Fort Worth-area softball: 30 elite players to watch as playoff season nears
The Texas high school softball season is in full swing.
Here are 30 players to watch from the Fort Worth-area. Coaches provided the Star-Telegram with information.
Editor’s note: Miss your chance to nominate? Touch base with High School Sports Editor Charles Baggarly at cbaggarly@star-telegram.com.
Burleson Centennial Softball
Madelyn Hickey, 2025, C/1B/3B
Hickey, an uncommitted recruit, has been an offensive force for Centennial with a strong .554 average, 7 home runs and 40 RBIs through April 7. Coach Natalie Mullin said she is a dynamic player who “crushes the ball.” In 2024, Hickey was named a Texas Girls Coaches Association All-State selection, and she also earned First Team All-District honors.
Madison Haynes, 2025, 3B, Texas A&M Texarkana
Haynes has been a key player for the Spartans, hitting .529 with 6 HRs and 43 runs through April 7. In 2024, she was named a TGCA All-State honorable mention and also the District 8-5A Utility Player of the Year.
Ava Ellis, 2027, P/CF/RF
Ellis is thriving in her sophomore season, posting a .514 average with 38 hits and 8 home runs through April 7. Mullins called her a vocal leader with impressive power. In 2024, she was named the District Newcomer of the Year.
Alyssa Mayner, 2025, CF/P, North Texas Community College
Mayner, Centennial’s starting centerfielder and a relief pitcher, is hitting .443 with 23 runs through April 7. In 2024, she received Second Team All-District honors.
Lexie Arthur, 2026, SS
Arthur, an uncommitted recruit, is hitting .426 with 26 hits and 29 runs through April 7. In 2024, she helped power Centennial to the regional finals, earning All-District honors.
Haltom Softball
Brianna Navarrette, 2026, C/1B
Through March 31, Navarrete posted a .823 slugging percentage with 3 HRs and 13 RBIs. Coach Tiffany Gaines said she has a long swing with great contact and a knack for hitting deep line drives. Navreette is an uncommitted recruit with a desire to play at the next level.
Analyssa Luna, 2026, C/UTIL/P
Analyssa Luna has recorded a terrific .407 batting average, 2 triples, 1 double and 5 RBIs through March 31. Gaines said she has a great arm and a quick pickoff move. Analyssa Luna showcases strong speed in all facets of the game and is a hard worker, according to Gaines. She is an uncommitted recruit.
Nevaeh Luna, 2028, SS/C
Nevaeh Luna, in her debut high school softball season, has posted very strong numbers. Through March 31, She is hitting .476 with 1 HR, 3 doubles and 7 RBIs. Gaines said she has a great arm, solid quickness, and is a hard worker.
Abygail Castro, 2027, OF
Castro, through March 31, is hitting .360 with six RBIs. She is versatile with an ability to play anywhere in the field and will go all out for diving plays, according to Gaines. Castro, an uncommitted recruit, is a left-handed batter with strong speed and bunting ability.
Avary Daniel, 2026, P/UTIL
Daniel holds batters to a .263 average and has tallied 48 strikeouts in 42 innings through March 31. Gaines said Daniel, an uncommitted player, has a strong throwing arm and great instincts with an ability to read situations well.
Peaster Softball
Katelyn Ruddy, 2025, C
Through April 1, Ruddy has been an offensive machine with a .556 average, 15 hits and 18 RBIs. In 2024, she earned a spot on the Star-Telegram All-Area Team as an honorable mention. Coach Madeline Ray credited her for a strong work ethic and an ability to be a great teammate.
Abby Wiley, 2026, CF, Eastern Kentucky University
Through April 1, Wiley is batting .536 with 15 hits and 5 RBIs. In 2024, she was named district defensive MVP and also earned a spot on the Star-Telegram All-Area Team. Ray said he defensive and offensive abilities are incredible and reflect her hard work and dedication.
Selah Salmons, 2028, 3B
Salmons has had an eventful debut season with a .462 batting average and 14 RBIs through April 1. She shows strong experience and confidence for her age, according to Ray.
Keller Central Softball
Heidi White, 2028, P/SS/DP
White has been a force in her freshman season with a .375 average and 13 RBIs. She plays both varsity volleyball and softball and has extremely strong potential.
Arlington Softball
Sage Hensley, 2026, SS, Missouri Southern State
In 2024, Hensley posted a .500 average with 29 RBIs. In 2025, she took a big step up and has a .589 batting average and 27 RBIs through April 3. Coach Valarie Henry said she has quick reflexes and a strong defensive range with good leadership skills.
Melina Castro, 2026, CF
Castro is an uncommitted prospect with a big bat. In 2024, she posted a .485 average with 21 RBIs. She picked up where she left off as a junior and has a .478 average with 18 RBIs through April 3. Henry said Castro has strong speed and a strong arm. She sets the tone as a leadoff hitter and helps command the defense from the outfield.
Abby Moore, 2026, C
Moore has quick reflexes and great blocking skills, according to Henry. She also has a strong and accurate throwing arm. She transitioned from playing baseball to softball and has room for more improvement. Through April 3, she has a .388 average with 8 RBIs.
Keller Softball
Sydona Meiser, 2026, 1B/OF, Texas Tech
Meiser is one of Keller’s team leaders with a .472 average, 7 HRs, 34 RBIs and 34 hits through April 2.
Mackenna Jackson, 2026, MIF, Kansas
Jackson played a strong role in Keller’s 2024 playoff run and she picked up where she left off. Through April 2, she has posted a .463 average with 4 HRs and 48 RBIs and leads the team in extra base hits.
Kaiya Fabela, 2025, C, BYU
Fabela brings experience as a senior and she is another very strong bat with a .425 average, 30 RBIs and 5 HRs through April 2. In 2024, she earned a spot on the Star-Telegram All-Area team.
Addi Clark, 2026, OF
Clark, Keller’s top contact hitter, has a stellar .486 average. She is an uncommitted recruit.
Carley Genzer, 2025, 3B/1B, Bryant
Genzer has an elite .414 average with 28 RBIs and 4 HRs.
Boyd Softball
Abby Atkinson, 2027, P
In 2024, Atkinson was named the District 10-3A pitcher of the year and the Star-Telegram Newcomer of the Year. She had a 0.79 ERA and opponents had a .047 average. Atkinson, with a top speed of 70 mph, has allowed 17 hits all year. In 2025, her dominance has continued. She has a 0.67 ERA with 269 strikeouts through April 3. She also thrives as a hitter and has made significant improvements. Atkinson has posted a .456 average with 34 RBIS and 4 HRs through April 3. Coach Brandon Hopkins called her one of the best pitchers in the nation and expects her to be recruited by top division one programs.
Birdville Softball
Haley Mennenga, 2026, C, New Mexico
In 2024, Mennenga was named the District 7-5A Catcher of the Year and also earned TGCA All-State honors. Coach Camryn Caruthers, a varsity assistant, called her a selfless, hardworking player. Through April 2, she posted a strong .422 average.
Coryn Burris, 2025, 3B, Lubbock Christian
Burris, a 2024 District 7-5A First Team selection and TGCA All-State selection, has a ridiculous .609 average through April 2. Camryn called her a gritty, competitive player who has a “never quit” attitude.
Evelynn Swartzlander, 2027, SS
Swartzlander, in 2024, earned District 7-5A Second Team honors as a freshman. As a sophomore, she has taken a massive step up and has a .507 average. Camryn said Swartzlander is a naturally gifted athlete who shows finesse at the plate and in the field.
Reagan Jordan, 2027, P
As a freshman, Jordan earned District 7-5A Newcomer of the Year honors. In 2025, she reached the 300 strikeout milestone, a rarity for an underclassman. Through April 2, she had a .471 average. Camryn said she is an awesome teammate and the ultimate competitor.
Diamond Hill-Jarvis Softball
Kassandra Moreno, 2028, UTIL
According to Max Preps, Moreno boasts a ridiculous .810 batting average in her debut season with the Eagles — that leads all players in Texas and is one of the best batting averages nationwide.
Grandview Softball
Madi Doty, 2026, P, Texas
Doty, a 2024 Star-Telegram All-Area First Team selection, is one of the best pitchers in the area. She led the Zebras to the 3A state championship game last year and is looking to do the same in 2025. As a sophomore, she recorded 25 wins as a pitcher, and as a hitter, she recorded a fantastic .581 average.
Boswell Softball
Harley Malone, 2026, P, Arkansas at Monticello
Malone, one of the Fort Worth-area’s top pitchers, was an All-Area First Team selection in 2024. In 109 innings of work against many Class 6A squads, Malone posted a 16-3 record and a 2.433 ERA.
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