Over the past week, Extra Inning Softball had the opportunity to spotlight an impressive group of 10U athletes across the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, Mountain, and West regions—players who are already separating themselves through skill, work ethic, and competitive presence.
A full recap for each region is available by clicking the links below.
- January 19: Northeast
- January 20: Southeast
- January 21: Midwest
- January 22: Southwest
- January 23: Mountain
- January 24: West
For added convenience, every Rising Star featured this week can also be found in one centralized location on our website HERE, making it easy to view the full scope of emerging talent nationwide. View more youth news HERE
Beginning January 26, we will roll out the 12U Rising Stars Watchlists by region.
Continue listening for details on how to nominate a Rising Star for consideration and how to order a custom graphic for your athlete.
We will also share more about 10U Team Watchlists launching later this year. In addition, you’ll hear directly from CEO Bonnie Holland on why Extra Inning Softball does not rank athletes at this age is not healthy and how community feedback helped shape the Rising Stars Watchlist program.
It’s Not Too Late
As this program continues to grow, nominations remain open for Rising Stars Watchlist consideration, allowing more young athletes to be recognized for their development, potential, and commitment to the game. Nominate your 10U athlete HERE for Watchlist consideration.
Honor a Rising Star with a Custom Graphic
To properly recognize this achievement, Extra Inning Softball has created exclusive 10U Rising Stars Watchlist custom graphics, designed specifically for social media to celebrate your athlete’s watchlist recognition. Order HERE! Please allow up to five business days for receipt once your request has been submitted.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
COPYRIGHT © 2026 Extra Inning Softball TM
TRENDING NEWS
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
ALL NEWS Stay updated with the latest headlines, stories, and updates from across the softball world.
ANNOUNCEMENTS Catch breaking news, rankings releases, and major Extra Inning Softball updates.
COMMIT CREW Our EIS Commit Crew shares tips, drills, and advice on player development.
DRILL ZONE Elite drills shown by top athletes nationwide.
EVOLUTION OF RANKINGS CEO Bonnie Holland shares insights on rankings.
HIGH SCHOOL Highlights and stories from standout high school softball players and coaches.
HITTING/OFFENSE TIPS Led by experts sharing top offensive strategies and drills.
HOT TOPICS ROUNDTABLE Explore trending topics, expert takes, and key conversations in softball.
INFLUENCERS Hear from Extra Elite 100 athletes as they share their stories.
INTERVIEWS Real stories and insights from standout athletes, coaches, and leaders in fastpitch.
MENTAL HEALTH Success starts with mindset—we support athletes every step!
POLLS Vote and share your take on trending softball topics.
RANKINGS Explore the top-ranked players and teams in fastpitch softball, updated regularly.
RECRUITING TIPS Get expert advice on navigating the softball recruiting process with confidence.
SPORTS PERFORMANCE Boost performance with strength, speed, and recovery tips.
STORE Your go-to for stylish gear, including exclusive rankings designs.
TRANSFER PORTAL SWITCHBOARD Track softball transfers with our real-time portal updates and player info hub.
