Top 2029 Prospects To Watch In Nebraska

Nebraska's 2029 class is loaded with emerging talent, and the athletes featured in this article are already making their presence felt on big stages.   Through standout performances at national tournaments, strong high school seasons, and a clear commitment to development, these players have shown advanced skill sets and competitive maturity beyond their years.   As they continue to improve and gain exposure, this group represents the next wave of impact players coming out of the state of Nebraska.    Paisley Sykes is a catcher and third baseman who continues to show steady growth in all areas of her game. She is committed to improving her swing and overall mechanics, putting in extra swings throughout the week while consistently attending hitting lessons and staying disciplined with her strength and conditioning work. Behind the plate, her current 1.76 pop time reflects quick footwork, clean transfers, and confidence in her throws. Academically, Paisley excels with a 4.0 GPA and carries that same focus into her preparation on the field. She is actively attending college camps and gaining exposure, and her impact was evident as she helped her team earn co-champion honors at the Top Gun Events Lone Star Fall Invitational 16U, contributing with effort, toughness, and reliability in big moments.     Berkley Cain is a middle infielder who consistently produces at the plate and shows confidence when facing strong competition. At the Cornhusker Classic, she batted .400, setting the tone with a steady and disciplined offensive approach. She followed up that performance at the Sandhills Invitational Tournament, where her team played up in the 18U division and she finished with an impressive .667 average, showing poise against older competition. Berkley continued her success at the Top Gun Events Lone Star Invitational, posting a .455 batting average while also turning a key double play. Defensively, she brings a quick glove and strong instincts in the middle of the infield, making her a dependable presence who impacts the game on both sides of the ball.     [player_tooltip player_id='149558' first='Madison' last='Furlong'] is a third baseman and utility player who brings versatility and consistency to her team. She is actively taking hitting lessons and continues to refine her approach at the plate, showing a willingness to put in the work to improve her offensive game. Her efforts have been recognized with multiple honors, including Lincoln Journal Star All-State honorable mention and a Class B Second-Team All-Omaha Area selection. Madison also played a key role for Nebraska Gold National Wallace Helmick 13U during their runner-up finish while competing up in the 14U division at the Top Gun Cornhusker Classic. Her ability to contribute in multiple roles and compete against older competition highlights her value as a dependable and coachable athlete.     Gretchen Mittan is a high-impact player who consistently rises to the moment in competitive environments. As a USA Softball HPP Top Performer, she batted .600 with a .750 on-base percentage and a 1.550 OPS, showcasing advanced plate discipline and an ability to drive the ball. She carried that production into the Impact Gold Fall Exposure in College Station, where she hit .556 with four singles and a home run against strong competition. Gretchen also helped her team secure a berth to AFCS in Indiana, contributing in meaningful games when it mattered most. Defensively, she stands out for her range and instincts, making diving plays look routine and bringing energy to every inning. She is actively attending college camps and continues to build her résumé as a reliable and dynamic performer.     Averi Bachman is a versatile athlete who brings impact to the game both offensively and defensively. At the high school level, she earned All-Conference First-Team honors, collected her first varsity letter, and was named Team MVP, reflecting the trust placed in her by her coaches. In tournament play with Aces National, Averi delivered a strong performance at the HFL Fastpitch Qualifier, finishing with a .357 average and .500 on-base percentage while adding two doubles, six walks, three hit by pitches, and scoring twice, showing patience and toughness in the box. She continued that momentum at the TG Cornhusker Classic in the 16U division, where she hit .667 and crossed home plate 10 times. Defensively, her ability to play nearly every position makes her a valuable and reliable option in any lineup.     [player_tooltip player_id='146566' first='Ashley' last='Green'] put together an outstanding freshman season and quickly established herself as one of the most impactful young players in her class. She helped lead her team to a C 5 District Championship and earned OWH First-Team Class C All-State along with Lincoln Journal Star Second-Team Class C All-State honors. At the plate, Ashley posted elite production, finishing the year with a .516 batting average, .541 on-base percentage, and .817 slugging percentage while totaling 48 hits, seven doubles, six triples, three home runs, 37 RBIs, and 35 runs scored. She also delivered on the biggest stage, hitting a home run during the NSAA Softball State Championship Tournament. Defensively, Ashley is a true utility player with the ability to contribute as a pitcher and catcher while also handling the outfield, giving her team flexibility and dependable production in multiple roles.     [player_tooltip player_id='145100' first='Leyton' last='Michaelis'] is an elite competitor who brings a blend of athleticism, production, and softball IQ to the field. A First-Team All-State selection, she has also earned Omaha World Herald Class B Second-Team All-Omaha Area honors and Lincoln Journal Star Class B First-Team All-State recognition, reflecting her impact at the high school level. As a multi-sport athlete in softball, basketball, and volleyball, Leyton's overall athleticism shows up in every phase of the game. At the 2025 Top Gun Select Invite in the 16U division, she hit .533 for the weekend from the leadoff spot, showing extra-base power with five doubles and a home run while consistently putting pressure on the defense. Her combination of speed and strength makes her a difficult out at the plate, and defensively she is a strong outfielder who uses her speed and instincts to make play after play. Leyton's ability to influence the game on both sides of the ball sets her apart as a complete and dynamic player.     [player_tooltip player_id='106092' first='Taryn' last='Lewis'] is a dependable and impactful player who consistently rises to the occasion in big moments. She earned honorable mention on the Lincoln Journal Star All-State Team and played a key role in helping her high school program reach the state tournament. Offensively, Taryn is known for stepping up when her team needs her most, delivering timely hits and confident at-bats. That presence was on full display at the Top Gun Cornhusker Classic in the 16U division, where she was exceptional on both sides of the ball. Defensively, she was flawless at shortstop, finishing the weekend with a perfect fielding percentage on 18 total chances and turning a clean double play while making difficult plays look routine. At the plate, she hit .500 with seven hits, including two doubles and two triples, and drove in eight runs, putting together a tremendous all-around performance.     Brileigh Twarling is a left-handed pitcher who brings a strong competitive presence and versatility to her team. A USA All-American in 2024, she has played a key role in helping her high school program capture multiple championships and qualify for the state tournament. In the circle, Brileigh competes with confidence and has experience facing high-level lineups through club play at events such as the Sandhills Invitational, HFL Fall Alliance National Qualifier, and the Lone Star Invitational. She also adds value offensively as a capable hitter and provides defensive flexibility by playing first base when needed. Her ability to contribute in multiple roles makes her a reliable and impactful option at both the high school and club levels.

Nebraska's 2029 class is loaded with emerging talent, and the athletes featured in this article are already making their presence felt on big stages.