70 high school softball players to watch in Southwestern Indiana in 2024

Kyle Sokeland, Evansville Courier & Press

EVANSVILLE — There's a case to be made for Southwestern Indiana when it comes to softball.

Programs from this corner of the state continually compete at the highest level. There were two state champions, a semistate finalist and another regional champion last spring. The common thread year after year? The individual talent.

Our spring sports preseason coverage continues with 70 high school softball players to watch in SW Indiana. As a reminder, the best of the best are included but also those who are vital to a team's success or could potentially break out. This list also doesn't include any players confirmed out with injury, such as Brailey Mills of Pike Central.

Gibson Southern's Lauryn Adamson (3) heads home after a 3-run homer against Memorial during their 2023 Class 3A Softball Sectional at Gibson Southern Wednesday evening, May 25, 2023.
Gibson Southern's Lauryn Adamson (3) heads home after a 3-run homer against Memorial during their 2023 Class 3A Softball Sectional at Gibson Southern Wednesday evening, May 25, 2023.

Lauryn Adamson, Gibson Southern

The junior outfielder batted .469 with four home runs and 36 RBIs. First Team All-PAC selection. Committed to John A. Logan College.

Sicily Aliotta, Memorial

The senior pitcher, a four-year starter for the Tigers, finished with 4.97 earned run average and 66 strikeouts last seaosn.

Grace Archer, Vincennes Lincoln

The sophomore infielder led the Alices with a .446 average, 10 doubles, five home runs and 24 RBIs.

Tecumseh's Taylor Ash (3) heads for third base against Castle during their game at Tecumseh High School Wednesday evening, May 10, 2023. Castle won the game 7-4 in extra innings.
Tecumseh's Taylor Ash (3) heads for third base against Castle during their game at Tecumseh High School Wednesday evening, May 10, 2023. Castle won the game 7-4 in extra innings.

Taylor Ash, Tecumseh

The senior infielder batted .400 with seven home runs and 52 RBIs. Second Team All-State and Second Team All-PAC selection. Signed with Oakland City.

Aubrey Baker, Castle

The junior outfielder batted .453 with 13 extra-base hits and 22 RBIs. Committed to Middle Tennessee State.

Castle's Aubrey Baker (5) runs for second as the Castle Knights play the Central Bears during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Castle's Aubrey Baker (5) runs for second as the Castle Knights play the Central Bears during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Averi Bauer, Northeast Dubois

The senior batted .373 with 12 extra-base hits and team-high 26 RBIs. Blue Chip All-Conference selection.

Alessia Baumann, Mater Dei

The senior went 7-10 with a 3.43 earned run average and 125 strikeouts for the Wildcats.

Mater Dei's Alessia Baumann (9) winds up her pitch against the North Posey Lady Vikings in the 2023 IHSAA 2A Girls’ Softball Sectional Championship at Forest Park High School in Ferdinand, Ind., Wednesday evening, May 24, 2023.
Mater Dei's Alessia Baumann (9) winds up her pitch against the North Posey Lady Vikings in the 2023 IHSAA 2A Girls’ Softball Sectional Championship at Forest Park High School in Ferdinand, Ind., Wednesday evening, May 24, 2023.

Cora Bell, Mount Vernon

The senior infielder batted .384 with 15 extra-base hits and a team-high 28 RBIs. Honorable Mention All-PAC selection.

Molly Bell, Reitz

The senior catcher batted .292 with four doubles and 13 RBIs. Signed with Wabash Valley College.

Annie Blackburn, Memorial

The sophomore outfielder batted .429 with 14 RBIs in her rookie season. First Team All-SIAC selection.

Castle's Emma Boyer (20) runs home as the Castle Knights play the Central Bears during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Castle's Emma Boyer (20) runs home as the Castle Knights play the Central Bears during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Emma Boyer, Castle

The senior infielder batted .356 with 14 RBIs and played strong defense last spring. Signed with Rend Lake College.

Lilly Brown, Memorial

The senior infielder batted .446 with 12 doubles and 30 RBIs for the sectional runner-ups. Second Team All-SIAC selection. Signed with Southern Indiana.

Castle's Emma Bruggenschmidt (12) tags out Central’s Aubrie Durham (16) as the Castle Knights play the Central Bears during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Castle's Emma Bruggenschmidt (12) tags out Central’s Aubrie Durham (16) as the Castle Knights play the Central Bears during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Emma Bruggenschmidt, Castle

The sophomore instantly became of the one top players in the area. Batted .515 with 13 doubles and 35 RBIs. First Team All-SIAC and Second Team All-State selection.

Morgan Burgess, Gibson Southern

The senior batted .386 with eight doubles and 16 RBIs for the regional champions.

Callie Dickerson, Gibson Southern

The senior infielder batted .468 with 11 doubles and 30 RBIs plus struck out 40 batters in 28 innings for the regional champions. First Team All-PAC selection. Signed with IUPUI.

Central’s Danika Dix (8) throws from the outfield as the Central Bears play the Castle Knights during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Central’s Danika Dix (8) throws from the outfield as the Central Bears play the Castle Knights during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Danika Dix, Central

The junior batted .432 with eight extra-base hits and 15 RBIs. Second Team All-SIAC selection. Committed to Wabash Valley College.

Jenna Donohoo, Tecumseh

One of the top returning hitters in the area, the senior catcher batted .488 with 15 homers, 15 doubles and 73 RBIs for the state champions. First Team All-State and First Team All-PAC selection. Signed with Evansville.

Tecumseh's Jenna Donohoo (6) second right, is congratulated after hitting a home run against Castle during their game at Tecumseh High School Wednesday evening, May 10, 2023. Castle won the game 7-4 in extra innings.
Tecumseh's Jenna Donohoo (6) second right, is congratulated after hitting a home run against Castle during their game at Tecumseh High School Wednesday evening, May 10, 2023. Castle won the game 7-4 in extra innings.

Kamryn Elliott, Princeton

The sophomore infielder batted .398 with three home runs and a team-high 29 RBIs.

McKenna English, North

The senior outfielder batted .245 with nine RBIs for the regional champions. Signed with Lindsey Wilson College.

North’s McKenna English (2) races home as the North Huskies play the Harrison Warriors at North High School Wednesday, April 20, 2022.
North’s McKenna English (2) races home as the North Huskies play the Harrison Warriors at North High School Wednesday, April 20, 2022.

Raegan Etolen, Princeton

The senior infielder batted .404 with 10 doubles and 20 RBIs, plus went 7-5 with a 2.25 ERA and 128 strikeouts. Second Team All-PAC selection.

Natalie Feather, Tecumseh

The senior went 12-2 with a 2.86 ERA and 86 strikeouts, plus batted .382 with three home runs. Committed to Rend Lake College.

Tecumseh Braves Natalie Feather (7) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the IHSAA Class 1A Softball State Final against the Caston Comets, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Purdue University’s Bittinger Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Tecumseh won 6-0.
Tecumseh Braves Natalie Feather (7) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the IHSAA Class 1A Softball State Final against the Caston Comets, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Purdue University’s Bittinger Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Tecumseh won 6-0.

Haley Fisher, Heritage Hills

The sophomore batted .406 with seven extra-base hits and 25 RBIs for the Patriots.

Kayleigh Fodge, Boonville

The junior pitcher had 10 wins with a 4.21 ERA and 64 strikeouts for the Pioneers.

Grace Folz, Mater Dei

The junior batted .393 with 23 runs scored and 11 RBIs for the Wildcats.

North Posey’s Addison Fullop (7) pitches the ball against the Mater Dei Wildcats as they play at North Posey High School in Poseyville, Ind., Thursday afternoon, April 27, 2023.
North Posey’s Addison Fullop (7) pitches the ball against the Mater Dei Wildcats as they play at North Posey High School in Poseyville, Ind., Thursday afternoon, April 27, 2023.

Addie Fullop, North Posey

The senior infielder batted .304 with 19 RBIs and went 9-0 with a 1.98 ERA and 63 strikeouts for the state champions. Honorable Mention All-PAC selection.

Katie Futrell, Reitz

The senior infielder batted .481 with seven doubles, 16 RBIs and stole 23 bases. First Team All-SIAC selection. Signed with John A. Logan College.

Castle's Dylan Geil (9) heads for home after a home run against Tecumseh during their game at Tecumseh High School Wednesday evening, May 10, 2023. Castle won the game 7-4 in extra innings.
Castle's Dylan Geil (9) heads for home after a home run against Tecumseh during their game at Tecumseh High School Wednesday evening, May 10, 2023. Castle won the game 7-4 in extra innings.

Dylan Geil, Castle

The senior infielder batted .500 last spring with 10 extra-base hits and 28 RBIs. Second Team All-SIAC selection.

Jinnis Gerth, North

The senior outfielder batted .347 with six home runs and 28 RBIs for the regional champions. First Team All-SIAC selection. Signed with Southern Indiana.

North’s Jinnis Gerth (21) prepares to dash to third as the Huskies play the Castle Knights in the 4A sectional championship at North High School, Saturday night, May 28, 2023.
North’s Jinnis Gerth (21) prepares to dash to third as the Huskies play the Castle Knights in the 4A sectional championship at North High School, Saturday night, May 28, 2023.

Katelyn Goebel, Mater Dei

The senior infielder was one of the top hitters in the city with a .442 average, 10 home runs, seven doubles and 43 RBIs. First Team All-SIAC selection.

Miriam Gordon, Heritage Hills

The junior infielder batted .272 with six home runs and 41 RBIs plus went 12-6 with a 2.93 ERA and 68 strikeouts.

Karlye Graber, Barr-Reeve

One of the top pitchers in Southern Indiana, the senior had a 0.31 ERA with 194 strikeouts. Also batted .404 with eight homers and 34 RBIs. First Team All-State and Blue Chip All-Conference selection. Signed with Murray State.

North Posey Vikings Alyssa Heath (12) cheers during the IHSAA Class 2A Softball State Final against the Andrean Fighting 59ers, Friday, June 9, 2023, at Purdue University’s Bittinger Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. North Posey won 3-0.
North Posey Vikings Alyssa Heath (12) cheers during the IHSAA Class 2A Softball State Final against the Andrean Fighting 59ers, Friday, June 9, 2023, at Purdue University’s Bittinger Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. North Posey won 3-0.

Alyssa Heath, North Posey

The junior infielder batted .418 with 11 doubles and 34 RBIs. Honorable Mention All-PAC selection.

Emme Hoesli, Tell City

The junior outfielder batted .455 with three home runs and 18 RBIs. Second Team All-PAC selection.

Gabby Hoke, Princeton

The sophomore infielder batted .375 with 27 RBIs for the Tigers.

Castle's Mati Hughes (15) throws to first as the Castle Knights play the Central Bears during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Castle's Mati Hughes (15) throws to first as the Castle Knights play the Central Bears during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Matisen Hughes, Castle

The junior infielder batted .351 with 12 extra-base hits and 23 RBIs for the Knights.

Payge Johnson, Tecumseh

The senior outfielder batted .324 with 23 runs scored and 15 RBIs for the state champions.

Allie Joiner, North

The senior outfielder batted .315 with seven doubles and 19 RBIs for the regional champions. Signed with IU Southeast.

North’s Allie Joiner (18) throws the ball back to the infield as the Huskies play the Castle Knights in the 4A sectional championship at North High School, Saturday night, May 28, 2023.
North’s Allie Joiner (18) throws the ball back to the infield as the Huskies play the Castle Knights in the 4A sectional championship at North High School, Saturday night, May 28, 2023.

Grace Kaeck, Jasper

The senior outfielder batted .316 with 11 RBIs. First Team All-SIAC selection.

Karley Kavanaugh, Pike Central

The senior infielder batted .463 with 20 stolen bases, nine doubles, 39 RBIs. First Team All-PAC selection. Signed with IUPUI.

Mia Kiegel, Heritage Hills

The junior infielder batted .351 with 16 RBIs, plus went 5-3 with a 2.15 ERA and 66 strikeouts. Honorable Mention All-PAC selection. Committed to Southern Indiana.

Brooke Kleiser, Jasper

The sophomore outfielder batted .485 with 10 RBIs and 13 stolen bases for the Wildcats.

Elise Lampert, Jasper

The senior pitcher had a 5.10 ERA and 78 strikeouts while batting .289 with four home runs. Signed with Lincoln Trail College.

Castle’s Gigi Lynch (1) pitches against the North Huskies in the 4A sectional championship at North High School, Saturday night, May 28, 2023.
Castle’s Gigi Lynch (1) pitches against the North Huskies in the 4A sectional championship at North High School, Saturday night, May 28, 2023.

Gigi Lynch, Castle

The senior was 5-2 with a 1.85 ERA and 44 strikeouts after transferring from Virginia. Signed with West Georgia.

Jordan Mackey, Harrison

The senior infielder batted .477 with eight homers and 27 RBIs for the Warriors. First Team All-SIAC selection. Signed with Southern Indiana.

Gibson Southern's Ally Malone (4) drops a bunt against Memorial during their 2023 Class 3A Softball Sectional at Gibson Southern Wednesday evening, May 25, 2023.
Gibson Southern's Ally Malone (4) drops a bunt against Memorial during their 2023 Class 3A Softball Sectional at Gibson Southern Wednesday evening, May 25, 2023.

Ally Malone, Gibson Southern

The senior infielder batted .371 with 10 doubles and 29 RBIs plus 17 stolen bases. Second Team All-PAC selection.

Maddux Marshall, Southridge

The senior infielder batted .465 and was among the PAC leaders in doubles. Signed with Eastern Illinois.

Katelyn Marx, Tecumseh

The junior outfielder batted .472 with 63 runs scored, eight doubles, six triples and 14 RBIs. First Team All-State and First Team All-PAC selection. Committed to Southern Indiana.

Tecumseh Braves Katelyn Marx (2) high-fives teammates in the dugout during the IHSAA Class 1A Softball State Final against the Caston Comets, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Purdue University’s Bittinger Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Tecumseh won 6-0.
Tecumseh Braves Katelyn Marx (2) high-fives teammates in the dugout during the IHSAA Class 1A Softball State Final against the Caston Comets, Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Purdue University’s Bittinger Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Tecumseh won 6-0.

Baylee McClure, North Knox

The sophomore batted .426 with eight extra-base hits and eight stolen bases. Blue Chip All-Conference selection.

Lexie Onyett, Pike Central softball

The senior batted .471 with 17 extra-base hits and 27 RBIs. Honorable Mention All-PAC selection. Committed to Kentucky Wesleyan College.

Ocie Pershing, North Daviess

The senior infielder was a Third Team All-State selection last season for the Cougars.

Carly Potts, Gibson Southern

The sophomore impressed before a foot injury ended her season. Batted .391 with 18 RBIs and went 9-1 with a 2.92 ERA and 38 strikeouts.

Peyton Pryor and her teammates gather before the start of their home opener against North at Mike Wilson Field Tuesday evening, March 28, 2023.
Peyton Pryor and her teammates gather before the start of their home opener against North at Mike Wilson Field Tuesday evening, March 28, 2023.

Peyton Pryor, Boonville

The junior catcher batted .373 with 15 extra-base hits and 19 RBIs. First Team All-PAC selection. Committed to Southern Indiana.

Abigail Raaf, South Spencer

The junior infielder batted .393 with a team-high 15 RBIs for the Rebels.

Sibyl Renshaw, North Posey

The senior catcher batted .346 with 11 doubles, seven home runs and 38 RBIs. Third Team All-State and Honorable Mention All-PAC selection.

North Posey’s Sibyl Renshaw (15) calls out to the field as one of the Lady Vikings runs the bases during the 2023 IHSAA 2A Girls’ Softball Sectional Championship at Forest Park High School in Ferdinand, Ind., Wednesday evening, May 24, 2023.
North Posey’s Sibyl Renshaw (15) calls out to the field as one of the Lady Vikings runs the bases during the 2023 IHSAA 2A Girls’ Softball Sectional Championship at Forest Park High School in Ferdinand, Ind., Wednesday evening, May 24, 2023.

Avery Riley, Forest Park

The senior batted .385 with two home runs and 12 RBIs for the Rangers.

Rylie Schipp, Heritage Hills

The senior is one of the top returners for the Patriots after missing almost all of last year with a hand injury. Committed to Taylor.

Ally Sims, South Knox

The senior pitcher is a two-time Blue Chip All-Conference selection. Signed with Calumet College of St. Joseph.

Raycee Stallings, Mount Vernon

The senior outfielder batted .329 with 13 RBIs for the Wildcats. Signed with IU Southeast.

Castle's Lydia Stowe (23) hits the ball as the Castle Knights play the Central Bears during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Castle's Lydia Stowe (23) hits the ball as the Castle Knights play the Central Bears during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Lydia Stowe, Castle

The senior infielder batted .409 with six home runs and 33 RBIs for the SIAC champions. Firs Team All-SIAC selection. Signed with Bellarmine.

Madison Thomas, Memorial

The sophomore infielder batted .413 with five triples, 22 stolen bases and 20 RBIs for the Tigers.

Willow Thompson, Barr-Reeve

The senior outfielder was a Blue Chip All-Conference selection for the sectional champions.

Central’s Hailee Vallee (9) runs the bases as the Central Bears play the Castle Knights during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.
Central’s Hailee Vallee (9) runs the bases as the Central Bears play the Castle Knights during the 2023 IHSAA 4A softball sectional at North high School Tuesday, May 23, 2023.

Hailee Vallee, Central

The senior led the Bears across multiple categories including a .519 average, four home runs, 27 RBIs and 14 doubles. First Team All-SIAC selection.

Claire Wagner, Mater Dei

The senior batted .369 and a team-high 41 hits plus 16 RBIs. Second Team All-SIAC selection.

Mater Dei’s Claire Wagner (1) scoops the ground ball to throw to first as the Wildcats play the North Posey Vikings in the 2023 IHSAA 2A Girls’ Softball Sectional Championship at Forest Park High School in Ferdinand, Ind., Wednesday evening, May 24, 2023.
Mater Dei’s Claire Wagner (1) scoops the ground ball to throw to first as the Wildcats play the North Posey Vikings in the 2023 IHSAA 2A Girls’ Softball Sectional Championship at Forest Park High School in Ferdinand, Ind., Wednesday evening, May 24, 2023.

Jenna Wehmer, North Posey

The senior outfielder batted .329 with 10 extra-base hits and 15 RBIs for the Vikings.

Hannah West, Mount Vernon

The senior catcher batted .359 with six home runs and 27 RBIs. Second Team All-PAC selection.

Natalie West, Memorial

The senior batted .358 with five doubles and 18 RBIs for the Tigers.

North's Hannah Wilke throws to first base to get the Boonville batter out at Mike Wilson Field Tuesday evening, March 28, 2023.
North's Hannah Wilke throws to first base to get the Boonville batter out at Mike Wilson Field Tuesday evening, March 28, 2023.

Hannah Wilke, North

The junior infielder batted .308 with 12 RBIs. Second Team All-SIAC selection.

Sadie Winsett, Castle

The junior pitcher/infielder batted .433 with 21 RBIs and pitched a 3.46 ERA with 42 strikeouts. First Team All-SIAC selection.

Castle's Sadie Winsett (8) throws to first base for a Tecumseh out during their game at Tecumseh High School Wednesday evening, May 10, 2023. Castle won the game 7-4 in extra innings.
Castle's Sadie Winsett (8) throws to first base for a Tecumseh out during their game at Tecumseh High School Wednesday evening, May 10, 2023. Castle won the game 7-4 in extra innings.

Mallory Wollenmann, Memorial

The junior infielder batted an impressive .473 with 14 doubles and 37 RBIs. Second Team All-SIAC selection.

Olivia Young, Jasper

The junior catcher went off last year with a .452 average, five home runs and 48 RBIs. Third Team All-State and First Team All-SIAC selection.

Follow Courier & Press sports reporter Kyle Sokeland on X (formerly Twitter) @kylesokeland.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: 70 high school softball players to watch the Evansville area in 2024

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