Ava Brown, Addison Jackson headline 15 players in the running for top honor.
The MaxPreps National Player of the Year watch list showcases 15 players who have exhibited absolute dominance for their respective high school softball programs in 2023.
To be considered for this list, statistical information must be entered into MaxPreps. Each nominated player represents a team that has either displayed potential or has already accomplished remarkable postseason playoff runs. Winning plays a crucial role in the selection process.
It's important to note this is merely a watch list, no decisions have been made at this point. If you believe there is a player worthy of consideration for this list or any other MaxPreps postseason honors, please send an email to steve.montoya@paramount.com.
Now, let's look closer at the leading contenders for the MaxPreps National Player of the Year, presented in alphabetical order.
Julia Apostolakos, Donovan Catholic (Toms River, N.J.) While New Jersey starts its season a little later than most, the USF pledge has made an impressive start with the Griffins. In 52 innings, she has struck out 102 batters while allowing six earned runs.
Ava Brown, Lake Creek (Montgomery, Texas)The Lions lineup is full of talented players, and there's a reason they're ranked No. 1 in the MaxPreps Top 25. Brown, a Florida signee, boasts an impressive record of 20-0 in the circle with 17 complete games, three no-hitters and over 200 strikeouts.
The Virginia commit showcases her skills both as a right-handed power pitcher and the leading hitter for her team. While the Hawks' season is not as advanced as others on the list, the senior boasts an impressive 0.49 ERA and 111 strikeouts in 57 innings.
Jasmine Francik, Melbourne (Fla.)As one of the two juniors on this list, the Florida
State commit has earned her spot for a good reason. As a powerful
right-handed pitcher, she leads the country with an astonishing 385
strikeouts. In two games this season, she struck out over 30 batters,
including an impressive 36-strikeout performance during a 14-inning, 1-0 win.
Brooke Gray, Ballard (Louisville, Ky.)The Bruins' ace and Louisville commit had an
undefeated record of 28-0 in 2022, leading her team to a KHSAA state
title. She continues her impressive performance in 2023 with a flawless
16-0 record, recording 185 strikeouts while allowing 10 earned runs.
Jayden Heavener, Pace (Fla.)The left-handed pitcher is a LSU commit who brings a
formidable presence to the circle. In every game where she has pitched
at least five innings, Heavener has struck out 10 or more batters. Her 0.07 ERA in 95 innings is mind-blowing.
The junior standout has been nothing short of clutch. With 18 home runs and a country-leading 83 RBI, she consistently delivers when her team needs her the most. In the circle, Holt maintains a 30-1 record with an impressive 0.67 ERA.
Addison Jackson, St. Amant (La.)Describing the Boston College signee as dominant in both phases of the game is an understatement. Jackson leads the country with 28 home runs. In the circle, she finished the season with a 31-1 record, boasting a 0.93 ERA and 288 strikeouts. Her team secured a Division 1 (Non-Select) state championship.
Another dominant left-handed player that excels both at the plate and as a pitcher. While leading her team in hitting, Maddox has made a significant impact by mowing down hitters with a 20-0 record, 0.54 ERA and 249 strikeouts.
The Missouri commit is determined to chase another state championship in 2023. With her exceptional pitching skills, the Wildcats are formidable opponents, evident by her perfect record of 18-0 and 0.28 ERA. Notably, she had a game this season where she struck out 20 of the 21 batters she faced and tossed a perfect game.
The LSU commit is hitting .558, but her base-running
skills are truly eye-popping. McKee has swiped 63 bases and scored 66
runs. Junior
Carmen Uribe is another notable on Lake Creek, leading the team with a .575 batting average.
The reigning MaxPreps National Player of the Year aims to conclude her senior season with another state championship and possibly a MaxPreps National Championship. Rothrock is 14-0 with a 0.63 ERA and 185 strikeouts. In addition to her pitching prowess, the Florida commit is a major threat at the plate, with two or more hits in 13 games.
Julia Shearer, North Penn (Lansdale, Pa.)The Maryland signee displays power at the plate and dominance in the circle. Batting .647 with eight home runs, Schere has also been nearly unhittable as a pitcher, striking out 207 hitters in 95 innings while allowing three earned runs.
The New Mexico State commit is one of the toughest hitters in the country as she has 25 home runs, second-best in the country. As a pitcher, she boasts a 17-0 record, 0.84 ERA and 233 strikeouts.
It's difficult to determine what's more impressive about the UCLA commit: her hitting numbers or her pitching prowess. She's hitting .706 with 23 home runs, which ties her for the fifth most in the country, showcases her power at the plate. As a left-handed pitcher, she has recorded 15 or more strikeouts in 15 games this season, putting her third in the country with 381 strikeouts.
Past MaxPreps National Players of the Year
2010 — Kasey Fagan, Dunnellon (Fla.)
2011 — Paige McDuffee, The Woodlands (Texas)
2012 — Kenzie Conrad, Keystone (La Grange, Ohio)
2013 — Casey Stangel, Lake City (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho)
2014 — Johanna Grauer, Amador Valley (Pleasanton, Calif.)
2015 — Tannon Snow, Chino Hills (Calif.)
2016 — Caroline Hedgcock, Downers Grove South (Downers Grove, Ill.)
2017 — Taylor Dockins, Norco (Calif.)
2018 — Montana Fouts, East Carter (Grayson, Ky.)
2019 — Sydney Supple, Oshkosh North (Oshkosh, Wis.)
2020 — No award (pandemic)
2021 — Sophia Simpson, Barbers Hill (Texas)/Jordy Bahl, Papillion-LaVista (Papillion, Neb.)
2022 — Keagan Rothrock, Roncalli (Indianapolis)
