Payton Cascio Payton Cascio C/3B Lightridge | 2028 VA is a 2028 catcher and corner infielder for Lightridge High School who continues to establish herself as one of the premier backstops in her class. Competing with VA Glory Ham 18U, she brings advanced defensive command and a confident presence behind the plate that anchors her team. Cascio’s leadership shows in the way she manages pitchers, controls tempo, and communicates throughout the game. Her ability to also play third base and other corner positions adds versatility to an already strong defensive profile. At the plate, Cascio is a true impact bat with legitimate power and a disciplined approach. In her first showcase of the fall season, she delivered a dominant performance, batting .778 with a 2.244 OPS, two home runs, and a 1.444 slugging percentage. She pairs strength with a patient eye, forcing pitchers into tough counts and capitalizing when they miss. Cascio continues to refine her swing through private hitting lessons and works with a personal trainer to build speed and strength in the weight room. With her offensive firepower and commanding defensive presence, she has the tools to be a difference-maker every time she steps on the field.

Standing tall at 5 feet 10 inches, Payton Cascio is a beast behind the plate and lights out at the corners. Heading into her sophomore season, Cascio is coming off a dominant year, in which she posted an incredible .527 batting average in 64 plate appearances, collected 23 RBIs on 29 hits and contributed 34 total runs. Her offensive power speaks for itself — seven doubles, one triple, and five home runs fueled a massive 1.558 OPS, backed by a .964 slugging percentage and .594 on-base percentage. Even more impressive, she struck out only five times all season, showcasing elite plate discipline and consistent hard contact every time she steps into the box. Defensively, Cascio’s glove is just as sharp. She posted a .967 fielding percentage on 91 total chances, recording 72 putouts with just three errors. Her presence behind the plate commands respect, as she is a true leader who brings grit, focus, and composure to every game she plays in. A solid brick wall behind the plate and a powerhouse in the box, Payton Cascio is a force every team she faces should be ready for.