Under-The-Radar Washington 2029s Poised To Break Out

The 2029 softball class continues to show impressive depth, highlighted by athletes who already play with confidence, versatility, and impact well beyond their years.   From dynamic two-way players to vocal leaders and clutch performers, these athletes are making their presence felt across the field.   Below, Prep Softball highlights 2029 prospects from Washington State who are poised to break out this high school season.    Aubrey Gidley is a dedicated gamer who excels when the game is on the line, whether that's for her New Level team or her high school squad. She brings gap-to-gap power and a disciplined approach at the plate, finishing the fall with a .344 batting average and a .462 on-base percentage. Gidley collected 21 RBIs, including 8 two-out RBIs, highlighting her ability to deliver in clutch situations. Defensively, she is a vacuum at first base with soft hands and strong instincts. Gidley will primarily pitch for Steilacoom, but she is also expected to play a key role in the middle of the batting order. In the circle, she competes with fierce determination, using a five-pitch arsenal to confidently and aggressively challenge hitters.     [player_tooltip player_id='101374' first='Bailey' last='Martin'] is a versatile player from Puyallup High School who brings an advanced softball IQ to the field. A competitive center fielder and catcher graduating in 2029, Martin combines her speed and strong game awareness to make impactful defensive plays and create top-level offense. Her body awareness has allowed her to develop at an accelerated rate, and while she enters this high school season as a freshman, she already plays with the poise and understanding of a leader. Martin takes pride in her situational hitting, consistent work ethic, and team-first mindset.     Tessa Mendoza is a versatile catcher and outfielder in the 2029 class at DeSales High School, and she also plays for USA Explosion 16U Rebhahn. A three-sport athlete in volleyball, basketball, and softball, she consistently showcases her overall athleticism and athletic mindset. Mendoza brings a competitive edge and strong athletic foundation to everything she does. She is adaptable, eager to learn, and quick to adjust, making her a reliable and versatile player in various roles. Off the field, she pairs her athletic excellence with academic excellence with a 4.0 GPA.     Hailey Fitchett is a standout player in the 2029 class, representing the Washington Ladyhawks and Skyline High School. She brings elite power and a strong arm to the field. Not only is she quick on the bases, but she also has impressive home run capabilities, as she is able to drive any pitch she sees deep. Fitchett maintains a confident and composed presence in each of her at-bats, making her the ideal hitter when there are runners on base. Defensively, she excels at third base. When she's not playing third, she often moves to the pitching circle, spinning the ball and changing speeds to keep hitters off balance. Her combination of power, athleticism, and versatility makes her a high-impact player to watch this high school season.     Rory Krause is a 2029 left-handed pitcher for Elevate NW Krause and Redmond High School, who demonstrates advanced command and softball IQ in the circle. She showcases natural movement and precise spot location, keeping hitters off balance and allowing her to work confidently through game situations. At the plate, she had an impressive fall season. She posted a .573 batting average and a .709 slugging percentage with 25 RBIs in 26 games. With her composure, competitiveness, and impact on both sides of the ball, Rory Krause is positioned to make an immediate impact at Redmond.     Tayler Harpel has emerged as one of the infield leaders on her New Level team, and is ready to bring that mentality into her freshman year at Puyallup High School. She batted .370 with an impressive .485 on-base percentage in the fall, showing consistency and discipline at the plate during her travel season. Harpel has cemented herself at third base, where she plays heads-up defense and leads vocally behind every pitch. She also showcases her strong arm and quick reactions at the hot corner. Her presence and reliability on both sides of the ball will be a key factor for Puyallup's team, as they are entering the season as an early favorite for the state championship.     Zoey Perreault is an all-around elite athlete for WA Ladyhawks Fleury 14U and Shorewood High School, bringing a combination of speed and power to the game. An outfielder and right-handed pitcher, Perreault keeps hitters off balance in the circle by effectively mixing speeds, while also making her biggest impact with the bat. She is an outstanding hitter, who is capable of driving the ball with serious power and changing the game with one swing. On the bases, her speed and instincts allow her to put constant pressure on the defense, often catching opponents sleeping. In the outfield, Perreault uses that same speed to cover gaps with ease, and she isn't afraid to lay out and make the tough plays, showcasing her aggressive and fearless style of play. Zoey Perreault's hard work, power, and versatility are ready to be shown this high school season.

The 2029 softball class continues to show impressive depth, highlighted by athletes who already play with confidence, versatility, and impact well beyond their years.