Top 2030 Prospects To Watch In New York

The softball class of 2030 is quickly taking shape across New York, and the talent level is undeniable. From dominant arms in the circle to confident, impactful bats, these young athletes are already separating themselves through their performance and competitive presence.   What stands out is not only their skill, but also their composure, competitiveness, and advanced understanding of the game. The following prospects are letting their play do the talking as they emerge as some of the top names to watch in the state.   Below, Prep Softball highlights some of the top prospects to watch from New York in the high school graduating class of 2030.    Brooklyn Meganck is already drawing attention from college coaches nationwide, and for good reason. A young player with remarkable composure, she demonstrates advanced mechanics and an understanding of the game well beyond her years. During the fall season, Meganck threw 41 innings, recording 47 strikeouts, a 1.00 WHIP, and a 2.90 ERA, while limiting opponents to a .199 batting average. Her presence at the plate is equally impressive, as she hit four home runs, including a grand slam. Returning from a minor injury, Meganck dominated at a Georgia tournament with eight strikeouts in eight innings, showcasing both resilience and competitive drive. She is highly coachable, consistently adjusting her approach based on performance metrics and situational needs. Her work ethic and focus in practice mirror her intensity in games, making her a complete two-way threat. With the spring season approaching, Meganck's combination of skill, mindset, and determination suggests she will continue to be one of New York's top prospects to watch in her class.     [player_tooltip player_id='145236' first='Taylor' last='Kruse'] is quickly establishing herself as one of New York's top pitching prospects. Combining a strong arm with a high softball IQ, she has consistently impressed both in training and game performance. Wrapping up her fall season, Kruse threw 55 innings, recording 47 strikeouts while walking just 28 batters and posting a 64% strike percentage. Her fall performance was built on a stellar summer campaign, during which she pitched 145.1 innings with 210 strikeouts. At a recent tournament, she threw eight innings, allowing seven hits, five runs, two walks, and striking out 15, marking the milestone of 1,000 career strikeouts. Her drive to improve, dedication to attend camps, and focus on refining her craft make her a standout to coaches at every level. This offseason, Kruse has plenty to build on, and with her skill, mindset, and work ethic, she is poised to continue her rise as one of New York's elite pitchers in her class.     Kayleigh Petrillo continues to separate herself through an offseason built on consistency, development, and competitive drive. Coming off a strong fall campaign, she has shown no signs of slowing down, focusing on refining her mechanics and increasing her velocity in the circle. Petrillo recently set a new personal record, reaching 64.2 and 64.1 mph, a two-mile-per-hour jump in just one month. During the fall, she pitched 35.1 innings, recording 44 strikeouts with an impressive 0.708 WHIP, while holding opponents to a .112 batting average. Offensively, Petrillo proved to be a reliable contributor at the plate, hitting .447 with a .500 on-base percentage, a 1.182 OPS, 17 RBIs, and one home run. What stands out most is her mindset, as she remains focused on constant improvement, maintaining composure, and prioritizing team success. As she continues to climb the ranks, she is quickly becoming one of New York's top 2030 prospects to watch.     If you haven't heard her name yet, it's time to take note because Emily Zelasko is a rising star with a skill set that continues to trend upward. Known for her relentless work ethic, Zelasko is constantly finding time to train, refine her approach, and elevate her game. Offensively, she stands out as one of the top power bats in the region, ranking fifth in the Northeast in exit velocity at 74.08 mph, consistently producing hard contact. During the fall season, she finished strong, posting a .418 batting average, .424 on-base percentage, .516 slugging percentage, and a .944 OPS across 101 plate appearances and 91 at-bats. Behind the plate, Zelasko brings leadership and advanced game awareness, effectively commanding the defense and making in-game adjustments based on hitters and situations. Her ability to lead through communication and preparation separates her from her peers. With continued development and the spring season approaching, Zelasko has plenty more to show and is a prospect firmly worth watching.

The softball class of 2030 is quickly taking shape across New York, and the talent level is undeniable. From dominant arms in the circle to confident, impactful bats, these young athletes are already separating themselves through their performance and competitive presence.