With just one week remaining before nominations close on June 30, organizations across the country are making a strong push to ensure their athletes are considered for the Extra Inning Softball Rising Stars Futures Watchlist for graduation classes 2031-2034. The response has been tremendous.
From coast to coast, some of the nation’s most respected travel ball organizations have already emerged as leaders in athlete participation, demonstrating a commitment to providing their players with additional exposure, evaluation opportunities, and national recognition through Extra Inning Softball’s new three-tiered Futures 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.
As the deadline approaches, a new question is beginning to emerge throughout the softball community:
Which organizations will step up and support the most athletes before nominations close? Submit Now!
National Organizations Leading the Way
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!
Region 1 Leaders
- 1st Place: Empire State Huskies
- 2nd Place: RI Thunder Gold CTS
Region 2 Leaders
- 1st Place: Unity Edmeads
- 2nd Place: Georgia Impact
Region 3 Leaders
- 1st Place: Indiana Gators Premier
- 2nd Place (Tie): Beverly Bandits Grossman, Indiana Hustl, Ohio Lasers
Region 4 Leaders
- 1st Place (Tie): Oklahoma Bombers Gold 2033, Hotshots National
- 2nd Place (Tie): Athletics Fastpitch, Drip Johnson, Excel Elite, Buzz Premier
Region 5 Leaders
- 1st Place (Tie): Utah Core Athletics, Colorado Diamonds, USA Explosion Gold, Idaho Show
- 2nd Place (Tie): Preps Academy West, Utah Heat, Black Diamond Softball, Redemption, Colorado Stars, Hotshots
Region 6 Leaders
- 1st Place: Firecrackers
- 2nd Place: Athletics Mercado
A New National Evaluation Structure
The Rising Stars Futures Watchlist introduces a new three-tier national evaluation system designed to create a more structured development pathway for young athletes.
Futures Premier
The highest distinction within the Futures platform, Futures Premier recognizes athletes demonstrating elite-level ability, consistency, and long-term potential. This tier represents the highest level of recognition within the Rising Stars Futures system.
Futures Select
Futures Select highlights athletes showing strong development, impact performance, and continued upward trajectory as they advance through the game.
Futures Prospect
Futures Prospect recognizes emerging athletes who are building momentum and demonstrating promising growth within their age group.
Together, these tiers provide families, coaches, and athletes with greater visibility into future ranking potential while helping identify some of the game’s most exciting young prospects. Submit Now!
The SERV Evaluation Process
Unlike simple popularity contests or tied lists, every submission undergoes review through Extra Inning Softball’s SERV Methodology:
Software. Evaluation. Research. Verification.
This process combines proprietary software tools, evaluator review, athlete research, and statistical verification to help ensure consistency and credibility throughout the evaluation process.
To maintain the integrity of the watchlist, all submissions require GameChanger or AthletesGoLive (AGL) screenshots for statistical verification.
Less Than 10 Minutes Could Make a Difference
Parents and guardians are encouraged to submit athletes directly.
The nomination process takes less than 10 minutes to complete and was intentionally designed to be simple while still providing evaluators with the information needed to conduct a thorough review.
Athletes do not need a coach to submit on their behalf. Parents can complete the process independently by providing the required information and verification screenshots.
With thousands of athletes competing nationwide, every submission represents an opportunity for increased visibility and recognition within the sport. Submit Now!
June 30 Deadline Approaching
The nomination window closes June 30.
Organizations currently leading the participation race have already demonstrated their commitment to supporting athlete development and exposure opportunities.
The question now becomes which programs will make a final push during the last week and which athletes will earn placement within the Futures Premier, Futures Select, and Futures Prospect tiers.
The countdown is officially on. Submit your athlete before the June 30 deadline and be part of the Rising Stars Futures Watchlist evaluation.
Less than 10 minutes. One national evaluation. Three Futures tiers. One week remaining. Submit Now!
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.
Submission Window Closing
Extra Inning Softball officials continue emphasizing one important reminder: athletes cannot be selected if they are not submitted.
As the June 30 deadline approaches, organizations and families are encouraged not to wait until the final days to complete the nomination process.
The Stars Futures Summer Watchlist continues serving as one of the earliest national visibility opportunities available for athletes in the Classes of 2031 through 2034.
To submit an athlete for consideration, visit our Submission Page before the nomination window officially closes.
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