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

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oregon softball continues to produce elite talent ready to break through. Across the state, athletes combine natural ability with relentless work ethic and a team-first mindset. These young women are fierce competitors who embrace the grind and rise in big moments. Their toughness and resilience set them apart from the rest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, Prep Softball highlights under-the-radar 2028 prospects from Oregon who are expected to break out this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69935a8083457"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":156794,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Katelyn Vissers","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"20","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Canby","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Soar Athletics Premier 18U Bailey","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","fullHeight":true,"anchor":"acf-block-6993624fb56af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Katelyn Vissers of Canby High School is one to watch, both in the classroom and on the field. A 4.0 student and talented catcher, Vissers had a remarkable 50% caught-stealing rate last season fueled by a warp-speed transfer with a killer arm that effectively shuts down the run game. An advanced pitch framer with a keen understanding of the zone, Katelyn excels at earning strikes and managing her pitching staff with veteran composure. Offensively, she is a disciplined middle-of-the-order threat, combining a high batting average with situational gap-to-gap power. A proven run producer with a tireless work ethic, Katelyn's blend of elite defensive metrics and multi-sport athleticism makes her a high-value collegiate prospect with a significant upward trajectory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":156796,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Addi Smith","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"19","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Wilsonville","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Soar Athletics Premier 18U Bailey","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699365e659dd4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Addi Smith has emerged as one of Oregon's premier 2028 pitching prospects, following a dominant 2025 freshman campaign at Wilsonville High School. A true workhorse in the circle, Smith logged the most innings for her squad while maintaining a stellar sub-1.50 ERA. Beyond her statistical dominance, she is defined by remarkable mental toughness and a calm composure that allows her to thrive in tense moments on the rubber. Also a key contributor to her club team, Soar Premier 18U Bailey, Smith has faced several high-leverage situations and shown up for her team on numerous occasions. A true scholar and dual-sport athlete, Smith is also a standout basketball player, bringing the same level of play to the court. Smith brings elite functional athleticism and a high-character approach to the diamond. As she enters the 2026 season, she is a top candidate for All-State honors and is projected to surpass the 200-strikeout milestone. For collegiate programs, Smith is sure to bring a rare blend of durability and leadership to the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":"","_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699365e659e25"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":156798,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Alyvia Pietsch","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"28","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Nelson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Soar Athletics 16U Pietsch","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69936cbd4597e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alyvia Pietsch quickly evolved from a projected swing player into a core piece of the Nelson Hawks' softball program. Under first-year coach Aaron Hazel, she earned a starting spot in last season's opener and immediately proved she belonged, showcasing power, speed, and poise, developed while playing countless hours for her club team: Soar 16U Pietsch. Pietsch brings a mix of consistent contact and aggressive baserunning, pressuring defenses every inning. Her offensive prowess surfaced early, as her 2025 season featured an unusually balanced line of 26 hits, 26 runs, and 26 RBIs. Last year, she elevated her game again, posting a four-digit OPS that reflected sharper pitch recognition and growing strength. With all-conference potential and a high ceiling, Pietsch is primed to anchor the heart of the Hawks' lineup for years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":156802,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Paislee Grant","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"23","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Ridgeview","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"NW Vandals 16U Morton","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69936e25b1e67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Whether Paislee Grant is making consistent contact and putting the ball in play for the Ridgeview Hawks or her club team, NW Vandals 16U Morton, her base hit–heavy approach reflects a hitter who understands her role and executes it with precision. She's equally impressive in her discipline at the plate: Grant refuses to chase junk pitches, working counts, drawing walks (10 to be exact), and forcing pitchers back into the zone. Her 24 RBIs reflect her ability to deliver in key moments. Grant doesn't rely on power to drive in runs; she manufactures them with smart situational hitting and a knack for finding open grass when it matters. Grant doesn't just contribute to Ridgeview's roster, she stabilizes the lineup with a mature, patient, small-ball approach that turns simple contact into meaningful production. Grant's sophomore season is sure to boast great stats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":156806,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Gracie Ferguson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"19","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Scio","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Sherwood Fireballs 16U Parmalee","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-699374c9e6253"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At Scio High School in Scio, Oregon, sophomore Gracie Ferguson is quickly becoming one of the standout names in the program. After earning Second-Team All-Conference honors as a freshman, the right-handed pitcher and second baseman has continued to build on an already impressive start to her high school career. Ferguson helped lead her team to a conference championship and a state title, which established the Loggers as one of Oregon's premier teams. Being part of a championship-caliber program as an underclassman has helped Ferguson develop discipline, and a team-first mindset beyond her years. For the past two seasons, Ferguson has competed with the Sherwood Fireballs 14U Parmalee club team, sharpening her skills against high-level competition. The experience of playing travel ball has allowed her to face elite opponents, refine her fundamentals, and grow her confidence on the field. With championship experience, individual accolades, and continued development through club play, Ferguson is poised to play an even bigger role for the Loggers this spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->