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

Tennessee's 2029 class is deeper than it gets credit for, with several players quietly building the tools to make a major impact at the high school level. These under-the-radar prospects bring a mix of athleticism, power, and competitive edge, and each is poised for a breakout season in 2026.   Below, Prep Softball highlights the 2029 prospects from Tennessee who are poised to break out this high school season.    [player_tooltip player_id='117709' first='Shylo' last='Williford'] is a two-way presence who continues to quietly build momentum heading into her high school years. In the circle, she has reached the low 60s, with a personal best of 65, and shows a confident feel for pitching beyond just velocity. Her drop ball is her defining pitch, showing late bite and consistent downward action, and she pairs it effectively with a fastball, changeup, and a developing rise to keep hitters guessing. Her ability to sequence pitches and compete through innings makes her a reliable option against strong lineups. At the plate, Williford brings legitimate power that forces pitchers to be careful. With a bat speed of 76 mph, she has shown she can turn on mistakes and do damage, finishing the fall travel season with eight RBIs and two home runs. Over 33 innings pitched, she struck out 31 hitters, reinforcing her impact on both sides of the ball. Shylo's combination of physical tools and continued development points toward a high school season that could elevate her name quickly.     [player_tooltip player_id='149560' first='Cenzie' last='Collin'] is an under-the-radar 2029 prospect in Tennessee who brings a rare combination of athleticism, defensive versatility, and a strong commitment to development. She continues to seek out high-level competition by attending major college camps and investing in private hitting lessons, while also putting in consistent work in the weight room to build strength and explosiveness. That dedication shows up in her overall presence on the field and her steady progression as a complete player. Defensively, Collin stands out as an elite third baseman with quick reactions, soft hands, and confident footwork, while also showing strong ability behind the plate as a catcher. Her athleticism allows her to adapt seamlessly to both roles, giving her added value at the high school level. A standout volleyball player as well, she brings court awareness, body control, and competitive toughness that translate directly to softball. With her defensive polish, athletic background, and commitment to improvement, Cenzie is well positioned for a big high school season in Tennessee.     Layla Norman brings a physical, power-driven skill set that stands out among Tennessee's 2029 class. In the circle, she works around 60 and relies on an elite drop ball that produces consistent downward movement and weak contact. She continues to expand her pitching profile by adding a curveball while maintaining a reliable fastball and changeup. Her training approach is intentional, as she works closely with a personal trainer to improve speed, strength, and overall explosiveness. Norman's impact is not limited to pitching. She brings a strong bat with true power potential and has the ability to drive the ball with authority when pitchers fall behind. Defensively, she is a top-tier first baseman with confident footwork, strong hands, and an advanced feel for the position. Layla's combination of physical strength, positional reliability, and pitching upside makes her a name to watch closely as she enters her high school years.     Ashley Blackburn's game is defined by effort, toughness, and consistency. In the circle, she throws around 60 and relies heavily on an outstanding drop ball that consistently creates uncomfortable at-bats. Her changeup is a major weapon, generating a sharp speed contrast, and she continues to develop a rise ball to round out her arsenal. Blackburn's willingness to put in extra work separates her, as she is constantly refining mechanics and sharpening command. Away from the circle, Blackburn shows strong defensive value as a dependable shortstop with quick feet, smooth transfers, and confident glove work. She plays the game with energy and purpose, and is widely respected as a teammate who elevates those around her. Ashley's relentless work ethic, combined with her pitching effectiveness and defensive ability, sets the stage for a breakout high school season.     Ellie Vincil is one of the most naturally impactful hitters in Tennessee's 2029 class and has already established herself as a feared presence in the batter's box. A left-handed hitter with a top exit velocity of 77.7, she consistently produces loud contact and makes home run power look routine. Vincil does not sell out for power, as she combines bat control with strength to hit for average while still driving the ball with authority. What truly sets Vincil apart is her ability to perform at this level while being blind in one eye, which is a testament to her focus, adaptability, and mental toughness. She continues to challenge herself by attending high-level camps and competing against elite pitching, proving her offensive skill set translates in any environment. Ellie's rare combination of power, consistency, and resilience makes her one of the most compelling under-the-radar hitters poised for a big high school season in Tennessee.     This under-the-radar 2029 prospect is putting together one of the more complete tool sets in the region, showing impact as both a power arm and a middle-of-the-order bat. In the circle, Sophia has reached a pitching personal record of 66 mph and pairs that velocity with clean mechanics and strong leg drive that allow her to repeat her delivery and maintain command deep into outings. Her overhand throwing velocity also sits at 66 mph, reflecting overall arm strength and athletic efficiency that translate across positions. Offensively, Sophia brings serious power potential to the lineup, posting a 77 mph exit velocity and proving it plays in game situations. During the fall Stars over Alabama Tournament, she delivered one of the top offensive performances of the event, batting .625 while launching three home runs against quality competition. Her ability to impact games on both sides of the ball, combined with strong physical tools and sound mechanics, positions her as a 2029 athlete poised for a breakout high school season.     Maddi White is an under-the-radar 2029 prospect in Tennessee who continues to build an impressive résumé through high-level competition and steady development. She has already proven she can contribute on championship teams, playing a key role on the 2027 Mojo Pardue squad that captured the 16U PGF Championship. White remains committed to refining her craft through private pitching lessons and by attending high-level college camps, consistently seeking environments that challenge her game. In the circle, White features a diverse pitch mix that includes a rise ball, curve, and drop, allowing her to attack hitters with movement and change planes effectively. She also adds value as a first baseman, giving her lineup flexibility and another way to impact games. A 4.0 GPA student, White pairs academic discipline with competitive focus, and her combination of pitching ability, versatility, and experience against elite competition positions her as one of the top pitchers in the 2029 class to watch as she enters her high school career.     [player_tooltip player_id='145536' first='Maddie' last='Garrett'] is a high-IQ defensive standout in Tennessee's 2029 class who brings toughness, versatility, and leadership to the field. Behind the plate, she is an elite catcher with a quick 1.7-second pop time and a strong, accurate throw down that consistently shuts down the running game. Her defensive value extends beyond catching, as she is also capable of playing third base and shortstop, giving her team flexibility while maintaining a high defensive standard. Garrett's instincts and feel for the game allow her to control tempo and anchor the defense. Off the field, Garrett is intentional about her development. She maintains a 3.8 GPA while dedicating time to speed and agility training, weight lifting, and private hitting lessons. She has also made the mental side of the game a priority, focusing on confidence, preparation, and in-game decision-making. That well-rounded approach shows up in her consistency and composure during competition. With her defensive polish, strong arm, and commitment to growth, [player_tooltip player_id='145536' first='Maddie' last='Garrett'] is a 2029 prospect poised to make a significant impact during her high school career.     Raleigh Mizer is a left-handed pitcher in Tennessee's 2029 class who continues to trend upward through physical growth and competitive experience. She sits in the low 60s with her fastball and shows an advanced feel for pitching beyond velocity alone. She works hitters with a varied mix, using an elevated fastball, a breaking curve, and a well-disguised changeup to alter timing and keep batters off balance. Her ability to change speeds and eye levels gives her an edge against lineups that rely on timing. Off the field, Mizer has made noticeable gains through dedicated strength training, moving weight consistently in the weight room and building power through her lower half. She embraced a challenging fall season that pushed her outside her comfort zone and accelerated her development. That combination of physical growth, expanded pitch arsenal, and confidence gained through adversity positions Raleigh as a 2029 pitcher poised to take a meaningful step forward in her high school career.     Lyla Shaw is an under-the-radar 2029 prospect in Tennessee who continues to show growth as a true two-way threat. In the circle, she works in the low 60s and has sharpened her command through consistent private pitching lessons. Her ability to miss bats stood out during the fall, highlighted by 16 strikeouts over 11 innings at the Veterans Tribute Showcase. Shaw shows confidence attacking hitters and continues to gain trust in her mechanics as she faces higher level competition. Offensively, Shaw made an immediate impact after picking up with the Tennessee Hawks in September. She produced two home runs while batting .429 with a .636 on-base percentage and a 1.922 OPS, driving in eight runs during that stretch. She also contributed in the circle during that time, logging nine innings, earning two wins, and striking out eight. Lyla's ability to influence games on both sides of the ball, paired with continued development and production, positions her as a 2029 player poised for a breakout high school season in Tennessee.     Jayde Simms is an under-the-radar 2029 prospect in Tennessee whose game is built around speed, athleticism, and constant pressure on the defense. A middle infielder and outfielder, she brings versatility and range wherever she is placed, with quick first steps and natural instincts that allow her to cover ground with ease. Her speed impacts the game in multiple ways, from defensive range to aggressive baserunning, and her background as a soccer player shows in her endurance, field awareness, and competitive edge. Offensively, Simms put together an impressive fall season while competing in 16U and 18U national events, proving she can produce against older, high-level competition. She finished the fall hitting .471 with a .550 on-base percentage and a 1.197 OPS, while slugging .647 and scoring 20 runs. Her ability to get on base, use her speed, and consistently generate offense makes her a catalyst at the top of the lineup. Jayde's athletic profile and proven production position her as a 2029 player poised to make a strong impact during her high school season in Tennessee.

Tennessee's 2029 class is deeper than it gets credit for, with several players quietly building the tools to make a major impact at the high school level. These under-the-radar prospects bring a mix of athleticism, power, and competitive edge, and each is poised for a breakout season in 2026.