Top 2029 Prospects To Watch In Illinois

Illinois is demonstrating impressive depth in the 2029 softball class, with each athlete already making significant contributions in games. This list showcases players who excel through their consistency, versatility, and competitive performance. Each highlighted athlete has proven her value to her team, whether as a pitcher, batter, or defensive player. These individuals are definitely worth monitoring as they continue to grow and distinguish themselves in the sport.    Shelby Izzo is a competitive two-way athlete in the class of 2029 who excels under pressure. As a right-handed pitcher, she can throw a fastball up to 59 mph and a changeup around 45 mph, disrupting batters' timing. She is also developing additional pitches to refine her pitching arsenal further. In 64 innings, Izzo recorded 37 strikeouts, showcasing her confidence in the circle. When she is not pitching, she confidently plays third base, as she is known for her quick first step and strong arm. At the plate, she hits near the top of the order, consistently makes contact, and adds power when needed. Shelby Izzo is a steady competitor who elevates her teammates in many ways.     [player_tooltip player_id='152609' first='Cayleigh' last='Steele'] brings a steady, impact-driven presence to multiple phases of the game. A former baseball athlete, she has transitioned to fastpitch seamlessly, with her instincts and field awareness translating immediately. In the outfield, she efficiently covers ground, takes clean routes, and closes quickly, showcasing real range. Offensively, Steele excels as a reliable table-setter, posting a .377 average and .446 on-base percentage over 69 at-bats this fall. She recorded 26 hits, including five doubles and a triple, while scoring 19 runs, consistently pressuring defenses with her speed and ability to get on base. Her fall production reflects a player already comfortable against high-level competition and continuing to trend upward.     [player_tooltip player_id='152614' first='Abby' last='Brewer'] is a versatile athlete who makes an impact in multiple roles on the field. Currently a freshman at Lincoln-Way East High School, she excels as both a pitcher and an infielder, combining her athleticism with strong coachability and consistency. This fall, Brewer achieved a batting average of .390 with a .440 on-base percentage, while also logging 36.1 innings as a pitcher and earning three wins. As a member of the 14USP GenuWIN REIGN team, she is a reliable competitor who demonstrates leadership through her preparation, attention to detail, and consistently positive attitude, which enhances the team's culture.     McKenzie Gale is a versatile athlete who has made an immediate impact in her first year with Texas Glory IL. Offensively, she has excelled with a batting average of .527, an on-base percentage of .639, and a slugging percentage of 1.091 over 72 plate appearances. Gale demonstrates consistent gap power, recording 10 doubles, nine triples, and one home run while driving in 23 runs and scoring 35. She also demonstrates exceptional speed with all her doubles and triples. Defensively, she adds value by playing multiple positions and has achieved a fielding percentage of .957 with 26 assists. Her impressive early performance and positional versatility make her a player to watch closely going forward.     Abigail Caulfield is a dependable defender who's known for her confidence and determination on the field. She has established herself as a reliable option at third base, demonstrating quick reactions, strong hands, and the willingness to attack hard-hit balls in crucial moments. Caulfield effectively neutralizes the short game and is unafraid to charge the ball or make plays on the move. When needed, she can also fill in in the outfield, where she covers ground and makes diving catches without hesitation. At the plate, she contributes consistently with 19 hits, 11 RBIs, and 19 runs scored. Not only does she have success on the field, but also in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She is the type of player coaches can rely on.     [player_tooltip player_id='152056' first='Alana' last='Nieto'], a right-handed pitcher and third baseman for the Beverly Bandits 14U Premier Chow/Hardin team, is a standout in the 2029 class. She played a key role in her team's impressive 33-2 record this fall, winning championships at the Top Gun Invitational, Easton Rawlings Fall Championship, and PGF Labor Day Showdown, along with a runner-up finish at PGF Show Me The Money in Georgia. Nieto's season stats include a 15-1 record, 90.2 innings pitched, 103 strikeouts, a 2.01 ERA, and a .210 batting average against. Nieto boasts a .333 batting average of her own and excels in clutch situations, marking her as a rising star in the 2029 class. Her athleticism is further showcased by her involvement in flag football, track and field, and wrestling.     Tova Chung is a standout shortstop excelling in every phase of the game. As a shortstop, she demonstrates exceptional range and athleticism; there's no ball she can't get to, and she also has an impressive 63 mph overhand throw. When she's not playing a lockdown shortstop, she's competing in the circle. She showcases a fastball that reaches 62 mph, along with a developing rise ball and changeup. Chung is also a powerful hitter with a .421/.455/.895 slash line at the Peoria and Chattanooga 16U showcases, including two doubles, two triples, and a home run. Chung hit a crucial three-run homer against the Arizona Storm, showing her clutchness. Tova Chung is an athlete to keep an eye on in the 2029 class as she continues to develop.     Caroline Tautkus has quickly established herself as a high-impact athlete in her first season with Texas Glory IL. In the circle, she's logged 59 innings with a 3.92 ERA, striking out 83 hitters while working a sharp riseball and curve that generate swings and misses. At the plate, Tautkus has been equally effective, hitting .477 with a .500 on-base percentage over 68 plate appearances. She demonstrates a disciplined approach, striking out just five times while driving in 15 runs and producing consistent contact across the field. Her ability to contribute on both sides of the ball makes her a player to continue tracking as she develops.     [player_tooltip player_id='152613' first='Alyssa' last='Muhlbach'] of the Beverly Bandits 14U Premier Chow/Hardin team is a standout talent. She played a key role in her team's remarkable 33-2 fall season, securing titles at the Top Gun Invitational, Easton Rawlings Fall Championship, and PGF Labor Day Showdown, along with a second-place finish at PGF Show Me The Money in Georgia. As a left-handed hitter, Muhibach can bunt, slap, or swing away with confidence, keeping defenses off balance. This fall, she batted .441 with a .525 OBP, achieving five doubles, three triples, and 17 RBIs, while successfully stealing 11 out of 12 bases. With her speed and versatility, [player_tooltip player_id='152613' first='Alyssa' last='Muhlbach'] is emerging as one of the top outfielders and slappers in the 2029 class.

Illinois is demonstrating impressive depth in the 2029 softball class, with each athlete already making significant contributions in games. This list showcases players who excel through their consistency, versatility, and competitive performance. Each highlighted athlete has proven her value to her team, whether as a pitcher, batter, or defensive player. These individuals are definitely worth monitoring as they continue to grow and distinguish themselves in the sport.