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Five Underrated Pennsylvania Prospects To Watch

Five Underrated Pennsylvania Prospects To Watch
Photo: Ava Legath/X
Kaylie Newcomb
Kaylie Newcomb July 18, 2025 @ 09:00 AM
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In this article:

Sophia Roye
Sophia Roye RHP/1B | 2029
PA
Maddie Almond
Maddie Almond 2B/SS | 2028
PA
Frances Safford
Frances Safford 3B/UTL | 2028
PA
Ava Legath
Ava Legath 3B/RHP | 2027
PA
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no shortage of elite softball talent in Pennsylvania, but many standout players still fly under the radar. These athletes are making names for themselves with clutch performances, Gold Glove-level defense, and dominance on both sides of the ball, proving they deserve a spot on every college coach's radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, Prep Softball highlights five underrated softball prospects to watch from Pennsylvania.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["108893"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":114704,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-68685f37081d8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If you haven't heard of her name yet, you certainly will now. [player_tooltip player_id'108893' first='Maddie' last='Almond'], an upcoming sophomore, continues to dominate on defense at shortstop and on offense at the plate. With a stellar fielding percentage of .889, her glove is not one to take for granted. She is quick on her feet and is always thinking ahead of the play. Her IQ on the field is something that cannot be taught. Racking up 24 singles and one double is just the beginning for her travel season. Whether it's getting hits or walks, she is always finding a way to get on base to help her team win. Her speed on the basepaths keeps catchers on their toes. Almond's combination of defensive reliability, offensive speed, and high game IQ makes her a well-rounded prospect with clear upside. As she continues to develop through the 2025 travel season, she demonstrates the tools and mindset to contribute at a high level in both high school and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["108892"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":114706,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-686aceb7b9c2c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='108892' first='Frances' last='Safford'] is everything in an athlete that a coach would want and more. An upcoming sophomore at Bishop McDevitt, Fran is not only a force on the field, but also a true leader. She knows how to rally her team, lead by example, and step up when it matters most. Whether it's delivering in clutch moments or keeping her teammates locked in, Fran brings heart and hustle every time she suits up. Now heading into the end of her travel ball season, Fran is swinging a hot bat, hitting .400 with 22 singles, 13 doubles, and an OPS of 1.040 through 63 plate appearances. Even more impressive? She's only struck out six times, showing discipline, consistency, and power at the plate. Her ability to consistently produce on offense, combined with her leadership qualities and mature approach to the game, makes her a high-upside prospect to college coaches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["108926"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":114707,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-686aceb7b9cb7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Don't let her age deceive you. [player_tooltip player_id='108926' first='Sophia' last='Roye'] is already making noise in the circle, and she's only just getting started. With a four-pitch arsenal—including a sharp drop, nasty drop-curve, deceptive changeup, and a fastball that tops out in the low 60s—Roye keeps hitters guessing. In just 30.1 innings of work in travel ball this season, she's posted a 2.76 ERA, stranded 22 runners, walked only nine batters, and racked up 41 strikeouts. Her mix of command, velocity, and poise in the circle is rare for her age. She continues to improve, and the sky is the limit for her. As she heads into her freshman season, one thing is clear: Roye isn't just a rising prospect, she's a future ace.</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":114708,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Brynn Barkley","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_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":"18","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Central Dauphin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Keystone State Bombers 18U Gold","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"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-686f1eb39f770"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brynn Barkley is coming off an unforgettable junior season that proved she's built for the biggest moments. With the game and a state title on the line, Barkley delivered a pinch-hit, two-run single that sealed the Rams' second-ever PIAA 6A state championship. Her bat stayed consistent all season, posting a .385 average with four doubles, two home runs, and 16 RBIs. Barkley wasn't just clutch at the plate, she was also dangerous in the circle. In 23 innings pitched, she maintained a 2.43 ERA and recorded 21 strikeouts. Her fastball touches 63 mph, while she mixes in a nasty changeup and sharp drop ball. No matter where she is on the field, Barkley continues to prove she's one of the Rams' most reliable players. Being able to play the game is one thing, but coming through in the biggest moments is something every college coach desires. She has the clutch gene, and she's only just getting started.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["108575"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":114710,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-686f39d0d0711"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming into her junior year, [player_tooltip player_id='108575' first='Ava' last='Legath'] is a name to watch. In 50 plate appearances, she batted an impressive .585 with 24 hits, including four doubles and a triple, while posting a .640 on-base percentage. She struck out just once all season and drew seven walks, showcasing elite discipline at the plate. But Legath doesn't just get it done in the box, since she's also a force in the circle. Armed with a five-pitch arsenal, her fastball tops out at 59 mph and is complemented by a nasty changeup, drop, rise, and screwball that keep hitters off balance. A true dual threat, Legath continues to prove she's a rising star, backed by the work ethic and skill set to match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

There's no shortage of elite softball talent in Pennsylvania, but many standout players still fly under the radar. These athletes are making names for themselves with clutch performances, Gold Glove-level defense, and dominance on both sides of the ball, proving they deserve a spot on every college coach's radar.

Maddie Almond

Maddie Almond

POS 2B/SS
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Maddie
Almond
Class
2028
Position
2B/SS
HS
Owen J Roberts
|
PA
Five Underrated Pennsylvania Prospects To Watch
If you haven’t heard of her name yet, you certainly will now. Five Underrated Pennsylvania Prospects To Watch...
Written by Kaylie Newcomb
Read more at PrepSoftball.com
Prep Softball

Maddie Almond

Instagram Twitter
State: Pennsylvania
School: Owen J Roberts
Club: Invasion Fast Pitch
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Frances Safford

Frances Safford

POS 3B/UTL
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Frances
Safford
Class
2028
Position
3B/UTL
HS
Bishop McDevitt
|
PA
Five Underrated Pennsylvania Prospects To Watch
Frances Safford is everything in an athlete that a coach would want and more. An upcoming sophomore at...
Written by Kaylie Newcomb
Read more at PrepSoftball.com
Prep Softball

Frances Safford

Twitter
State: Pennsylvania
School: Bishop McDevitt
Club: Krunch White 14u
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Sophia Roye

Sophia Roye

POS RHP/1B
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Sophia
Roye
Class
2029
Position
RHP/1B
HS
Northern Lebanon High School
|
PA
Five Underrated Pennsylvania Prospects To Watch
Don’t let her age deceive you. Sophia Roye  is already making noise in the circle, and she’s only...
Written by Kaylie Newcomb
Read more at PrepSoftball.com
Prep Softball

Sophia Roye

State: Pennsylvania
School: Northern Lebanon High School
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Highlights

Brynn Barkley

Brynn Barkley

HEIGHT 5'10"
POS LHP
CLASS 2026

Brynn Barkley

School: Central Dauphin
Club: Keystone State Bombers 18U Gold
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Ava Legath

Ava Legath

POS 3B/RHP
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Ava
Legath
Class
2027
Position
3B/RHP
HS
Wilson
|
PA
Five Underrated Pennsylvania Prospects To Watch
Coming into her junior year, Ava Legath is a name to watch. In 50 plate appearances, she batted...
Written by Kaylie Newcomb
Read more at PrepSoftball.com
Prep Softball

Ava Legath

Twitter
State: Pennsylvania
School: Wilson
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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