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<p>Having a brain for the game can be an overlooked quality in softball players. But the ability to read situations, respond accordingly, and make a difference for your team is a quality that deserves some recognition.</p>
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<p>Especially at the college level, having a high softball IQ can make the difference between a good and great player. That foundation, however, is built at the youth level and doesn't go unnoticed early on in a player's recruiting process.</p>
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<p>Below, Prep Softball highlights five prospects from the high school graduating class of 2029 who show high-level softball IQ.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Stella Thomsen is a softball player who gets it done both on the field and in the classroom. Carrying a 4.0 GPA at Hastings High School, Thomsen brings her smarts to the diamond, where she is both a catcher and an outfielder. A two-time USA Softball All-American from Region 7, who competes at the club level for Hastings Heat - Ostrander, Thomsen is a true utility player who knows what to do and when to do it on the softball field, no matter where she is playing.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Another 4.0 student, Emmaline Davis brings her brains and competitive fire to the softball diamond on a consistent basis. Competing for East Hamilton at the high school level and Fury Premier 2029-Woodard on the club circuit, Davis is both a left-handed pitcher and outfielder for her squads, who can make an impact in a big way. Standing at an athletic 5'8", Davis is a multi-sport athlete, who also shows her stuff on the volleyball court.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Piper Todd is a true student-athlete, carrying a 4.3 GPA and serving as the vice president of her class at Yulee High School in Florida. With goals to eventually become a pediatrician, Todd is motivated both on and off the softball field and lets her strong mind lead the way for her. She competes with EC Bullets Premier Todd on the club level and also participates in weight lifting. As a middle infielder who plays both shortstop and second base, Todd is a leader on and off the field.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Another 4.0 student, Payton Smallwood competes in Indiana for William Henry Harrison High School and Shockwaves National 28/29 Amt 15U 2029. As both a center fielder and catcher, Smallwood knows how to be a playmaker at two high-IQ positions that demand a lot of thought and leadership skills to succeed at. As someone who can get it done for her teams with her bat, glove, and speed, Smallwood is a recruit who should be followed closely by college coaches in the months and years ahead.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Paisley Huneycutt has all the makings of a future star, both on the softball field and in the classroom. Carrying a 4.0 GPA at Fort Dale Academy in Alabama, Huneycutt is a catcher and an outfielder on the softball diamond who leads her teams from both positions. She competes for Stars National 18U Coleman/McQueeney on the travel ball circuit, and will play a competitive schedule this summer to help her continue to develop her already impressive skill set.</p>
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Having a brain for the game can be an overlooked quality in softball players. But the ability to read situations, respond accordingly, and make a difference for your team is a quality that deserves some recognition.
Especially at the college level, having a high softball IQ can make the difference between a good and great player. That foundation, however, is built at the youth level and doesn't go unnoticed early on in a player's recruiting process.
Below, Prep Softball highlights five prospects from the high school graduating class of 2029 who show high-level softball IQ.
Stella Thomsen is a softball player who gets it done both on the field and in the classroom. Carrying a 4.0 GPA at Hastings High School, Thomsen brings her smarts to the diamond, where she is both a catcher and…
Another 4.0 student, Emmaline Davis brings her brains and competitive fire to the softball diamond on a consistent basis. Competing for East Hamilton at the high school level and Fury Premier 2029-Woodard on the club circuit, Davis is both a left-handed pitcher and outfielder for her squads, who can make an impact in a big way. Standing at an athletic 5'8", Davis is a multi-sport athlete, who also shows her stuff on the volleyball court.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Piper Todd is a true student-athlete, carrying a 4.3 GPA and serving as the vice president of her class at Yulee High School in Florida. With goals to eventually become a pediatrician, Todd is motivated both on and off the…
Another 4.0 student, Payton Smallwood competes in Indiana for William Henry Harrison High School and Shockwaves National 28/29 Amt 15U 2029. As both a center fielder and catcher, Smallwood knows how to be a playmaker at two high-IQ positions that…
Paisley Huneycutt has all the makings of a future star, both on the softball field and in the classroom. Carrying a 4.0 GPA at Fort Dale Academy in Alabama, Huneycutt is a catcher and an outfielder on the softball diamond who leads her teams from both positions. She competes for Stars National 18U Coleman/McQueeney on the travel ball circuit, and will play a competitive schedule this summer to help her continue to develop her already impressive skill set.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
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