Watchlist Wednesday: The Next Class of 2028 Players to Watch

The Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings process is underway, and talented athletes from across the country continue to enter the conversation.

This week’s Watchlist Wednesday introduces five new nominees representing Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania. From decorated multisport athletes and state record holders to commanding catchers and versatile defenders, each player brings a different set of accomplishments to the nomination pool.

Appearing in Watchlist Wednesday does not represent an evaluation or ranking, nor does it indicate where—or if—an athlete will appear in the final National Rankings. The series provides an early opportunity to recognize athletes who have officially entered the process and share the achievements behind their nominations.

With the nomination window closing October 5, 2026, the opportunity to be considered will not remain open much longer.

The Rankings Journey Begins Here

Before an athlete can be researched, evaluated or ranked, she must receive an official nomination.

Parents, coaches and organization leaders may nominate eligible Class of 2028 athletes for consideration. Extra Inning Softball only requires one nomination per athlete, so nominators should review the Nomination Tracker before submitting a form.

Verified information remains an important part of this year’s process. Nominators are asked to provide screenshots from GameChanger, AGL or another verified statistics platform so the Rankings Committee has reliable performance data available during evaluations.

Following the October 5 deadline, the Extra Inning Softball Rankings Committee will apply the proprietary SERV™ Methodology—Software, Evaluate, Research and Verify—to examine each athlete’s complete body of work.

For now, the objective is simple: get deserving athletes officially nominated before time expires.

One Profile. A Complete Softball Journey.

The new MyEIS360™ Athlete Profile gives EIS members a centralized and shareable destination for their athlete’s softball information.

Profiles can bring together statistics, videos, achievements, recruiting details, performance updates and EIS rankings history. Athletes and parents can continue updating their pages while their memberships remain active, allowing each profile to develop alongside the athlete.

Anyone—including college coaches, recruiters, travel coaches and other members of the softball community—can view a MyEIS360™ profile for free. Only EIS members can request and maintain one.

Request your MyEIS360™ Athlete Profile HERE and create a stronger, more organized view of your athlete’s journey.

A New Level of Rankings Recognition

The Class of 2028 rankings cycle will also feature several important enhancements.

Every nationally ranked athlete will receive an individual 5-Star Rating and a distinct numerical placement with no ties or shared ranking numbers.

Ranked athletes will also appear on the interactive EIS National Leaderboard, providing another way for the softball community to discover and follow players from across the country.

Those decisions will come after nominations close and evaluations are completed. Watchlist Wednesday simply introduces some of the athletes who have officially entered the process.

Five Players. Five Different Paths. One Watchlist. ⭐

This week’s group features two catchers, two outfielders and one corner infielder. Their accomplishments include state records, all-state selections, national showcase recognition, championship experience and leadership honors.

Each has already taken the first step toward rankings consideration.

Meet this week’s five Class of 2028 Watchlist Wednesday athletes. 🔥👇❤️

Abigail Armontrout | Catcher | Class of 2028

A composed presence behind the plate, Abigail Armontrout provides dependable defense and steady leadership for Ohio Lasers 2028-Gaskill. The Trenton, Ohio, catcher posted a .330 batting average and .408 on-base percentage, collecting 29 hits, five doubles and 20 RBIs. She also recorded 15 stolen bases, adding another dimension to her offensive contributions.

Armontrout commands the field through confident game-calling, reliable receiving and an ability to keep the defense organized in pressure situations. Her defensive work included a .976 fielding percentage and a recorded 1.71-second pop time. She received the 2026 Anchor Award at Edgewood High School and has competed at events including Alliance Open Nationals, TCS Colorado Fireworks, the Top Gun Invitational and the Easton Rawlings Showcase. With her poise, defensive consistency and growing offensive production, Armontrout is among the athletes officially nominated for consideration in the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings.

Anna Havenstrite | Catcher | Class of 2028

Grit, consistency and a team-first mindset shape the game of Anna Havenstrite, a dependable catcher for Electric City Shock. The Madison Township, Pennsylvania, athlete posted a .333 batting average, .417 on-base percentage and .828 OPS, producing 34 hits, eight doubles and 25 RBIs. She also added 15 stolen bases, showing the athleticism to create opportunities beyond the batter’s box.

Behind the plate, Havenstrite recorded a .980 fielding percentage, 52 percent caught-stealing rate and 1.90-second pop time. A two-time Pennsylvania Little League state champion, she has already experienced the preparation and pressure required to compete for championships. Her coaches describe her as the roster’s hardest-working player and the ultimate teammate. With proven defensive ability, championship experience and an unselfish approach, Havenstrite is among the athletes officially nominated for consideration in the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings.

Bridget Votel | Outfielder | Class of 2028

Speed, defensive instincts and rapid development have helped Bridget Votel establish herself in the outfield for Midwest Speed 15U National-Chell. The Woodbury, Minnesota, athlete posted a .305 batting average and .329 on-base percentage, collecting 25 hits and driving in 12 runs. She also recorded 14 stolen bases, using her speed to disrupt defenses and create additional scoring opportunities.

Votel earned All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition as a sophomore while competing in one of Minnesota’s strongest conferences and was named a team captain for the 2026-27 season. She was also selected as an “Outfielder to Watch” at the Midwest Fastpitch Showcase and received invitations to the Scout Softball Chicago Invite and OnDeck Chicago Jamboree. A multisport athlete who also competes in volleyball and earned all-district honors in flag football, Votel is among the athletes officially nominated for consideration in the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings.

Kennedy Griffin | Corners | Class of 2028

A strong and versatile corner infielder, Kennedy Griffin delivers reliable defense and consistent offensive production for Top Gun National 16U. The Wathena, Kansas, standout posted a .314 batting average, .411 on-base percentage and .922 OPS, collecting 48 hits, 13 doubles, two triples and four home runs. Griffin also drove in 31 runs and stole 24 bases, bringing an effective blend of power and athleticism to the lineup.

Griffin earned Kansas First Team All-State and First Team All-Conference NEK honors and was selected to the Triple Crown Nationals All-Tournament Team. Her athletic ability extends beyond softball as a three-sport athlete who also competes in volleyball and basketball, earning All-State basketball honors during the 2025-26 season. With high-level tournament experience, multisport athleticism and the ability to contribute at both first and third base, Griffin is among the athletes officially nominated for consideration in the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings.

Maci Shalbot | Outfielder | Class of 2028

Game-changing speed and defensive versatility make Maci Shalbot a disruptive presence for Synergy Athletics. The Plato, Missouri, standout posted a .335 batting average, .383 on-base percentage and .788 OPS, producing 53 hits and 25 RBIs. She also recorded 22 stolen bases and brings the versatility to patrol center field or contribute at third base.

Shalbot’s extensive résumé includes the 2026 NFCA New Balance Golden Spikes Award, Missouri First Team All-State honors, multiple All-Region and All-District selections, and two Academic All-State honors. She holds Missouri records for 74 runs scored in a season and 77 consecutive stolen bases and was named a 2026 NFCA All-American Scholar-Athlete. After helping lead her high school team to the Final Four, Shalbot is among the athletes officially nominated for consideration in the Extra Inning Softball Class of 2028 National Rankings.

Time Is Running Out to Enter the Process

Another five athletes have stepped onto the Watchlist Wednesday stage, but many deserving Class of 2028 players have not yet been officially nominated.

The nomination window closes October 5, 2026. Once the deadline passes, late submissions will not be accepted.

Before submitting, check the Nomination Tracker to determine whether the athlete is already listed. Remember, one nomination per athlete is all that is needed.

EIS members can also request a MyEIS360™ Athlete Profile and begin building a shareable home for their athlete’s statistics, videos, achievements and recruiting journey.

Want every major rankings date at your fingertips? Request the FREE Extra Inning Softball Rankings & Nominations Schedule Magnet HERE.

The deadline is approaching. Get nominated now—and watch for five more athletes next Wednesday.

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