Top Uncommitted 2026 Prospects From South Dakota

South Dakota has a talented group of uncommitted softball players in its high school graduating class of 2026, and these student-athletes are making waves across the Midwest. From elite hitters and quick outfielders to versatile utility players, South Dakota's class of 2026 is delivering high-level softball on a silver platter to all onlookers and college recruiters alike.   Below are six of South Dakota's top uncommitted softball players in the class of 2026.    Jayci Olson is a versatile player from Harrisburg, South Dakota, where she is a junior at Harrisburg High School. Academically, Jayci is a fantastic student, boasting a 4.1 GPA. She can play several positions on the softball field, including first base, pitcher, and outfield, but first base is her primary position. Jayci earned several accolades during the 2024 high school season, including being a 2024 All-Eastern South Dakota Conference selection and a NFCA All-Region team member. One of the strongest parts of her game is her bat. She has a mighty swing from the left side and is capable of consistently hitting the gaps and driving the ball over the fence.     Cora Payne is a phenomenal right-handed pitcher from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she is a junior at Harrisburg High School. She is primarily a pitcher, but when she isn't pitching, you can catch her playing second base. She excels in the infield because of her quick hands and feet. In the circle, Cora is a strikeout queen, utilizing her tight spin to move the ball through the zone. She produced 65 strikeouts in just 75 innings during her high school season and had an ERA of 3.98. Because of her hard work during the spring, Cora was named to the 2024 All-Eastern South Dakota Conference softball team.     Alexis Fey is an elite outfielder from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she is a junior at Harrisburg High School. She can play any position in the outfield, but her primary position is center field. Fey displays her athleticism in the outfield by getting good jumps on balls hit near her, hustling to balls in the gaps, and showcasing her arm strength. Her speed permits her to make unbelievable catches in the outfield, and she isn't afraid to dive for balls. She is a regular in the lineup, batting .367 with an on-base percentage of .506. Alexis is also an outstanding student, posting a 4.2 GPA. Outside of softball, she enjoys lifting, attending church, and teaching Sunday school.     Leia Knutson is a player who does whatever it takes to help her team win. She loves to cheer on her teammates and watch them succeed. She swings a big stick and utilizes her speed to steal bases. Behind the dish, she steals strikes for her pitchers and works hard to make them look good. She is a vocal leader on her team, directing fielders during the game and hyping up her pitcher. She is a true utility player, as she catches and plays the outfield for her Catalyst travel team. In her freshman season at Harrisburg High School, she started varsity at second base. Leia pushes herself academically, posting a 4.0 GPA and taking AP classes this year. She is a determined athlete who loves CrossFit and attends youth group at her church every Wednesday. Her catching coaches are Jennifer Cirigliano-Schunke and Lexie Brady.     Hayden is a dedicated athlete and student with high expectations of herself and her teammates. She is a gritty catcher and a vocal leader behind the plate, giving 100% of herself every pitch. Hayden has a strong arm and is capable of throwing accurately to any bag. She is a valuable utility player who has stepped up in the middle infield and outfield as well. Hayden is a consistent bat in the lineup. She led the South Dakota Impact's offense in batting average (.449) and hits (66) (42-1B, 9-2B, 5-3B, 10-HR), and also had 34 RBI. Hayden was chosen as the tournament MVP this summer at the USSSA 15U Midwest Nationals. Not only has she been a pivotal player in the success of her travel team, but she is also a varsity starter on her high school team for the Sioux Falls Lincoln Patriots. Hayden plays a huge role on that team, helping it capture the 2024 South Dakota State AA championship.     Sara Mathison is a junior from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and attends Lincoln High School. An amazing infielder, she is a vacuum at the hot corner. She has an incredibly strong arm with an overhand velocity of 63 mph. Sara is a three-year varsity starter for her high school team and has won back-to-back conference and state championships. Sara is a force to be reckoned with at the plate. Her swing is extremely powerful and she has come up clutch several times for her team with a gap shot or a home run. She is one of those players who always has a positive attitude and loves to cheer on her teammates. Last season, Sara aided her high school team in winning the 2024 South Dakota State AA championship. During her sophomore year, she was also a writer for the Statesman, a local newspaper in her area.      2024 All-Eastern <a href="https://www.thepublicopinion.com/story/sports/2024/06/02/watertown-area-swim-club-highlights-from-home-meet-over-the-weekend/73951981007/">South</a> Dakota Conference <a href="https://www.thepublicopinion.com/story/sports/2024/05/31/final-two-days-of-class-a-b-games-in-state-high-school-softball-tourney/73903110007/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">softball</a> team

South Dakota has a talented group of uncommitted softball players in its high school graduating class of 2026, and these student-athletes are making waves across the Midwest. From elite hitters and quick outfielders to versatile utility players, South Dakota's class of 2026 is delivering high-level softball on a silver platter to all onlookers and college recruiters alike.