Only 48 Hours Remain: Last Chance to Earn Placement in Extra Inning Softball’s New 3-Tier Futures Watchlist
By
Bonnie Holland
June 24, 2026
Aubree Miller – Class of 2034 – Hotshots National 2033 Draheim
Only 48 hours remain and the clock is ticking. Before nominations close, athletes, parents, and coaches across the country are making a final push to secure placement in Extra Inning Softball’s new 3-TierFutures Watchlist for the Classes of2031-2034.
The national evaluation system features three levels of recognition—Futures Premier, Futures Select, and Futures Prospects—providing athletes with an opportunity to earn verified national exposure and be showcased on the Extra Inning SoftballNational Leaderboard.
As the June 30 deadline rapidly approaches, organizations nationwide continue encouraging participation in what has become one of the most talked-about youth softball recognition opportunities of the summer. Submit Now!
Example Leaderboard: Rising Stars Futures Watchlist
With results set to be published shortly after nominations close, athletes who wait risk missing their chance to be included in the inaugural release of this new national watchlist platform.
All selected athletes will be featured on Extra Inning Softball’s new national leaderboard, providing additional visibility and recognition within their graduating class, as shown below. Submit Now!
Grace Ivicuc – Class of 2032 – Drip Johnson
With one week remaining, these standings are far from finalized, creating an opportunity for organizations nationwide to rally behind their athletes and increase participation before the deadline.
Current submission leaders include several nationally recognized programs that have encouraged athletes and families to take advantage of the opportunity. Submit Now!
The Rising Stars Futures Watchlist introduces a new national structure designed to provide greater clarity and recognition for developing athletes.
Futures Premier
Futures Premier represents the highest distinction within the Rising Stars Futures platform. Athletes selected to this tier demonstrate elite ability, consistency, impact performance, and exceptional long-term potential.
Futures Select
Futures Select recognizes athletes who continue to show strong development, proven production, and a trajectory that positions them for future success.
Futures Prospect
Futures Prospect highlights emerging athletes who are gaining momentum and demonstrating promising growth within their age division.
Together, these three tiers create a more structured national development pathway while helping athletes, families, and coaches better understand future ranking potential. Submit Now!
A Process Built on Verification
Every submission is evaluated using Extra Inning Softball’s SERV Methodology::
Software (S). Evaluation (E). Research (R). Verification (V).
This process combines technology, independent review, athlete research, and verified performance data to create a credible and consistent evaluation process.
To maintain the integrity of the watchlist, all submissions require GameChanger or AthletesGoLive (AGL) screenshots for statistical verification.
Isabella Hamilton – Class of 2031 – Florida Storm Vega
Creating Clearer Visibility
The Rising Stars Futures Summer Watchlist is intended to celebrate athletes at every stage of development while creating a clearer pathway for future recognition and rankings. As CEO Bonnie Holland noted:
“One of the biggest goals behind the Three-Tier Futures System was creating a platform that celebrates development while providing meaningful recognition for young athletes.
Not every player develops at the same pace, and this structure allows us to highlight athletes at different stages of their journey while giving athletes, parents, and coaches a clearer picture of where players currently stand and where they may be headed.
We believe it creates a more exciting, transparent, and motivating experience for everyone involved,” Holland said.
Rising Stars Summer Watchlist Mobile View
Submit in Less Than 10 Minutes
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the watchlist is that athletes need a coach or organization representative to complete the process.
That is not the case. Parents can submit athletes directly.
The nomination process takes less than 10 minutes and requires only basic athlete information along with verified statistics screenshots.
As organizations continue encouraging participation, families still have time to ensure their athlete is evaluated before the deadline. Submit Now!
Mindy McCutcheon – Class of 2032 – Beverly Bandits
The Final Countdown
June 30 is rapidly approaching.
Once nominations close, the evaluation process begins and no additional submissions will be accepted for the inaugural Summer Rising Stars Futures Watchlist.
Athletes who are not submitted cannot be considered for Futures Premier, Futures Select, or Futures Prospect placement.
The opportunity remains open today, but not for much longer.
With only 48 hours remaining, organizations, coaches, and families must decide whether they want their athletes represented when the Rising Stars Futures Watchlist is announced.
Two days left. Three Futures tiers. One national leaderboard. Don’t miss the opportunity to be evaluated.
To submit an athlete for consideration, visit our Submission Page before the nomination window officially closes.
Ruby Stoner – Class of 2032 – Indiana Magic Gold 2032 Futures DuPlessis
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