The Fastest Rising 2030 Prospects This Fall

This fall has been a breakout season for several 2030 players who are quickly rising through the ranks, proving they can compete with older competition and shine under pressure. From power arms and elite defenders to speed threats and all-around athletes, these prospects are setting the tone for the future of the game.   Below, Prep Softball highlights some of the fastest rising 2030 players who are making waves on fields across the country this fall.    Daniella Neve has quickly become one of the most talked-about young players in the 2030 class. A true rising star, she made her mark at the Alliance Fastpitch event by being named the hardest-throwing player in her class and finishing fourth overall among athletes spanning 12U through 18U divisions. That kind of arm strength is rare, especially at her age, with a 70 mph overhand velocity that places her among the elite players across the country. Daniella is not content with just raw power. She is putting in the hours to refine her defensive game, sharpening her footwork, glove work, and infield instincts to become a complete player. As an elite middle infielder with exceptional athleticism and a drive to improve, she is on a clear path toward becoming one of the cornerstone names in the next wave of softball talent.     Ellie Fleming continues to separate herself from her peers with a blend of poise, command, and athleticism that turns heads every time she steps on the field. A southpaw pitcher with a lively arm, she sits in the mid-60s and dominates the zone with late-breaking movement on both her curve and rise ball. Her ability to keep hitters off balance, especially older competition, shows a level of maturity beyond her years. Offensively, Ellie brings just as much value. As a lefty slapper with impressive speed, she creates chaos on the basepaths and pressures defenses into making mistakes. Her all-around versatility and calm, confident presence make her one of the most complete and exciting two-way players in the 2030 class.     Sophie Dannenbring is a prime example of determination and resilience. After suffering a severe ankle sprain that kept her off the field for several weeks, she stayed focused on improving her strength and conditioning, hitting a personal record of 175 pounds on her hang clean. That dedication has paid off in every aspect of her game. A two-time USA HPP National Invite selection, Sophie stands out as both a powerful hitter and a dependable shortstop. Her smooth glove work and instinctive ability to steal bases make her a constant threat on both sides of the ball. At the plate, she closed out her 12U season with six home runs in her last five tournaments, including a huge shot in California against a strong Athletics Mercado team. Her mix of power, speed, and discipline makes her one of the most complete and motivated players in the 2030 class.     Liv Schaack is showing early signs of being a standout two-way player with her mix of intelligence, command, and work ethic. With a 3.95 GPA, she balances academic excellence with athletic drive, and it shows in her preparation and focus on the field. In her first tournament of the year, she helped lead her team to a runner-up finish, recording 16 strikeouts over 12 innings of work. Her ability to mix speeds keeps hitters guessing, and her changeup has become one of her most effective weapons, capable of freezing batters in any count. Off the field, Liv is committed to strength training and has been putting in the work in the weight room to build more power and endurance. Her combination of pitching talent, mental toughness, and steady improvement makes her one of the most promising young arms in the 2030 class.     Aubree Kitterman continues to impress with her competitive edge and athletic versatility. A USA All American, she has already proven that she can perform at a high level against older and more experienced competition. Averaging 64 to 65 mph and topping out at 66, Aubree combines power with precision and a strong understanding of how to mix her pitches effectively. Her 47 mph knuckle changeup is a difference-maker, keeping hitters completely off balance. At the 16U Diamond Legacy Tournament, she helped her team earn a second-place finish while striking out 23 batters, showcasing both her endurance and poise in pressure moments. Beyond the circle, Aubree's participation in volleyball and cheer highlights her overall athleticism and leadership. She continues to develop her craft while attending college camps, and her steady progress makes her one of the most intriguing all-around athletes in the 2030 class.     Kennidi Evans is a true multi-sport standout whose athleticism sets her apart from the pack. Known for her incredible speed in center field, she covers ground with ease and makes highlight-reel plays look routine. Her ability to track balls in the gap and turn potential extra-base hits into outs gives her team a major defensive advantage. This fall, Kennidi helped her squad finish 4-0-1 at the Prospect Wire College Classic in the 16U division, proving she can impact games against advanced competition. Outside of softball, she runs track and plays basketball, showcasing her combination of speed, strength, and coordination. Her athletic ability has even earned her a spot in the Junior Olympics, where she competed in the 4x100 relay. With her elite quickness, natural instincts, and all-around athletic drive, Kennidi continues to emerge as one of the most dynamic prospects in the 2030 class.

This fall has been a breakout season for several 2030 players who are quickly rising through the ranks, proving they can compete with older competition and shine under pressure. From power arms and elite defenders to speed threats and all-around athletes, these prospects are setting the tone for the future of the game.