2030 Utility Players To Watch In The New Year

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2030 is loaded with talented prospects who can shine whenever and wherever they're called upon to do so. These athletes bring fire in their hearts, passion in their play, and an undeniable drive to improve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, Prep Softball highlights five top utility players to watch in the new year from the high school graduating class of 2030.</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":148435,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kaylie Ecenroad","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2030","_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":"Northern Lebanon MS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"PA Stars Fastpitch Albarano 16U","_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-690fb11c10dfa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Entering her eighth-grade year, Kaylie Ecenroad is a name to watch. The left-handed hitter brings both power and passion to the field. She wrapped up her fall season with a .400 batting average, .516 OBP, .996 OPS, and a .480 SLG, collecting 10 hits (eight singles, two doubles) and three RBIs over 31 plate appearances. Ecenroad consistently drives the ball hard back up the middle, finding ways to get on base and spark her team's offense. Defensively, she's just as reliable, finishing with a perfect fielding percentage in the outfield. Known for her strong work ethic and positive attitude, Kaylie is always eager to learn and grow, pushing herself and her teammates to be better. The way she plays reflects leadership beyond her years, making her a standout talent and an exciting prospect to follow in the coming seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["147878"],"_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":149219,"_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-690fe58a0f534"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With a passion for the game and a relentless drive to improve, Madelyn Hall is an absolute force behind the plate. A talented multi-sport athlete, she's known for putting in the extra work off the field, and it shows when the lights are on. Hall led her team to an 8-0 finish at the Ronald McDonald Championship, posting a .421 batting average and .737 slugging percentage, while scoring eight runs and collecting four RBIs. Her bat continues to turn heads as she drives the ball with power, finding gaps and producing at key moments. Defensively, Hall commands the game with confidence and precision. She threw out a runner and sealed the championship with a clutch, game-winning catch. In her most recent tournament, she stayed hot at the plate, hitting .556 with a .778 slugging percentage. With her strong mindset, leadership skills, and work ethic, Madelyn Hall is proving herself to be a star in the making and a player to watch in the 2030 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["106491"],"_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":149220,"_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-690fe58a0f62d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coming into her eighth-grade year, Avery Thomas is a name to watch. Thomas remains humble and driven, constantly working to elevate her game. In her latest tournament, she posted an impressive .500 batting average, going 3-for-6 with two extra-base hits, two walks, three RBIs, and even reached base after being hit by a pitch. She wrapped up her summer season hitting .311 with a .455 OBP and .799 OPS, striking out just six times, while drawing 14 walks, which is a testament to her disciplined approach at the plate. Defensively, Thomas is just as dependable, finishing with a .970 fielding percentage and only three errors all summer. Her consistency, leadership, and relentless work ethic make her the type of player every coach wants on their roster. While her numbers stand out, Avery Thomas proves that true success comes from hard work, humility, and a team-first mindset.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["147916"],"_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":148445,"_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-690fe58a0f6af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">No moment is too big for&nbsp;Aubrey Grohe, who is a dominant force on the field with the mindset of a true competitor. Her relentless drive and leadership skills have helped guide her teams to victory time and time again. Grohe wrapped up her fall season, hitting a&nbsp;.517&nbsp;with&nbsp;eight home runs, bringing her combined&nbsp;summer and fall total to 20 home runs, which is an incredible display of power for her age. Her bat has undeniable pop in it and the kind of potential that makes her a future offensive threat at the next level. At the&nbsp;Easton Rawlings Invitational, she turned heads once again with a&nbsp;.713 batting average&nbsp;and&nbsp;.778 on-base percentage. Grohe's disciplined eye at the plate and ability to work counts give her an edge, allowing her to consistently find pitches she can drive. She makes solid, squared-up contact, often sending balls over the fence or finding gaps to keep the offense rolling. Her bat is a rare gem, and with her continued growth and determination,&nbsp;Aubrey Grohe&nbsp;is poised to be one of the premier hitters in her class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["144435"],"_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":149221,"_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-6913f0aed01ab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kolbie Crook is a player to watch. Standing at 5-foot-6, the eighth grader earned a 2025 USA Softball National Selection invite, and for good reason. Facing Division I–committed high school pitchers, Crook held her own and put up impressive numbers. Over a three-day stretch, she hit .500 with a .615 OBP, .829 OPS, and .429 SLG, drawing four walks, striking out zero times, and swiping six bases. Her presence at the plate is loud and fearless. Crook battles through every at-bat, like when she turned a 1-2 count against a D1-commit into an 11-pitch walk. No matter the moment, she stays composed and confident. With a high ceiling, powerful bat, and an elite mindset, Kolbie Crook continues to set herself apart as both a leader and a competitor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->