Five 2028 Utility Players To Watch In The New Year

The class of 2028 is overflowing with talent heading into 2026. This group features a remarkable number of versatile athletes — girls who can step in and excel anywhere on the diamond. Every college coach dreams of finding players who can adapt to any role, and these athletes embody that ideal.   Below, Prep Softball highlights five utility players to watch from the high school class of 2028 as we head into 2026.    A standout athlete making a name for herself, Taylor Herrera-Villarrea is a player to watch going forward. With the versatility to play anywhere on the field, Taylor brings the drive, adaptability, and work ethic every coach dreams of. In her freshman season, she batted .314 across 23 games, collecting 16 hits, 22 runs, and 12 RBIs in 51 at-bats. Her offensive power showed through with five doubles, a triple, and a home run, while maintaining an impressive .435 on-base percentage, .510 slugging percentage, and a combined .945 OPS, which are all indicators of a player who can produce under pressure. Defensively, Taylor was just as effective. With an .875 fielding percentage, she notched 19 putouts on 24 total chances, committing only three errors the entire season. Her ability to read plays, adjust in real time, and stay composed in key moments reflects her natural athletic IQ and growing leadership on the field. Now entering her sophomore year, Taylor Herrera-Villarrea continues to raise the bar. With her talent, focus, and determination, there's no doubt she's a star in the making.     Entering her sophomore season, Ryleigh Hopkins is ready to make an even bigger impact this coming year. Coming off an impressive freshman campaign, she knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the next level. Posting a .385 batting average and a .500 on-base percentage, Hopkins consistently finds ways to get it done at the plate. Her dedication to improving her swing off the field continues to pay off, as she balances learning and producing at a high level. What sets Ryleigh apart is her relentless work ethic, versatility, and defensive skill. With the ability to play anywhere on the field — even stepping into the circle when needed — she gives her coaches incredible flexibility. Her outstanding arm strength and perfect throwing form make her a defensive asset, capable of making plays from any position with precision and confidence. Combine that with her positive attitude, constant smile, and level-headed mindset, and it's easy to see why she's such a valuable part of her team. Hopkins has already made a name for herself as a game-changer with an incredible 173 stolen bases. As she enters her sophomore year, expect Ryleigh Hopkins to continue turning heads and proving why she's one of the most exciting players to watch this season.     Keira Frazier is a name to remember. Primarily a shortstop, Frazier is a true utility player who can step in anywhere across the diamond — and as a switch-hitter, she brings even more versatility to her game. Coming off a strong freshman season, her work ethic and determination continue to set her apart. At the plate, Frazier posted an impressive .342 batting average over 24 games, collecting 27 hits, 26 RBIs, six doubles, one triple, and two home runs in 82 plate appearances. With a .519 slugging percentage and an .860 OPS, she consistently delivered in clutch moments, striking out just seven times all season. Once on base, she remained a threat — swiping 12 bags and providing key run support for her team. Defensively, Frazier is as reliable as they come. On the field, she recorded a stellar .958 fielding percentage with 24 total chances, 14 putouts, and just one error. And when she steps into the circle, she's just as dominant — boasting a 0.24 ERA, five wins, and 55 strikeouts to only seven walks across 29 innings pitched. With her all-around skill set, sharp instincts, and hard-driven mindset, Keira Frazier is not just a player to watch this season, but she's also one to remember for years to come.     Abbey Mitchell is ready to make an impact that no one will forget. The Florida native brings a relentless work ethic, determination, and a drive to get better both on and off the field. Coming off a dominant freshman campaign, Mitchell proved she's a player to watch. She finished the season with an impressive .379 average in 74 plate appearances and 66 at-bats, collecting 19 RBIs on 25 hits. Her offensive production included seven doubles, one triple, and a strong .961 OPS with a .515 slugging percentage and six walks. Defensively, Mitchell is just as dependable. With a .909 fielding percentage on 11 total chances, 10 putouts, and just one error, she's proven to be a steady glove both in the outfield and at first base when needed. Mitchell's positive mindset, leadership skills, and competitive fire fuel her as she prepares for the spring season ahead. There's no doubt that Abbey Mitchell is a player to watch as she continues to raise her game and make her mark on the diamond.     Standing tall at 5 feet 10 inches, Payton Cascio is a beast behind the plate and lights out at the corners. Heading into her sophomore season, Cascio is coming off a dominant year, in which she posted an incredible .527 batting average in 64 plate appearances, collected 23 RBIs on 29 hits and contributed 34 total runs. Her offensive power speaks for itself — seven doubles, one triple, and five home runs fueled a massive 1.558 OPS, backed by a .964 slugging percentage and .594 on-base percentage. Even more impressive, she struck out only five times all season, showcasing elite plate discipline and consistent hard contact every time she steps into the box. Defensively, Cascio's glove is just as sharp. She posted a .967 fielding percentage on 91 total chances, recording 72 putouts with just three errors. Her presence behind the plate commands respect, as she is a true leader who brings grit, focus, and composure to every game she plays in. A solid brick wall behind the plate and a powerhouse in the box, Payton Cascio is a force every team she faces should be ready for.

The class of 2028 is overflowing with talent heading into 2026. This group features a remarkable number of versatile athletes — girls who can step in and excel anywhere on the diamond. Every college coach dreams of finding players who can adapt to any role, and these athletes embody that ideal.