph in center field, she is a strong defensive presence. At the plate, Deckard is a middle-of-the-order hitter who hit over 10 home runs this summer against elite competition. Her blend of power, speed, and overall athleticism makes her a must-follow 2028 prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["144593"],"_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":145467,"_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-68d6ebeec41e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kelsey Burden is an elite middle infielder for the Lady Dukes Premier 2028 Burden/Lamar team. <a href="https://prepsoftball.com/national/player-rankings/2028-national-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Along with Deckerd, Burden was recently named in the Top 100 ranking for the 2028 class by Prep Softball.</a> Known for her ability to put the ball in play, she consistently finds ways to get on base. A true game-changer in the infield, she pairs her hitting prowess with excellent defensive skills, showcasing remarkable range and dependable hands. With a personal record of 2.7 seconds from home to first base, her quickness and field awareness truly stand out. Kelsey Bruden is already receiving camp invitations from Alabama, Texas, Florida, and Auburn as she continues to refine her all-around game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["101487"],"_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":145469,"_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-68d6ebeec4263"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Adamarie Iniguez is a strong middle infielder and right-handed pitcher. A versatile competitor, she can step into the circle, play as a middle infielder, and compete anywhere she plays. Known for her big arm and powerful bat, Iniguez finds a way to bring energy to her team and focus in every inning. She truly takes command on the field with her presence and voice, no matter which position she's playing. At the plate, she's a tough out, seeing lots of pitches throughout her at-bats, and making pitchers work. Whether Iniguez is making a challenging play up the middle or driving the ball at the plate, she competes with consistency. Adamarie Iniguez is a player to watch as she continues to excel this fall.</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":145470,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Cruz Gregorio","_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":"19","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"California Breeze 2027 Daniel","_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-68d6ebeec4384"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cruz Gregorio, a pitcher and shortstop for California Breeze 2027, is making a name for herself as a true two-way standout in the 2028 class. At the plate, she showcases impressive power, consistently driving the ball and producing extra-base hits. In the circle, she has posted an impressive 1.82 ERA over 15 innings of work, allowing only one walk and recording seven strikeouts. Gregorio has demonstrated exceptional skills both offensively and defensively so far this fall. She has also helped her team secure a PGF Platinum berth for 2026, positioning her as a promising talent to follow in the year ahead.</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":145471,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kylee Gardner","_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":"28","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Lady Dukes Premier 2028 Burden/Lamar","_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-68d6ebeec4487"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kylee Gardner is a fast outfielder who makes a significant impact both on and off the field. She has focused on enhancing her already elite speed, currently recording an impressive home-to-first time of 2.61 seconds. Her ability to cover ground and put pressure on defenses, combined with her disciplined approach at the plate, makes her stand out. Whether she's bunting, slapping, or driving the ball, Gardner finds a way to get on base. As she prepares for camps at Duke and the University of Florida, her blend of speed, high softball IQ, and strong work ethic positions her as one of the most exciting prospects in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->