Five 2028s Who Are Breaking Out This Fall

It's the time of year when the pressure starts to ratchet up for fall softball. Playoffs are around the corner, and every at-bat becomes more important. It is also an opportunity for players to shine and lead their teams down the stretch. The players on this list have helped guide their squads all season with breakout success at the plate and in the circle.   Below, Prep Softball highlights five 2028 players who are breaking out this fall and making a name for themselves.    After a stellar freshman season, in which she racked up 55 hits, Kynlee Ruyle has been even better for the Kearney Catholic Stars as a sophomore. In 18 games played so far this season, she has a .660 batting average with 33 hits, 28 runs scored, 15 stolen bases, and an on-base percentage of .712 as of this writing. She currently ranks third among all players in Nebraska in batting average, and her offense, as well as her defense, is playing an integral role in her team's 15-3 start to the season. She has only committed one error in 17 total chances this year, and has a career .933 fielding percentage. A multi-sport athlete, her speed and ability to put the ball in play make her a pesky player for any pitcher to deal with.     Patience is often the key to success, and for Jules Gowen, it has led to a breakout sophomore season. After seeing limited playing time as a freshman, Gowen has played in the majority of her team's games this year, and as of this writing is currently leading the Charlton County Indians in batting average (.622), on-base percentage (.667), hits (23), slugging percentage (.865), and doubles (9). The Georgia product is also a versatile fielder with a strong arm, good hustle, and the ability to play anywhere on the field, as she did for the Storm this past summer. Perhaps her greatest strength is the power stroke that she's found this season. She is a threat to hit the ball in the gap and she does not strike out much, as she has only struck out twice so far in this campaign.     It's difficult to improve in every facet of the game, especially after a successful season, but Kate Greiner has done just that in her sophomore year at Kings Ridge Christian in Alpharetta, Ga. After having four extra-base hits all of last year, she already has nine this season (including three home runs) as of this writing. And while a .417 batting average during your freshman season is also nothing to sneeze at, Greiner has topped that with a .590 batting average so far this year. She also has more hits (23), RBIs (19), and a higher on-base percentage (.644) in 2025. Additionally, she has been nearly perfect in the field with 10 assists, 53 putouts, two double plays, and only one error. It's also impressive that she has any time to practice softball at all. The multi-sport athlete also plays basketball, lacrosse, and flag football.     The Lincoln Southwest Silver Hawks are soaring this season with a record of 15-1, including 152 runs scored and only 24 allowed as of this writing. Their pitching is dominant, with Maisey McCarty leading the team with a 1.01 ERA, followed closely by fellow sophomore Bryn Pribnow with a 1.04 ERA. McCarty owns an 8-1 record in the circle with only seven earned runs, 46 strikeouts, 11 walks, and an opponent batting average of .168. She currently ranks third among all players in the nation in ERA. Her stuff speaks for itself, as she has allowed only three earned runs in her past 31 innings pitched. She has also improved her ERA by over a run compared to her freshman season, and in nearly 50 innings pitched this year has yet to allow a home run after surrendering five of them as a freshman. It is a rarity for a pitcher to say that she has hit more long balls (three) than she has given up, but McCarty can say just that.     Presley Crabbe has been nearly spotless in the circle this season for the red-hot Cartersville Hurricanes. She has a perfect 9-0 record as of this writing with a 1.18 ERA, 77 strikeouts, a no-hitter, an opponent on-base percentage of .192, and a .128 opponent batting average. All of those numbers are better than those from her freshman season, in which she only lost two games and had a 1.82 ERA. She currently leads all sophomore pitchers in the state of Georgia in ERA and ranks second in wins. She has impeccable control on her pitches, induces weak contact, has a nasty rise ball, and keeps the ball in the yard. She also fields her position well, and has yet to make an error in her career. She plays a vital role for a team looking toward a deep postseason run.

It's the time of year when the pressure starts to ratchet up for fall softball. Playoffs are around the corner, and every at-bat becomes more important. It is also an opportunity for players to shine and lead their teams down the stretch. The players on this list have helped guide their squads all season with breakout success at the plate and in the circle.