2028s Who Are Trending Up After Fall Ball

The fall season revealed a new wave of rising talent from the class of 2028. These athletes showed major growth, strong performances, and the kind of upside that signals big things ahead. Building momentum and confidence in their play, each of these players is stepping forward with something to prove.   With fierce determination and a drive to elevate their game, here are the 2028s trending up after fall ball.    Olyvia Piranio is a rising athlete whose stock continues to climb. In just her freshman season, she earned First-Team All-Conference honors, which is an early testament to her talent, composure, and competitiveness. Built to endure and dominate, Piranio has already shown the makings of a true ace. Her recent tournament performance was another step forward, helping lead her team to a 4-0-1 record while hitting .500 with two doubles and a home run. In the circle, she punched out 14 batters across 12 innings, proving once again that she can control a game from both sides of the ball. At the NAFA Fall Exposure, Piranio elevated her game even further, going 6-for-8 with two walks and seven RBIs. Her bat continues to show advanced discipline, noticeable power, and loud contact to all fields. Over just nine innings pitched, she allowed only three walks while striking out 18, which was a dominant stretch that highlights her aggressive approach and ability to attack hitters with confidence. As she continues to stack standout performances and sharpen her tools, Olyvia Piranio is quickly becoming a name to watch. Her combination of two-way production, poise, and projection makes her one of the most exciting risers in her class.     Olivia Laymance is a star to watch. What stands out most is her consistency, whether it's at the plate, in the field, or on the bases. She capped her freshman season with impressive numbers, hitting .408 across 92 plate appearances and collecting 26 RBIs on 29 hits, including seven doubles and four home runs. Her bat carries real power, but just as important is the intention behind every at-bat, as she steps into the box with purpose, discipline, and a plan. She finished the year with a .676 slugging percentage and a 1.209 OPS, highlighting her ability to produce damage consistently at the plate. Laymance's two-way impact was on full display in her most recent tournament, where she threw 11.2 dominant innings, allowing just four hits, 0 runs, and two walks, while striking out an impressive 17 batters. Her composure is unmatched, and she thrives in moments where her team needs her most. Her dedication on and off the field is evident, and her continued growth places her firmly among the rising talents in her class. Without a doubt, Olivia Laymance is on the rise and is absolutely a name to keep an eye on.     Kayla Yohe is quickly making a name for herself as the new season approaches. The right-handed pitcher had an outstanding fall, finishing with a 67% strike rate and 65% first-pitch strikes while recording an impressive 82 strikeouts. In just her last four showcases, she totaled 64 strikeouts with only 12 walks over 36 innings, demonstrating both her consistency and ability to dominate opposing hitters. Yohe's pitching is one to watch, as she commands the circle with poise and puts exceptional movement on her variety of pitches. She consistently battles through tough at-bats and proves that hard work behind the scenes translates directly to performance on the field. At the TNT Showcase, she shined once again, striking out 17 hitters while allowing just one walk over eight innings. Her talent doesn't stop in the circle, as she also proved to be dangerous at the plate, going 4-for-10 with three doubles. Humble yet relentless, Kayla continues to put in the work when no one is watching, and it shows in every one of her outings. With her talent, determination, and drive to improve, Yohe's rise in the softball world is only just beginning.     Maddie Diaz is turning heads on the diamond as she continues to make her mark. At the recent Veterans Tribute Showcase in Atlanta, Diaz helped lead her team to an impressive 6-0-1 record. She batted a scorching .600, collecting nine hits and seven RBIs, showing poise and clutch ability as a strong left-handed slapper who consistently finds a way to put the ball in play. Her overall summer performance was equally impressive. In 134 plate appearances, Diaz finished with a .455 batting average, a .473 on-base percentage, 56 hits, 41 runs scored, and 28 RBIs, proving she is a constant threat at the plate. Beyond the numbers, her attitude sets a standard for her team, as she brings positivity, energy, and a winning culture to the dugout.     Emalyn Funck is a name every coach will be hearing for years to come. Dominant on both sides of the ball, she knows when to step up and deliver. As a freshman, Emalyn threw 91.1 innings, racking up 95 strikeouts, while also hitting .327 with 17 hits, nine RBIs, and a double. In just eight months, she has added nine mph to her pitching, reaching a top speed of 60 mph, and finished her fall season with 21 strikeouts over 29.1 innings. At the plate, she batted .400 in 34 plate appearances with 12 hits, five RBIs, and four walks. What sets Emalyn apart isn't just her stats, but it's also her mindset. She treats every practice, every game, and every teaching moment as a chance to get better, and the best is yet to come for her.

The fall season revealed a new wave of rising talent from the class of 2028. These athletes showed major growth, strong performances, and the kind of upside that signals big things ahead. Building momentum and confidence in their play, each of these players is stepping forward with something to prove.