Rising Stars 10U–12U Watchlist Schedule and Last Call for Nominations

At Extra Inning Softball we are preparing to launch the second annual Rising Stars Watch List, recognizing elite 10U and 12U athletes from the Classes of 2031, 2032, 2033, and 2034. This national initiative was built to identify and celebrate young players who are already separating themselves through performance, athletic instincts, and competitive drive.

Nominations officially close at the end of the day on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Nominate HERE!

Following an overwhelming response to last year’s inaugural release, the Rising Stars Watch List returns with increased visibility and impact. These athletes are not projected potential—they are already producing.

From gap-to-gap hitters and dominant young arms to instinctive defenders making plays beyond their years, this list exists to acknowledge players who consistently show up and stand out. View more youth news HERE!

Why Early Recognition Matters

Now in its second year, the Rising Stars Watch List has quickly established itself as one of Extra Inning Softball‘s defining youth initiatives—designed to recognize young athletes who reflect the future of the game through effort, competitiveness, and early excellence.

By identifying players at the beginning of their journey, Extra Inning Softball provides meaningful national visibility that celebrates growth, fuels motivation, and reinforces the values that matter most in fastpitch softball. This recognition is not about pressure—it is about affirmation.

The Rising Stars Watch List also creates a shared space for families, coaches, and the softball community to follow these athletes as they develop.

Each nomination helps highlight commitment, passion, and character—qualities that continue to make this sport both powerful and purpose-driven.

10U Rising Stars Schedule

• Northeast: January 19
• Southeast: January 20
• Midwest: January 21
• Southwest: January 22
• Mountain: January 23
• West: January 24

12U Rising Stars Schedule

• Northeast: January 26
• Southeast: January 27
• Midwest: January 28
• Southwest: January 29
• Mountain: January 30
• West: January 31

The full lists of 10U & 12U will be published on our website under the youth tab by February 6th.

Who Can Nominate?

Nominations are now open for coaches, parents, and softball supporters who want to spotlight a young athlete ready to earn her place on the Rising Stars Watch List.

This is the perfect opportunity to elevate emerging talent, celebrate their hard work, and help shine a national spotlight on the next wave of softball greatness!

Our Position on Youth Rankings

Extra Inning Softball does not support individual player rankings for 10U and 12U athletes. At this stage of development, ranking children creates unnecessary pressure, unrealistic expectations, and long-term consequences that are not healthy for young players as they grow in the sport.

Our experience—and the feedback we continue to receive from coaches, families, and former athletes—has consistently shown that early rankings can negatively impact confidence, enjoyment, and long-term development.

For that reason, we caution strongly against ranking players at such a young age.

The Rising Stars Watch List exists because the softball community asked for a different approach. The response from families and coaches was overwhelming—not for rankings, but for recognition.

A watch list allows us to acknowledge effort, potential, and passion without assigning numerical value or hierarchy to children who are still learning, growing, and discovering who they are as athletes.

This distinction matters. Our goal is to celebrate young players while protecting their love for the game and keeping development—not labels—at the center of youth softball.

Join us – Rising Stars

Join us in continuing the Rising Stars tradition as we celebrate the young athletes who are already shaping the future of fastpitch softball. This initiative is about recognition, opportunity, and visibility—highlighting emerging talent from every corner of the country.

We look forward to honoring these 10U and 12U athletes and sharing their stories on a national stage. Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with any parents, coaches, and program leaders who are invested in developing the next generation of the game.

Follow us on Twitter HERE for more exciting updates, contests, and news and download our new EIS App HERE

Join Now!

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