Under-The-Radar Tennessee 2028s Poised To Break Out

As the high school season approaches, these under-the-radar 2028s are poised to make significant impacts for their programs across the state. With strong fall showings, continued development through college camps and private training, and proven success on big stages, each athlete featured here is one to know as Tennessee softball's next generation continues to rise.   Below, Prep Softball highlights some of the 2028 prospects from Tennessee who we expect to break out this high school season.    Bella Waldrop is one of those 2028s quietly building momentum heading into a big high school season. She shows advanced defensive instincts on the left side of the infield, flashing a confident glove at the hot corner while also bringing relentless hustle when asked to slide over to shortstop. Waldrop isn't afraid to sell out for her team, routinely making diving plays and attacking balls with an aggressive, no-fear mentality that sets the tone defensively. At the plate, she profiles as a line-drive power hitter who consistently finds barrels and drives the ball with intent. Her swing plays well against quality pitching, and she's gaining valuable experience competing in big-time tournaments while attending college camps to continue her development. With her combination of defensive versatility, effort, and emerging offensive pop, Waldrop is emerging as a name worth tracking this year.     [player_tooltip player_id='106276' first='Aynslee' last='Bright'] continues to separate herself as one of the top catchers in the 2028 class, putting in the work both on and off the field. She's consistently attending college camps and investing in private lessons, showing a clear commitment to developing all areas of her game. That dedication paid off with her selection to participate in the USA HPP National Selection Event, an experience reserved for some of the top young talent in the country. Offensively, Bright brings real impact from the right side, posting exit velocities in the low 70s that translate to hard contact and power potential at the plate. Behind the dish, she shows advanced receiving skills, leadership, and a strong understanding of the game for her age. With elite-level experience, physical tools, and a high ceiling, Bright is poised to make a major impact this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='144938' first='Carleigh' last='Allen'] has firmly established herself as one of the most dynamic athletes in the 2028 class, bringing game-changing speed and consistency to the top of the lineup. A true top-tier slapper, Allen consistently puts pressure on defenses with her ability to get on base, use the entire field, and turn routine plays into scoring opportunities. She's been active on the college camp circuit, continuing to gain exposure while sharpening her already polished skill set. This fall, Allen played a key role in helping her team earn a bid to Alliance Nationals next summer, and her summer performance with Fury Platinum backed up the hype. She finished the season with a 36-10-3 record, posting an impressive .448 batting average and .565 on-base percentage, while going a perfect 22-for-22 on stolen bases. Her standout play earned her a spot on the All-Tournament Team at the Alliance National Championships, further cementing her status as one of the top outfielders in the country. With elite speed, high-level production, and a proven track record on big stages, Allen is trending toward a big year.     Dannie Lynn Galloway is an athletic, high-motor center fielder who continues to trend upward as she gains exposure on the college camp circuit. A true multi-sport athlete who also plays basketball, Galloway brings speed, coordination, and a competitive edge that consistently shows up on the field. She covers ground well in center, reads the ball off the bat with confidence, and plays the game with an aggressive but controlled style. At the Level Up Sports event in December, Galloway put together an impressive weekend at the plate, hitting .500 with two triples, a single, and a sacrifice fly, while driving in five runs. Her ability to impact the game in big moments was also on display this fall, helping her team capture the Frost Cutlery Classic title. With her athleticism, production against quality competition, and continued development, Galloway is positioned for a breakout season.     Syrenity Bickerstaff is a high-level multi-sport athlete whose physical tools and work ethic are starting to translate into serious on-field upside. A standout in basketball and soccer in addition to softball, Bickerstaff brings elite athleticism, body control, and competitive toughness to everything she does. That athletic base is backed by real strength development, highlighted by a 205-pound squat PR and a consistent commitment to the weight room. She's equally intentional with her skill development, putting in extra time working on her fielding independently while gaining exposure on the college camp circuit. Bickerstaff's speed jumps off the page, posting a 1.9-second 10-yard sprint and a 3.25-second 20-yard sprint, numbers that make her a true game-changer on the bases and in the field. With rare speed, growing strength, and a relentless approach to improvement, Bickerstaff is set up for a standout season.     Brooklyn Kavanaugh continues to build a strong résumé as one of the more complete two-way athletes in the 2028 class. A Division II AA First-Team All-Region selection, she's already proven she can perform at a high level against quality competition. Kavanaugh has been active on the college camp circuit, while also investing in private lessons and extra work on her own, showing a clear commitment to continued growth. In the circle, Kavanaugh brings confidence and competitiveness, attacking hitters and controlling the tempo of the game. She's equally impactful at the plate, where her big bat gives her true run-producing potential and adds value beyond her pitching role. With high-level recognition, a strong work ethic, and two-way upside, Kavanaugh is a high-level player with incredible skill.     Cloe Morgan is a high-academic catcher in the 2028 class who continues to trend upward as she sharpens her game on both sides of the ball. Carrying a 3.7 GPA, Morgan pairs classroom discipline with a serious commitment to her development, regularly attending college camps and putting in extra work on her own in the cages. She's also taking private lessons, showing a clear focus on refining the details of her craft. Behind the plate, Morgan's tools stand out, highlighted by a 1.8 pop time that allows her to control the running game and work efficiently with her pitchers. She shows steady receiving skills and an advanced understanding of the position for her age. With solid academics, developing offensive consistency, and defensive metrics that already play, Morgan is an under-the-radar 2028 poised for a strong high school season in Tennessee.     [player_tooltip player_id='97099' first='Khloe' last='Burton'] has already established herself as one of the top pitchers in the 2028 class, pairing elite-level recognition with a high ceiling still left to tap into. An MSP All-American, Burton continues to build momentum by attending college camps and investing in private lessons, showing a consistent commitment to refining her craft. Her development and performance recently earned her a nomination for the Tennesseean Athlete of the Week in January, further validating her impact across the state. A true multi-sport athlete, Burton also competes in basketball as a forward/center, bringing strength and competitive toughness that translate well to the circle. She attacks hitters with confidence, shows advanced pitchability for her age, and competes with an edge that separates her from her peers. With national-level accolades, continued skill development, and multi-sport athleticism, Burton is definitely one to watch this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='108837' first='Ava' last='Lastovka'] is a high-academic, multi-sport pitcher in the 2028 class who continues to show advanced performance against quality competition. Competing in softball, basketball, and volleyball, Lastovka brings strong athleticism, balance, and body control to the circle. She pairs that athletic profile with elite academics, carrying a 3.9 GPA and earning honor roll recognition. Her performance at the Ray Seymour Invitational this fall stood out, as she logged 12 innings with 25 strikeouts, just two walks, and two earned runs, finishing the event with a 1.16 ERA. Those numbers reflect both swing-and-miss stuff and an ability to command the zone. With continued work through private lessons and a strong foundation as a multi-sport athlete, Lastovka is a top 2028 prospect.     Leah Robinson is a high-academic corner infielder in the 2028 class who continues to produce against top-level competition. Carrying a 4.1 GPA, Robinson balances elite academics with a strong commitment to her on-field development, investing in private lessons while competing in some of the top tournaments on the fall schedule. At the Scenic City Top 25 earlier this fall, Robinson posted a .450 batting average with a .476 on-base percentage, showing a mature approach and consistent barrel control. She followed that performance up with standout reps against the Thunderbolts, going 8-for-13 with a .615 average against quality pitching. With defensive versatility at third base and in the outfield, plus proven production on big stages, Robinson is an elite player to keep an eye on this season.

As the high school season approaches, these under-the-radar 2028s are poised to make significant impacts for their programs across the state. With strong fall showings, continued development through college camps and private training, and proven success on big stages, each athlete featured here is one to know as Tennessee softball's next generation continues to rise.