Benton, Winterset, Johnston, Valley and Waukee are the top teams in the Iowa softball #MaxPrepsFab5.
2016 Iowa Preseason Softball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Valley (West Des Moines)2015 record: 37-7
Head coach: Tom Bakey
The third-place team from last season's 5A tournament is back for revenge and brings back senior
Mandi Roemmich, who was a first team all-state choice.
Lexi Merritt was a third-team choice and she also will be back for a title push.
See last season's softball computer rankings2. Waukee2015 record: 36-8
Head coach: Carrie Embree
The 5A returning champions have the reigning 5A Coach of the Year and Sarah Schaefer is back for her junior season after first team all-state honors. Claire Dudek has moved on after first team honors but the Warriors are deep and talented.
See MaxPreps softball photo galleries3. Johnston2015 record: 35-5
Head coach: Todd Merical
The 5A runner-up Dragons have
Brooke Wilmes and
Haylee Towers returning after first team all-state recognition as a sophomore and junior, respectively. Senior
Brooke Sandstoe made the second team as a junior as well.
See MaxPreps softball stat leaders4. Winterset2015 record: 32-12
Head coach: Steve Corkrean
The 4A runner-up team lost to Dallas Center-Grimes but has loads of talent coming back.
Macy Johnson was a first team all-state choice as a sophomore and
Danny Barker made the second team as a freshman.
Regan Thompson was a third team choice as a junior as well.
See MaxPreps softball playoff brackets5. Benton (Van Horne)2015 record: 42-4
Head coach: Eric Stenberg
This small school came up short in the 3A title game but you can't deny the talent returning.
Alyssa Wiebel and
Amber Fiser were first team all-state choices as juniors.
Shelby Hulsebus was a second team honoree as a freshman and
Lea Brunssen made the second team as a junior as well.
