2031s Who Embraced The Biggest Stages This Summer

While 2031 softball players may not yet have extensive experience playing under pressure, shining in big moments can lead to impressive outcomes for young players.   Below, Prep Softball highlights five players from the high school graduating class of 2031 who embraced the biggest stages this summer.    Whether it was playing with her usual Firecrackers team in the 14U division or playing up a level at 16U, Katelyn Schwartz excelled this summer when called upon. At a Triple Crown tournament, she hit .529 in 17 at-bats in the 14U division, driving in six runs and leaving the ballpark once. The next week, playing up a level, she hit an even better .582 across 12 at-bats with five RBI and four extra-base hits. In the spring, Schwartz played for the Carolina Forest varsity squad and hit .397 while striking out just seven times all season. Schwartz's discipline and power at the plate make her a threat no matter where she hits in a lineup.     Charlie Peebles showcased her raw power at the All-American Games this summer. While helping put together a top-three finish for Impact Caymol Premier, she hit .600 across the tournament and won the Silver Slugger Award. She also took the tournament's home run derby title. Earlier in the summer at the Triple Crown Zoom Into June East event, Peebles helped her team to a tournament title with a .556 on-base percentage and perfect fielding at both catcher and first base. Peebles has the consistency that is necessary to be great, and she carries that poise on the field when it matters.     Playing in a part of the country where softball opportunities can be limited by weather, Reese Schliinz took advantage of the Minnesota summer and impressed onlookers and college coaches alike. In the circle, Schliinz collected 238 strikeouts in over 170 innings of work. At the plate, she hit .417 with her Minnesota Vortex club team. As she gets even more playing experience, we expect Schliinz to continue to shine as a two-way player.     Whether she is throwing complete games or hitting grand slams, Josephine Cheatum is always performing at a high level for her AASA club team. In May at a PGF event, Cheatum threw a complete-game shutout against Firecrackers NV, allowing just two hits and striking out eight while managing a tight lead across six innings. She threw another shutout in June, this time allowing only one hit. Earlier in the season, Cheatum hit a grand slam to put her team ahead. Cheatum's two-way ability separates her from other players in her age group.     Annaliese Kraft always steps up when the situation calls for it. Playing scrimmages during Florida's prospect camp at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium, Kraft struck out 16 of the 20 batters she faced, allowing just two hits against other elite players like her. She will soon attend South Carolina's camp and look to put together another strong performance there. Earlier in the season, she collected 16 strikeouts in one day of pitching while letting just two opponents reach base. Kraft's impressive abilities in the circle make her a worthy addition to any softball roster.

While 2031 softball players may not yet have extensive experience playing under pressure, shining in big moments can lead to impressive outcomes for young players.