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

Virginia's 2028 class is deeper than many realize, filled with athletes who are quietly building the tools to take over at the high school level. From power arms and explosive bats to versatile defenders with championship experience, this group is ready to step into bigger roles.   Below, Prep Softball highlights under-the-radar 2028 prospects from Virginia who are poised to break out this high school season.    [player_tooltip player_id='144851' first='Summer' last='Pence'] is a name that may not be loud yet in Virginia's 2028 class, but her performance profile suggests that is about to change. A right-handed pitcher and utility player for Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier Buzzell-Parker, Pence has already shown she can compete above her age group after spending the fall playing in both the 16U and 18U divisions. Across 25 innings pitched, she allowed just 11 hits while striking out 30 hitters, posting a 1.12 ERA, .880 WHIP, and a .122 opponent batting average. Her ability to limit quality contact against older competition speaks to both her pitch design and her presence in the circle. Pence works in the mid to upper 60s and features an elite rise ball paired with a well-disguised changeup that consistently disrupts timing. She continues to sharpen her command through private pitching lessons, while also dedicating time in the weight room to build strength and speed during the offseason. A 4.2 GPA student and member of the National Junior Honor Society, she brings the same discipline to the classroom that she brings to her development.     Aubrey Shelton is a dynamic 2028 middle infielder at Patriot High School who continues to separate herself through athleticism and steady development. A shortstop and utility player, Shelton is widely regarded as one of the top infielders in her class because of her quick first step, clean footwork, and confident glove work. She is intentional about refining her defensive craft, consistently putting in extra reps to sharpen her range and consistency. Her overhand throwing velocity of 67.9 reflects both arm strength and the ability to make high-level plays from multiple angles across the infield. As a volleyball player as well, she brings lateral movement, body control, and competitive toughness that translate directly to her infield presence. Offensively, Shelton pairs strength with disciplined mechanics in the batter's box. She invests time in the cages to build a repeatable swing that can drive the ball with authority, and she has shown the ability to hit home runs when pitchers challenge her. At the PGF Show Me the Money tournament in November, she produced a .357 batting average with a .500 on-base percentage, proving she can contribute against quality competition. Shelton continues to attend college camps to test herself against elite talent, and her blend of defensive polish, arm strength, and offensive power positions her for a major high school season in Virginia.     [player_tooltip player_id='145007' first='Tinley' last='Goodson'] is a high-achieving 2028 middle infielder and utility player for Unity Amsler Johnson who continues to elevate her profile through consistency and work ethic. A 4.21 GPA student and member of the National Junior Honor Society, Goodson brings the same discipline to her athletic development that she shows in the classroom. She also competes in track, which enhances her speed, explosiveness, and overall field coverage. Known for putting in extra work on her own, she invests significant time into refining both her defensive footwork and offensive mechanics, steadily building a complete skill set. Goodson's fall performances highlighted her ability to produce in big moments. At the Show Me the Money tournament in November, she helped lead her team to a co-championship while collecting three doubles, three RBIs, and six runs scored, striking out just once in 17 plate appearances. Her disciplined approach and ability to limit empty at-bats reflect a mature offensive mindset. She carried that momentum into Clearwater, where she made standout defensive plays at shortstop and third base and hit .385 with multiple RBIs in clutch situations. Goodson's consistency, toughness, and ability to rise in big moments give her the kind of foundation that translates immediately at the high school level.     [player_tooltip player_id='101517' first='Cora' last='Smith'] is a 2028 shortstop and center fielder for VA Bombers National who already carries the résumé of an upperclassman. A First-Team All-State selection, she played a key role in helping her high school team capture a state championship in 2025, showing she can perform on the biggest stage. Smith continues to elevate her game through disciplined work both on the field and in the weight room, where she consistently hits new personal records while building speed and strength. Her commitment to development extends to private hitting lessons and regular attendance at college camps, ensuring she continues to sharpen every part of her skill set. Offensively, Smith made a strong statement at the Bayside Classic Showcase, going 5-for-9 with four doubles and consistently driving the ball with authority. Her combination of athleticism and strength allows her to impact the game from multiple positions, whether anchoring the middle of the infield or covering ground in the outfield. Academically, she was inducted into the National Beta Club and the National Honor Society, reinforcing the discipline that fuels her growth. Smith has already proven she can win, and with her continued physical gains and competitive edge, she has the makeup of a player who will continue stacking accomplishments.     [player_tooltip player_id='103326' first='Corrine' last='Robinson'] is a 2028 catcher and first baseman for Lady Dukes Bryant Lamar who brings intensity and leadership skills to the diamond. With a 3.8 GPA and an academic excellence award to her name, Robinson balances classroom success with steady athletic development. Behind the plate, she competes with confidence and command, posting a consistent 1.7 to 1.8 pop time that reflects her quick transfer and strong arm. Her presence alone elevates a pitching staff, and her ability to manage the game sets her apart among catchers in her class. Robinson continues to invest in her growth through weight room training, private hitting lessons, and extra work in the cages and behind the plate. She is also refining her defensive versatility by developing her fielding skills at first base, expanding her value to any lineup. Regularly attending college camps, she seeks out opportunities to test herself against top competition. Robinson's grit, defensive polish, and commitment to improvement make her a cornerstone-type player who can anchor both a lineup and a battery.     Keira Frazier is one of the most dynamic athletes in Virginia's 2028 class, bringing versatility, speed, and high-level experience to every lineup she joins. A right-handed pitcher and shortstop for Stars National Walker, Frazier is a switch hitter who adds flexibility and matchup advantages at the plate. She earned back-to-back USA HPP selections in 2024 and 2025, validating her standing among elite talent. Her athletic profile extends beyond softball, as she competes in indoor track and helped her school secure the 2026 VISAA Indoor Track Championship, which is a testament to her explosiveness and competitive drive. Frazier's measurable tools reinforce what shows up in games. With a 68 mph overhand velocity and a 10.97 home-to-home time, she is a constant threat both defensively and on the bases. Her speed changes innings, whether stretching singles, pressuring defenders, or tracking balls in the field. She continues to refine her craft through private pitching and hitting lessons while consistently working in the cages and attending college camps. This fall, she helped her team capture the ACFL Fall Championship in Richmond to earn a berth to the 2026 Alliance Nationals, and she hit .467 at the Veterans Tribute Memorial Tournament. Frazier's combination of national experience, speed, and two-way ability gives her the type of ceiling that can shift the trajectory of a high school season in a hurry.     [player_tooltip player_id='143709' first='Payton' last='Cascio'] is a 2028 catcher and corner infielder for Lightridge High School who continues to establish herself as one of the premier backstops in her class. Competing with VA Glory Ham 18U, she brings advanced defensive command and a confident presence behind the plate that anchors her team. Cascio's leadership shows in the way she manages pitchers, controls tempo, and communicates throughout the game. Her ability to also play third base and other corner positions adds versatility to an already strong defensive profile. At the plate, Cascio is a true impact bat with legitimate power and a disciplined approach. In her first showcase of the fall season, she delivered a dominant performance, batting .778 with a 2.244 OPS, two home runs, and a 1.444 slugging percentage. She pairs strength with a patient eye, forcing pitchers into tough counts and capitalizing when they miss. Cascio continues to refine her swing through private hitting lessons and works with a personal trainer to build speed and strength in the weight room. With her offensive firepower and commanding defensive presence, she has the tools to be a difference-maker every time she steps on the field.     [player_tooltip player_id='117808' first='Riley' last='Morgan'] is a 2028 right-handed pitcher and outfielder for Lord Botetourt High School who brings strength, durability, and steady production to the circle. Standing 6'0", she uses her length effectively to create downhill angle and maintain consistency through her delivery. Competing with Tampa Mustangs Gleason 16U, Morgan consistently faces high-level competition and answers with poise. This fall season she recorded over 100 strikeouts, reinforcing her ability to miss bats and work deep into outings. Her performance at the Ray Seymour Tournament highlighted both efficiency and control. Over 17 innings, she struck out 19 hitters while allowing just two earned runs, including a three-hit complete-game shutout that lasted seven innings. She averaged just 13 pitches per inning, demonstrating command and an ability to finish at-bats quickly. Morgan continues to attend college camps and pitching clinics to refine her mechanics and expand her pitch execution. With her size, strikeout totals, and proven consistency against ranked opponents, she has already shown she can handle the spotlight and is built to anchor a staff at the high school level.     Presley Gatlin is a 2028 right-handed pitcher and utility player for St. Paul VI High School who combines strength, movement, and two-way production. Standing 5'10", she uses her frame effectively in the circle, generating leverage and driving through her delivery. Her fastball reaches 65 mph, and she complements that velocity with elite movement that keeps hitters from squaring up the ball consistently. Competing with Unity 16U Attard Johnson, Gatlin continues to sharpen her command through private pitching lessons and structured strength and conditioning work with a personal trainer. Her performance at the Scenic City T25 showcased just how impactful she can be. Gatlin went 4-0 at the event, striking out 10 while allowing only two hits and one walk across her appearances. Beyond pitching, she adds value offensively as a contact hitter with consistent power and anchors the infield with strong play at first base. She regularly attends college camps to test her game against high-level talent and continues to grow in both confidence and execution.     [player_tooltip player_id='108898' first='Addison' last='Rydin'] is a 2028 catcher and outfielder for Colgan High School who continues to elevate her profile through steady development and academic excellence. A 4.1 GPA student competing with Unity 16U Attard Johnson, Rydin pairs classroom discipline with athletic growth. She has recorded a 66 mph overhand velocity and is actively refining her throwing mechanics while working to increase arm speed. Her commitment to improvement includes attending specialized throwing clinics such as High Level Throwing, along with participating in multiple college camps to challenge her skill set. Offensively, Rydin shows a mature approach at the plate and continues to sharpen her swing through private hitting lessons. At the Orlando Fall Invitational, she delivered a strong performance, batting .417 with five hits and three RBIs. Whether she is contributing behind the plate or tracking balls in the outfield, she brings energy and focus to every game she plays in.     [player_tooltip player_id='146449' first='Anna' last='Hurst'] is a 2028 middle infielder and utility standout for Tuscarora High School who has already made a championship-level impact early in her playing career. Competing with Fury Platinum National McCallum, Hurst helped lead her high school team to a 2025 Virginia state title as a freshman leadoff hitter, earning All-District honors along the way. A 4.4 GPA student, she pairs academic excellence with on-field performance and is widely regarded as one of the top middle infielders in her class. Hurst continues to invest heavily in her development, attending multiple college camps while training independently on both her hitting and defensive skills. She prioritizes speed and agility work along with heavy lifting to build explosiveness and strength. That preparation translates into production, highlighted by a grand slam at a Fury Platinum tournament in October that showcased her ability to deliver for her team in big moments. With advanced defensive instincts, proven offensive production, and a championship pedigree already on her résumé, Hurst enters the coming high school season as a tone-setter at the top of the lineup.     [player_tooltip player_id='145327' first='Ashlyn' last='Giessman'] is a 2028 outfielder, first baseman, and left-handed pitcher for Virginia Unity 16U Attard Johnson who brings strength, versatility, and steady growth to the field. She continues to push her physical development in the weight room, building power that translates directly into her offensive production. Giessman also competes in indoor track, which enhances her speed and overall athleticism. Her commitment to development shows in the extra work she puts in independently, from private hitting lessons to overhand throwing clinics designed to increase her arm strength and efficiency. At the plate, Giessman is a true extra-base threat with the ability to drive the ball for doubles and home runs. Defensively, she is regarded as one of the top infielders in her region, adding reliability and range wherever she plays. Her performance in November earned her All-Tournament Team honors at the Clearwater Fall Classic, reinforcing her ability to produce against strong competition. Giessman's blend of power, versatility, and dedication to growth positions her as a 2028 prospect who is ready to make her presence felt at all levels of the game.     [player_tooltip player_id='101846' first='Ava' last='Brandon'] is a 2028 corner infielder and catcher for Lady Dukes Premier who combines measurable tools with steady leadership. A 4.2 GPA student inducted into the National Honor Society, Brandon is also active in volunteer work and competes in shot put, adding to her overall strength profile. Her physical development shows in her metrics, including a 60 mph arm velocity, 73 mph exit velocity, and 1.73 pop time. With a 3.00-second 20-yard dash and a 5.55-second 40-yard dash, she pairs power with functional athleticism. Defensively, Brandon features a strong arm and quick transfer behind the plate, while also bringing a dependable glove and confident footwork to third base. Offensively, she carries a big bat that is capable of leaving the yard, as she consistently drives the ball with authority. She continues to invest in weightlifting to build even more strength and durability. Brandon's combination of power, defensive versatility, and academic discipline gives her the type of balanced foundation that translates into long-term success in the game.

Virginia's 2028 class is deeper than many realize, filled with athletes who are quietly building the tools to take over at the high school level. From power arms and explosive bats to versatile defenders with championship experience, this group is ready to step into bigger roles.