RANKINGS
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Extra Inning Softball has begun a new chapter with the announcement and publication of our team rankings, which are geared towards recognizing team achievement ahead of individual performance for players in seventh and eighth grades.
The new rankings format began by highlighting the Class of 2029 with the unveiling of the top teams in Region One, Region Two, Region Three and Region Four thus far. Learn more about our new team rankings platform HERE.
Following the announcement of the Top 75 teams from all six regions, EIS will announce the Extra Elite 100 rankings highlighting the Top 100 teams from across the nation.
EIS will soon be turning its attention to the Class of 2028 team rankings with the first rankings scheduled on April 1, 2024.
The nomination period for the Class of 2028 is currently open and will close on March 4, 2024 at 5pm MST. Nominations can be submitted via the Extra Inning Softball website.
Find the complete nominations/rankings schedule for all classes HERE.
For questions regarding the team rankings, or for more information, visit our rankings information page.
REGIONAL MAP
REGION 1 – NORTHEAST – WEEK 1
| Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia |
REGION 2 – SOUTHEAST – WEEK 2
| Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee |
REGION 3 – MIDWEST – WEEK 3
| Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin |
REGION 4 – SOUTHWEST – WEEK 4
| Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas |
REGION 5 – MOUNTAIN – WEEK 5
| Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming |
REGION 6 – WEST – WEEK 6
| Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon, Washington |
Class of 2028 Team Rankings Schedule
April 1 – May 18th, 2024
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Region 1 – WEEK 1 – NORTHEAST
| Top 75 | Top 50 | Top 25 | Top 10 | Top 3-5 | Top 1 & 2 & Recap of Top 75 |
|
April 1, ‘24 |
April 2, ‘24 |
April 3, ‘24 |
April 4, ‘24 |
April 5, ‘24 |
April 6, ‘24 |
Region 2 – WEEK 2 – SOUTHEAST
| Top 75 | Top 50 | Top 25 | Top 10 | Top 3-5 | Top 1 & 2 & Recap of Top 75 |
|
April 8, ‘24 |
April 9, ‘24 |
April 10, ‘24 |
April 11, ‘24 |
April 12, ‘24 |
April 13, ‘24 |
Region 3 – WEEK 3 – MIDWEST
| Top 75 | Top 50 | Top 25 | Top 10 | Top 3-5 | Top 1 & 2 & Recap of Top 75 |
|
April 15, ‘24 |
April 16, ‘24 |
April 17, ‘24 |
April 18, ‘24 |
April 19, ‘24 |
April 20, ‘24 |
Region 4 – WEEK 4 – SOUTHWEST
| Top 75 | Top 50 | Top 25 | Top 10 | Top 3-5 | Top 1 & 2 & Recap of Top 75 |
|
April 22, ‘24 |
April 23, ‘24 |
April 24, ‘24 |
April 25, ‘24 |
April 26, ‘24 |
April 27, ‘24 |
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Region 5 – WEEK 5 – MOUNTAIN
| Top 75 | Top 50 | Top 25 | Top 10 | Top 3-5 | Top 1 & 2 & Recap of Top 75 |
|
April 29, ‘24 |
April 30, ‘24 |
May 1, ‘24 |
May 2, ‘24 |
May 3, ‘24 |
May 4, ‘24 |
Region 6 – WEEK 6 – WEST
| Top 75 | Top 50 | Top 25 | Top 10 | Top 3-5 | Top 1 & 2 & Recap of Top 75 |
|
May 6, ‘24 |
May 7, ‘24 |
May 8, ‘24 |
May 9, ‘24 |
May 10, ‘24 |
May 11, ‘24 |
EXTRA ELITE 100 CLASS OF 2028 NATIONAL TEAM RANKINGS
| Top 75 | Top 50 | Top 25 | Top 10 | Top 3-5 | Top 1 & 2 & Recap of Top 75 |
|
May 13, ‘24 |
May 14, ‘24 |
May 15, ‘24 |
May 16, ‘24 |
May 17, ‘24 |
May 18, ‘24 |
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Why Rankings are Important
Rankings provide a valuable measure of performance and skill, offering players, coaches, recruiters, and fans a clear understanding of where individuals and teams stand within their region and on a national scale. By establishing rankings, Extra Inning Softball not only highlights the top talent but also creates a sense of competition and aspiration within the sport.
Changes to 7th and 8th Grade Player Rankings
After much consideration and in alignment with our commitment to providing the most comprehensive and meaningful rankings, we have made the decision to shift our focus from ranking individual players at a seventh and eighth grade level to ranking their age group by teams first regionally, and then nationally.
This strategic shift reflects our dedication to fostering a team-oriented approach to the development and recognition of young athletes. By prioritizing team rankings for this age group, we aim to highlight the collective efforts and achievements of teams, coaches, and players, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and overall team dynamics in the sport.
In making the decision to adjust our rankings approach, we took into careful consideration the feedback of college coaches, former college players, recruiters, parents, and club coaches, all of whom offered diverse perspectives and experiences that informed our decision-making process.
Input From College Coaches and Recruiters
The input from college coaches and recruiters provided us with a deeper understanding of the qualities and attributes they seek in prospective student athletes, particularly at the middle school level. Their feedback highlighted the importance of fostering a positive and supportive environment for young players, free from unnecessary pressure and individual rankings.
Input From Parents and Club Coaches
The input from parents and club coaches further emphasized the need for a ranking system that promotes a healthy and enjoyable experience for young players, encouraging skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, especially at a middle-school level.
Emphasis on Team RankingsÂ
Our revised ranking system prioritizes a balanced emphasis on skill development, sportsmanship, and overall enjoyment of the game, while minimizing the potential for undue pressure on these players. We believe that this adjustment will better align with our EIS 2.0 Initiative to Empower, Inspire, and Support all participants in softball.
By emphasizing team rankings over individual player rankings, we aim to alleviate the pressure that young athletes may feel while fostering a more collaborative and team-oriented approach to the sport.
Regional Team Rankings First then… Extra Elite 100 Team Rankings
Team rankings will now be announced regionally and then nationally. By focusing on ranking teams regionally before nationally, we can provide a more comprehensive and nuanced assessment of the fastpitch softball landscape. This approach allows us to take into account the overall performance and dynamics of each team. It acknowledges the importance of teamwork, coaching, and overall team dynamics in the sport.
By emphasizing regional team rankings, we can better spotlight the talent and potential within specific areas, fostering a sense of community and healthy competition among teams in the same region. This approach also allows us to recognize the diversity and depth of talent across different regions, providing a more accurate reflection of the Fastpitch softball landscape.
Beginning with week one, we will kick off our Regional Rankings by focusing on Region 1, providing an in-depth assessment of the teams within that area. Each subsequent week will see the spotlight shift to a new region, with Region 2 being ranked in week two, Region Three in week three, and so on, until all six regions have been thoroughly evaluated and ranked.
After all six regions have been carefully ranked and calibrated, we will culminate this exciting process with a special announcement during the seventh week. Throughout that week, we will proudly unveil the Top 100 teams in the nation, (Extra Elite 100 Team Rankings) showcasing the best of the best from across the country. This grand finale will serve as a culmination of our regional rankings, offering a national perspective that reflects the rich diversity and talent present in the fastpitch softball community.
PROMOTING A POSITIVE TEAM DYNAMIC
Recognizing the formative nature of the middle school years and the importance of promoting a positive team dynamic, we believe that this change will contribute to a more supportive and inclusive environment for players, coaches, and families. By celebrating the achievements and progress of teams as a whole, we hope to encourage a sense of camaraderie, sportsmanship, and shared accomplishment among young athletes.
This shift in our rankings approach reflects our dedication to creating an environment that prioritizes the holistic development and positive experiences of seventh and eighth grade players in girls’ fastpitch softball. We are confident that this change will align with our core values and contribute to a more enriching and enjoyable athletic journey for all participants. We appreciate your support as we continue to evolve and improve our practices for the betterment of the fastpitch softball community.
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