Top 2030 Prospects To Watch In Arkansas
Photo: Brielle Barson/X
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<p>Arkansas continues to produce high-level young talent, and the 2030 class is no exception. From game-changing hitters to versatile defenders and emerging two-way players, these athletes are already making an impact against strong competition and gaining attention through elite events and college camps.</p>
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<p>Here are some of the top 2030 prospects in Arkansas to watch as they continue to develop and raise their ceiling.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Bailey Harris is a 2030 prospect who continues to stand out for her steady approach and well-rounded game. A 4.0 student in the classroom, she brings the same level of consistency and focus to the field. At the plate, Harris is a reliable contact hitter who consistently puts together quality at-bats and finds ways to get on base. She understands situational hitting, can lay down a bunt when asked, and uses her speed to create pressure once she reaches first base, making her a constant threat to steal bases. Defensively, Harris is a solid middle infielder who plays with confidence and control. She shows good instincts, smooth actions, and the ability to make routine plays look easy. Her speed translates well on both sides of the ball, allowing her to cover ground defensively and impact the game offensively. With continued development and exposure through college camps, Harris is a prospect to keep a close eye on in the 2030 class.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Emmie Stout is a true game-changer in the 2030 class, impacting the game in multiple ways as both a pitcher and infielder. Offensively, she put together an outstanding fall showing, hitting .614 with a 1.114 slugging percentage. Her ability to drive the ball to all fields is highlighted by 12 doubles and two home runs, while her advanced plate discipline stands out with 10 walks to just two strikeouts. With a personal-best 79 mph exit velocity and seven stolen bases, Stout brings a combination of power, patience, and speed that makes her a constant threat in the lineup. In the circle, Stout continues to prove her value with 42.2 innings pitched and 54 strikeouts, showing the ability to miss bats and compete deep into games. Her versatility as a pitcher and infielder adds even more value, giving coaches multiple ways to use her at a high level. As she continues attending college camps and gaining exposure, Stout's well-rounded skill set and competitive edge firmly place her among the top 2030 prospects to watch in Arkansas.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='152546' first='Avery' last='Thompson'] has established herself as a reliable and impactful presence in the 2030 class with her consistent production on both sides of the ball. Offensively, she put together a strong fall, hitting .489 with a .689 slugging percentage, driving in 22 runs, and adding a home run to her stat line. She continued that success at PGF Diamond Legacy, where she hit .467 with seven hits, a home run, and six RBIs, showing the ability to perform against high-level competition. Her commitment to taking private hitting lessons is evident in her approach, balance, and ability to deliver in key moments. Defensively, Thompson brings stability and trust, posting a .988 fielding percentage and handling a heavy workload behind the plate with 23.1 innings caught at PGF Diamond Legacy. She shows poise, toughness, and consistency while managing the game defensively. With continued development and exposure through college camps, Thompson's combination of offensive production, defensive reliability, and work ethic makes her a standout prospect to watch in Arkansas's 2030 class.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Brielle Barson continues to raise her ceiling through a strong commitment to offseason development. She has been putting in consistent work in the weight room and the cages, focusing on building strength, power, and overall athleticism. That work is already translating, as she recently hit a new personal best of 62 mph, showing clear gains in arm speed. In the circle, Barson is intentionally refining her explosiveness with an emphasis on improved hip and leg drive. She takes private pitching lessons and is showing a growing understanding of how to generate power from the ground up, which is allowing her velocity and command to trend upward. Combined with her offensive production, defensive reliability, and relentless work ethic, Barson is developing into a complete player whose best softball is still ahead of her.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Kya Bonds is a 2030 prospect who continues to make her presence felt both in the classroom and on the field. A 4.0 student, she brings focus, discipline, and maturity to her game. Offensively, Bonds had an impressive fall, hitting .462 with a .962 slugging percentage and two home runs, showing her ability to drive the ball with authority and produce in key moments. Her power potential was on full display on August 24, when she crushed her first career grand slam, a milestone moment that reflects her growing confidence and impact at the plate. She shows a strong understanding of her swing and does a good job of staying aggressive while still being selective. As she continues attending college camps and gaining exposure, Bonds' combination of academic excellence, offensive production, and competitive edge makes her a player to watch closely in Arkansas's 2030 class.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Ellison Williams is a high-impact 2030 prospect who has proven she can compete against advanced competition. Playing up at the 18U level, she held her own offensively while helping her team finish undefeated and claim the Fall El Gigante championship. At the plate, Williams posted a .387 batting average with a .710 slugging percentage, launching four home runs and driving in 18 runs. Batting left-handed while throwing right-handed, she brings a versatile skill set and a swing that produces real power against older pitchers. In the circle, Williams adds another layer of value with 43.1 innings pitched and 20 strikeouts, showing the ability to contribute as a two-way player. Her willingness to take on older competition speaks to her confidence and competitive makeup. With continued development, Williams' power potential, versatility, and experience at the 18U level position her as a strong prospect to watch in Arkansas's 2030 class.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Ellie Cunningham is a dynamic 2030 prospect whose versatility and consistency make her stand out. Capable of playing third base, shortstop, and in the outfield, she brings flexibility and reliability to any lineup or defensive alignment. Cunningham earned a spot on the 2025 14U Ronald McDonald All-Tournament Team, a reflection of her ability to perform at a high level against strong competition. Offensively, she put together an impressive fall, hitting .500 with a .650 slugging percentage and striking out zero times, showcasing an advanced approach and strong bat control. Her speed is a major asset, as evidenced by 18 stolen bases, and she uses it effectively to impact the game in multiple ways. Defensively, Cunningham posted a .960 fielding percentage and shows steady hands and good instincts. As she continues attending college camps to elevate her game, her combination of versatility, speed, and consistency makes her a top 2030 prospect to watch in Arkansas.</p>
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Arkansas continues to produce high-level young talent, and the 2030 class is no exception. From game-changing hitters to versatile defenders and emerging two-way players, these athletes are already making an impact against strong competition and gaining attention through elite events and college camps.
Bailey Harris
POS
MIF
CLASS
2030
Bailey Harris
Club:
Aces Fastpitch 14U
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Emmie Stout
POS
RHP
CLASS
2030
Emmie Stout
School:
Beebe
Club:
Arkansas Battitude 2011
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Avery Thompson
Avery
Thompson
C/UTL
Cabot | 2030
AR
POS
C
CLASS
2030
Avery Thompson
Avery
Thompson
C/UTL
Cabot | 2030
AR
Club:
Battitude 2011
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Brielle Barson
POS
UTL
CLASS
2030
Brielle Barson
Club:
Phenix Gold AR
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Kya Bonds
POS
UTL
CLASS
2030
Kya Bonds
School:
Bentonville
Club:
Legacy Sports Academy-Netherton 14U
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Ellison Williams
POS
RHP
CLASS
2030
Ellison Williams
School:
Shiloh Christian
Club:
Legends National 16U
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Ellie Cunnigham
POS
UTL
CLASS
2030
Ellie Cunnigham
School:
Bryant
Club:
Lady Dukes Clark 29/30
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