The road toward the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings begins long before the final list is revealed. It starts with athletes being nominated, information being submitted and accomplishments entering the national conversation.
Each Wednesday, Extra Inning Softball highlights another group of players who have officially entered that process. This week’s edition introduces five Class of 2028 athletes representing California, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada and Tennessee.
Appearing in Watchlist Wednesday does not represent an evaluation or indicate where—or if—an athlete will appear in the National Rankings. Instead, the series offers an early look at the players behind the nominations and the accomplishments that have shaped their journeys.
With nominations closing October 5, 2026, time remains for deserving Class of 2028 athletes to take the first step.
A Nomination Opens the Door
An athlete cannot be considered for the Extra Inning Softball National Rankings without an official nomination.
Parents, coaches and organization leaders may submit athletes during the open window. Only one nomination per athleteis needed, making it important to check the Nomination Tracker before completing another submission.
This cycle also features expanded verification standards. Nominators are asked to include screenshots from GameChanger, AGL or another verified statistics platform to provide the Rankings Committee with reliable performance information.
After nominations close, athletes will be evaluated through the proprietary SERV™ Methodology—Software, Evaluate, Research and Verify. Until then, the priority is ensuring athletes are officially in the process.
A Complete View Through MyEIS360™
The launch of the MyEIS360™ Athlete Profile gives athletes another way to strengthen their visibility during an important stage of the recruiting journey.
A MyEIS360™ profile brings an athlete’s statistics, videos, achievements, recruiting information, EIS rankings history and other details together in one centralized location. Instead of directing coaches to several different platforms, athletes can share one profile that presents a more complete view of their development and accomplishments.
Profiles can also be updated while an athlete’s EIS membership remains active, allowing new performances, honors, videos and recruiting information to be added throughout her journey.
Free for Coaches and the Softball Community to View
Anyone can view a MyEIS360™ Athlete Profile without an EIS membership. That includes college coaches, recruiters, evaluators, travel coaches and other members of the softball community.
Profiles are also shareable, giving athletes and families a direct resource to distribute through email, recruiting communication and social media.
Creating and maintaining a profile is an enhancement included with an Extra Inning Softball membership, but viewing profiles is always free. EIS members can request a MyEIS360™ Athlete Profile HERE and begin building a centralized home for their athlete’s softball journey.
More Recognition Is Coming
The Class of 2028 cycle will introduce additional ways to recognize nationally ranked athletes.
Each athlete who earns a place in the National Rankings will receive an individual 5-Star Rating. Athletes will also be assigned a distinct numerical ranking with no ties or shared numbers.
Nationally ranked players will appear on the new interactive EIS leaderboard, providing the softball community with another way to discover athletes and follow the Class of 2028.
The evaluations and rankings will come later. For now, these five athletes have taken the important first step by receiving an official nomination.
Five Class of 2028 Athletes to Know ⭐
This week’s group includes accomplished varsity starters, championship contributors, decorated performers and productive athletes competing at high-level events across the country.
Their Watchlist Wednesday selection is not a ranking or evaluation. It is an opportunity to introduce five more athletes who have officially entered the Class of 2028 rankings process.
Meet this week’s five Watchlist Wednesday athletes. 🔥👇❤️
Keileanna Johnson | Outfielder | Class of 2028
A championship-tested outfielder with speed, range and proven offensive production, Keileanna Johnson brings a competitive presence to Las Vegas Rising Thomason 16U. The Las Vegas, Nevada, standout posted a .404 batting average, .459 on-base percentage and 1.237 OPS, collecting 40 hits, eight doubles, three triples and seven home runs. Johnson also drove in 39 runs and recorded 12 stolen bases, demonstrating her ability to impact games with both power and athleticism.
Johnson contributed to a Nevada 5A State Championship at the high school level while earning Second Team All-League recognition. Defensively, she tracks fly balls confidently and uses strong instincts to cover ground in the outfield. She has also gained valuable experience at events including the TCS Colorado Sparkler, TCS Zoom Into June and a PGF National Qualifier. Johnson’s championship experience, consistent production and complete skill set have officially placed her into the Class of 2028 rankings process.
Lila An | Middle Infielder | Class of 2028
Relentless preparation and competitive grit define Lila An, a versatile middle infielder for Firecrackers Chavez Moreno. The Aliso Viejo, California, standout posted a .291 batting average, .398 on-base percentage and .817 OPS, producing 25 hits, six doubles and 15 RBIs. Her 14 stolen bases also demonstrate her ability to create pressure and contribute on the basepaths.
An can play both shortstop and second base and has competed at events including the TCS Colorado Fireworks, TCS Zoom Into June, Bombers Exposure and PGF Premier National Championships. Coaches Christina and Abel Chavez Moreno describe her as an accountable leader whose positive energy influences those around her. Her disciplined approach, respect for the game and commitment to improvement make An another Class of 2028 athlete to follow.
Megan Southward | Outfielder | Class of 2028
Few statistical lines command attention quite like the one assembled by Megan Southward. The Lady Dukes Midwest 16U outfielder recorded a .462 batting average, .574 on-base percentage and 1.527 OPS, finishing with 109 hits, 25 doubles, five triples and 27 home runs. Southward also drove in 93 runs and stole 26 bases, displaying an uncommon combination of power, speed and offensive consistency.
The Riverview, Michigan, standout earned All-League, All-District and All-Region honors during both her freshman and sophomore seasons. She also established her high school’s single-season home run record as a sophomore. A varsity basketball player and competitive powerlifter, Southward pairs multisport athleticism with a 3.98 GPA. Her résumé reflects an athlete producing at a high level in competition, in the classroom and throughout her development.
Katie Lachney | Outfielder | Class of 2028
Speed, power and exceptional left-handed arm strength make Katie Lachney an electric presence for Louisiana Bombers Gold National 16U. The Marksville, Louisiana, center fielder posted a .430 batting average, .479 on-base percentage and 1.354 OPS, recording 55 hits, seven doubles, 10 triples and 10 home runs. Lachney also finished with 48 RBIs and 21 stolen bases, creating multiple ways to change a game.
Lachney has earned First Team All-State, First Team All-District and First Team All-Cenla recognition. Her range allows her to close gaps in center field, while throws recorded between 62 and 64 mph help keep opposing runners from advancing. With experience at the Alliance Super Cup Qualifier, Bombers Exposure, Scenic City Top 25 Showcase and TFL Summer Championship, Lachney brings high-level production and athleticism to the Class of 2028 nomination pool.
Skyla Hagan | Middle Infielder | Class of 2028
A highly productive middle infielder with steady hands, natural instincts and valuable defensive versatility, Skyla Hagan makes an impact throughout the lineup for Oklahoma Ultimate Gold. The Mustang, Oklahoma, standout posted a .550 batting average, .650 on-base percentage and 1.677 OPS, collecting 101 hits, 26 doubles, six triples and 16 home runs. Hagan also drove in 67 runs and stole 33 bases, displaying an exceptional combination of consistency, power and speed.
Primarily a shortstop and second baseman, Hagan can also contribute in the circle and outfield. Her accomplishments include being named an AFON Ultimate Player, 2025 Super Cup All-Tournament Team selection and Alliance National Player of the Month. She also earned Mustang All-District recognition while helping capture an Oklahoma 6A Fastpitch State Championship. Known as a relentless worker and dependable teammate, Hagan is among the athletes officially nominated for consideration in the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings.
The Next Watchlist Starts With a Nomination
More Class of 2028 athletes will step into the spotlight as Watchlist Wednesday continues throughout the nomination period.
The window closes October 5, 2026, and athletes who have not been officially nominated are running out of time to enter the rankings process.
Before submitting, visit the Nomination Tracker to determine whether the athlete has already received a nomination. Extra Inning Softball only needs one nomination per athlete.
EIS members can also claim their athlete’s MyEIS360™ Athlete Profile and begin creating a shareable destination for statistics, videos, achievements and recruiting information.
Want every important rankings date within reach? Request the FREE Extra Inning Softball Rankings & Nominations Schedule Magnet HERE.
Five athletes entered the spotlight this week. Who will take the next step before nominations close?
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