College Position Preview: 7 First Basemen to Watch in 2022

The college softball season feels like it’s just around the corner, so even with a few months to go, we continue our position-specific series of players to watch.

Last week we ID’d 6 Catchers to Watch in 2022.

Today we move down the first base line to start the infield previews.

First base is one of the most underrated positions on the diamond as a sure-handed defender at the position is a must, and first basemen stereotypically also pack a major punch at the plate.

In no specific order, here are seven players to watch when they take the field at first.

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Kaylee Tow, Alabama
With some offensive firepower departed from Alabama, Tow will be looked upon for a lot of offensive leadership this year. A “super senior” using her final year of eligibility thanks to COVID-19, Tow’s veteran presence at first base and in the batting order will come in as incredibly valuable for the Crimson Tide this year.

Morgan Wynne, Oklahoma State
Wynne transferred to Stillwater this summer from fellow Big 12 competitor Kansas, and her major pop with the bat will come in handy for the Cowgirls. An all-Big 12 and all-region honoree, Wynne owns 29 career home runs and has two years of eligibility left. OK State traded power for power in bringing in Wynne to replace the graduated Alysen Febrey.

Tricia Awald, Georgia Tech
A Justin’s World of Softball third-team All-American in 2021, Awald led the Yellow Jackets with a .411 batting average and 11 home runs. The former Kennesaw State transfer has done well since arriving in Atlanta proper, and she will be a major part of any success that the Yellow Jackets have as the program continues to build towards contention in the ACC.

Danielle Gibson, Arkansas
Sporting possibly the nation’s greatest senior class in 2022 are the Arkansas Razorbacks, and Gibson is part of that stellar group. Since her transfer from Arizona State, Gibson has been a backbone of the Hogs’ offense and her veteran presence at the first bag gives her team a true cornerstone in both a literal and figurative sense.

Lou Allan, Liberty
The former Michigan Wolverine transferred to become a Liberty Flame this summer, and will immediately figure heavily into the Flames’ power game this season. The granddaughter of former Team USA Olympian Sheila Cornell, Allan will now be coached by her grandmother’s former teammate, Dot Richardson.

Shaylon Govan, Stephen F. Austin
One of the lesser-known but still breakout stars in 2021, Govan was named the Southland Hitter of the Year and an all-region first-team selection in her “super freshman” season in ’21. She set a program single-season record with fifteen home runs and finished the year with a .383 batting average and 52 RBIs.

Jayme Bailey, Virginia Tech
Bailey started ten games in the outfield in 2021, but as a primary first baseman, she qualifies for our watch list here. Bailey was red-hot during the Regional round last season and, as a two-time all-region selection, is an anchor of the Hokies’ lineup.

— Justin McLeod, Extra Inning Correspondent