Nominations for the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings are officially underway, bringing athletes from across the country into the first stage of the rankings process. Each week, Watchlist Wednesday introduces four athletes who have officially received a Class of 2028 nomination and gives the softball community an early look at the players behind the submissions.
These athletes have not yet been evaluated or ranked, and appearing in Watchlist Wednesday does not indicate where—or if—they will ultimately land in the National Rankings.
Instead, this weekly series celebrates the athletes entering the process while giving readers an opportunity to learn more about their accomplishments, strengths, and softball journeys. With nominations remaining open through October 5, 2026, there is still time for Class of 2028 athletes across the country to officially enter the rankings process.
First Comes the Nomination
Every journey toward the Extra Inning Softball National Rankings begins with an official nomination.
For the Class of 2028, parents, coaches, and organizations can nominate deserving athletes for consideration. Extra Inning Softball only needs one nomination per athlete, so families are encouraged to check the Nomination Tracker before submitting.
This year’s nomination process also includes stronger verification standards. Nominators are asked to provide screenshots from GameChanger, AGL, or another verified statistics platform, giving the Rankings Committee additional performance information that can be verified when evaluations begin.
Once the nomination window closes, the Extra Inning Softball Rankings Committee will begin the evaluation process using the proprietary SERV™ Methodology — Software, Evaluate, Research and Verify. But right now, it is all about getting athletes officially nominated.
New This Cycle: MyEIS360™ Athlete Profiles
Class of 2028 athletes are also entering the rankings cycle at an exciting time for Extra Inning Softball with the launch of the new MyEIS360™ Athlete Profile.
Designed as an all-in-one digital athlete hub, MyEIS360™ gives players one centralized location to showcase their softball journey. Rather than having rankings, statistics, videos, achievements, recruiting information, and other important details scattered across multiple platforms, athletes can bring them together into one shareable profile.
Profiles can include performance snapshots, a media vault, EIS rankings history, achievements, recruiting information, athlete details, and more, creating a more complete 360-degree view of the athlete.
Athletes and parents can also update their profile while their membership remains active, allowing MyEIS360™ to grow with the player as new statistics, videos, accomplishments, and recruiting updates are added.
MyEIS360™ profiles are FREE
College coaches, recruiters, travel coaches, evaluators, and other members of the softball community do not need an EIS membership to view an athlete’s profile. Profiles are also shareable, giving athletes and families another way to put their information directly in front of the people they want to reach.
Having a MyEIS360™ profile is an enhancement included with an Extra Inning Softball membership, while viewing profiles remains completely free.
For Class of 2028 athletes navigating a critical stage of their recruiting journey, MyEIS360™ provides another opportunity to organize their information, showcase their accomplishments, and make it easier for coaches to learn more about them. Request your MyEIS360™ TODAY!
A New Rankings Experience
MyEIS360™ is not the only addition accompanying the Class of 2028 rankings cycle.
Every athlete who ultimately earns a national ranking will also receive an individual 5-Star Rating, adding another layer to Extra Inning Softball’s evaluation and recognition system.
Nationally ranked athletes will receive their own numerical placement with no ties and no shared ranking numbers. Rankings will also be displayed through Extra Inning Softball’s interactive leaderboard, making it easier to discover and follow athletes from across the country.
Those evaluations come later. Right now, the first step is getting nominated.
And this week’s Watchlist Wednesday athletes have officially taken that step.
Five Athletes. Five Stories. One Class to Watch. ⭐
The athletes featured below are among the Class of 2028 players who have officially received nominations for the upcoming Extra Inning Softball National Rankings.
Their inclusion in Watchlist Wednesday does not represent a ranking or evaluation. Instead, it gives the softball community an opportunity to get to know some of the athletes entering this year’s rankings process.
Let’s meet this week’s Class of 2028 Watchlist Wednesday selections. 🔥👇❤️
Watchlist Wednesday Athletes
Kaylinn Bentley | Outfielder | Class of 2028
A high-energy presence in the outfield, Kaylinn Bentley brings production, defensive ability, and leadership to Watson Wolfpack 16U National. The Las Vegas, Nevada, outfielder posted a .418 batting average, .449 on-base percentage, and 1.057 OPS, collecting 66 hits with 42 RBIs while consistently contributing to her team’s offense.
Bentley’s impact extends well beyond the batter’s box. Named the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year, she has developed a reputation for covering ground in the outfield while bringing constant energy to her team. Coach Clint Watson describes Bentley as a great team leader and one of the loudest voices in both the dugout and on the field. With a combination of offensive production, defensive reliability, and competitive leadership, Bentley is among the athletes officially nominated for consideration in the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings.
Paige Perry | Catcher | Class of 2028
A high-energy competitor with a powerful arm behind the plate, Paige Perry brings leadership, athleticism, and confidence to Unity 2028-Nulick. The Turlock, California, catcher hit .357 while competing against high-level 16U pitching and national competition, including the PGF Premier National Championship, Colorado Sparkler National Power Pool Championships, Zoom Into June, and Top Gun Invitational.
Perry’s impact extends beyond travel ball. As a sophomore at Central Catholic, she earned Second Team All-League and First Team All-Defense honors. Coach Mike Nulick describes Perry as his team’s No. 1 catcher and a difference-maker who can also contribute in the outfield, praising her arm strength, intensity, and ability to perform in pressure situations. After helping Unity become the only 2028 team to compete in the Premier Division at the 2026 PGF Nationals, Perry is among the athletes officially nominated for consideration in the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings.
Zoe Bassham | Corners | Class of 2028
A proven two-way presence at the corners, Zoe Bassham combines offensive production, defensive consistency, and extensive national-level experience for Texas Glory. The Sanger, Texas, standout posted a .408 batting average, .500 on-base percentage, and 1.041 OPS, driving in 27 runs while recording a .973 fielding percentage. Her résumé also includes a 2026 USA Softball HPP invitation and experience at premier events including Alliance Nationals Tier 1, the Colorado Sparkler National Power Pool Championships, Bombers Exposure, and the TFL Summer Championship.
Bassham has already built an impressive list of individual honors across two states. After earning Montana First Team All-State and Montana Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2025, she made an immediate impact in Texas, earning District 4A-2 Newcomer of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in 2026. She has also earned multiple national rankings honors and several All-Tournament Team selections while excelling academically. With a combination of power, defensive reliability, and proven performance against high-level competition, Bassham is among the athletes officially nominated for consideration in the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings.
Paisley Ojinaga | Middle Infielder | Class of 2028
A reliable and rangy presence in the middle infield, Paisley Ojinaga brings offensive consistency, defensive versatility, and extensive high-level experience to Firecrackers Brashear Ojinaga. The Whittier, California, standout posted a .445 batting average, .503 on-base percentage, and 1.042 OPS, collecting 69 hits across 155 at-bats. Ojinaga has competed at major events including the Colorado Sparkler, Zoom Into June, Alliance Super Cup, and PGF Premier National Championships.
Ojinaga’s résumé reflects steady development on and off the field. She has climbed from No. 38 to No. 25 in the EIS West Region infielder rankings and earned recognition as an EIS Top 100 Hitter and Elite Scholar. She also received Del Rio League Honorable Mention honors while balancing varsity softball, volleyball, ASB Cabinet, Link Crew, and the Puente academic program. With a productive bat, middle-infield range, and a well-rounded approach, Ojinaga is among the athletes officially nominated for consideration in the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings.
Rory Fitzgerald | Pitcher/Hitter | Class of 2028
A polished two-way competitor who impacts games in the circle and at the plate, Rory Fitzgerald brings command, power, and poise to Top Gun National 18U-BT. The Bethany, Missouri, standout recorded a 2.59 ERA with 381 strikeouts across 336.9 innings, while holding opposing hitters to a .215 batting average. Offensively, Fitzgerald delivered nine home runs and 49 RBIs while posting a .907 OPS, demonstrating her ability to contribute on both sides of the ball while competing against older competition.
Fitzgerald’s performance has earned her an impressive collection of honors, including unanimous First Team All-Conference, First Team All-District, First Team All-Region, and First Team All-State recognition as a pitcher. She has also earned Academic All-State honors and continues developing her game through pitching instruction with Monica Abbott and hitting instruction with Russ Enor. With high-level experience, proven production, and a strong two-way résumé, Fitzgerald is among the athletes officially nominated for consideration in the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings.
Who Will Be on the Watchlist Next?
Watchlist Wednesday will continue throughout the Class of 2028 nomination period, introducing more athletes who have officially entered the rankings process.
With nominations open through October 5, 2026, there is still time to make sure deserving Class of 2028 athletes are submitted.
Before nominating, check the Nomination Tracker to see if the athlete has already been submitted. Remember, Extra Inning Softball only needs one nomination per athlete.
And for EIS members, don’t forget to claim your athlete’s new MyEIS360™ Athlete Profile and begin building a shareable home for her softball journey.
Want to stay ahead of upcoming rankings dates? Request your FREE Extra Inning Softball Rankings & Nominations Schedule Magnet HERE to keep nomination windows, Watchlist Wednesdays, and rankings releases within reach all year.
Who will we spotlight next Wednesday? Get nominated and stay tuned.
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