The Southwest 10-Year Rising Stars Watchlist, presented by Extra Inning Softball, features a select group of young softball athletes who are beginning to separate themselves through advanced fundamentals, competitive edge, and a strong understanding of the game.
At just 10 years old, these players are already displaying maturity beyond their years, earning recognition through consistent performance, trusted coach evaluations, and impact at the regional level throughout the Southwest.
This watchlist offers an early look at emerging talent while reinforcing Extra Innings Softball’s commitment to recognizing youth athletes in a responsible, athlete-first way—celebrating development, effort, and potential without the pressure of early rankings. View more youth news HERE
This national, week-long rollout is designed to generate sustained momentum, elevate visibility, and honor the dedication, development, and passion these young athletes bring to the game.
When the Rising Stars Watchlist debuted last year, it immediately became one of our most well-received youth initiatives, reinforcing a clear message from the softball community—recognition should be done thoughtfully and with purpose.
This year’s rollout builds on that foundation, expanding the program with even greater intention and impact.
Nominate your 10U athlete HERE for Watchlist consideration.
Honor Rising Star with a Custom Graphic
To properly honor this achievement, Extra Inning Softball has developed exclusive 10U Rising Stars Watchlist custom graphics, designed for social media to formally recognize and celebrate your athlete’s watchlist distinction. Order HERE!
What’s Next for the 10U Rising Stars?
The momentum is only beginning. As we continue to grow our 10U coverage and invest in long-term athlete development, several key milestones are ahead.
Applications for the Impact Ambassador Program open on June 1, followed by the opening of 10U Team Watchlist nominations on August 28. Nominations will close on October 5, marking another important step in expanding recognition.
With the stage set, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the Southwest—meet your 10U Southwest Rising Stars.
National Release Schedule
The 12U Rising Stars Watchlists will be published regionally between January 26-31. Here’s your 10U region watchlist roll-out:
- January 19: Northeast
- January 20: Southeast
- January 21: Midwest
- January 22: Southwest
- January 23: Mountain
- January 24: West
A Program Built by the Community
The Rising Stars Watchlist exists because the community asked for it.
Through direct feedback from parents, coaches, and industry leaders, a consistent concern was raised: ranking young players at the 10U level does more harm than good. Development at this age is uneven, growth is unpredictable, and early rankings can create unnecessary pressure, comparison, and misaligned expectations.
Extra Inning Softball agrees with that concern. We believe young athletes should be encouraged, not categorized, recognized, not ranked, and motivated, not measured.
The Rising Stars Watchlist was created as a solution—one that honors hard work and visible progress while protecting long-term athlete development. Ranking players at this stage is irresponsible. Recognition should fuel confidence, not define ceilings.
Nominate your 10U athlete HERE for Watchlist consideration.
Thoughts from CEO Bonnie Holland
In conversations with Extra Inning Softball CEO Bonnie Holland, one theme remains consistent: youth recognition must be handled with care and responsibility.
Holland emphasizes the importance of supporting initiatives that prioritize long-term athlete development over early labeling.
She also encourages families and coaches to exercise caution when supporting companies that rank players as early as seventh and eighth grade, noting that premature rankings often introduce unnecessary pressure and unrealistic expectations during critical growth years.
According to Holland, the Rising Stars Watchlist was created to offer a better alternative—one that recognizes effort and passion while protecting each athlete’s future.
With continued community support, Extra Inning Softball aims to lead youth softball recognition in a way that is ethical, intentional, and athlete-first. View more youth news HERE
Explore the origins of youth rankings and the vision behind the creation of the Rising Stars Watchlist by listening to the full interview below.
The Rising Stars Watchlist represents a deliberate shift in how young athletes are celebrated—one rooted in integrity, long-term development, and respect for the journey.
At the 10U level, recognition should build confidence, encourage growth, and reinforce a love for the game, not create labels that follow athletes before they have had time to evolve.
This program honors effort, discipline, and potential while protecting the developmental process that matters most.
By choosing recognition over rankings, we are investing in the future of fastpitch softball the right way. The future of the sport is already here. And it starts now.
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