Each year since 2008, MaxPreps has recognized outstanding performers in high school softball. America's source for high school sports continues the tradition to close out the 2023 season by naming the top player in each state. Selections are based on team success and individual excellence, in addition to local and state accolades.
Each state's MaxPreps Player of the Year will be considered for inclusion in the MaxPreps All-America Team, which is scheduled to be released in June. Read on for a look at our picks for Alabama, Arizona, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi and New Mexico as well as the announcement date for other states.
May 29: South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Kansas, Maryland, Tennessee, Florida, Montana, North Carolina, Washington
June 5: Arkansas, California, Indiana, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Texas
June 12: Minnesota, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, New York, Virginia, Wisconsin,
June 19: Pennsylvania, Maine, Michigan, Rhode Island, Delaware, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire
AlabamaPitcher | Class of 2024The three-sport athlete for a 7A school, the Maryland commit is now a
two-time state champion and only a junior. Phillips edged out fellow
junior Mya Holt of Wetumpka because of the strength of the Huskies
played and their 2-1 win over Holt and the Indians, where she
struck out 12. The talented athlete earned state tournament MVP for her
performance in the circle and she was also 4-for-7 at the plate with
five RBI.
Arizona
Gianna Mares, Salpointe Catholic (Tucson)
Pitcher/Utility | Class of 2023Winning
is a major factor when considering this award, and Mares did nothing
but that during her prep career. The BYU commit capped off a third
consecutive state title as a player after pitching a seven inning
complete game shutout in a 2-0 win against Greenway in the state
championship game. Salpointe's win over Greenway gave Mares the nod for MaxPreps Arizona Player of the Year over UCLA commit Kaitlyn Terry, who shined all season for Greenway. Mares also hit .486 with 15 home runs.
Hawaii
Pitcher | Class of 2023
The
Nevada commit finished the season as the Most Outstanding
Player of Division 1 state tournament play. She guided her team to a
16-0 season and the school's fifth overall state title, and
first since 2017. The Sabers ace pitched in every inning of postseason
play. She finished 15-0 overall with a 1.22 ERA.
LouisianaPitcher | Class of 2023
The Boston College commit led the 34-2 Gators to a Division I
(Non-Select) Louisiana title, finishing the season with a five-hit
shutout over Sam Houston. For the season, Jackson was 31-1 with a 0.93
ERA and 288 strikeouts in 188.2 innings. At the plate, she hit .500 and
at the time of the selection, she led the country with 28 home runs. She
finished her career with two consecutive state titles.
MississippiPitcher | Class of 2024
The
Southern Mississippi commit led her team to its first state title in
14 years. She finished the season with 213 strikeouts, including 17 in
the two-game sweep of South Panola in the 6A championship series. The
junior also hit nearly .400 at the plate.
New Mexico
Faith Aragon, Carlsbad
Pitcher | Class of 2023The UTEP commit capped off a stellar career leading her team to a
second consecutive state championship. In the decisive "if necessary"
game Aragon struck out nine and allowed one hit as the Cavegirls
beat Piedra Vista 6-0. She was also a major weapon at the plate,
finishing the season with a .632 batting average and 13 home runs.
