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Now, in Part Two, we dive even deeper into a growing pool of prospects who are proving they belong in the conversation as future stars. From dynamic two-way players to defensive anchors and power bats who thrive on the biggest stages, these athletes aren’t just building résumés — they’re shaping expectations for what’s to come. Here’s a closer look at five names every college coach should know. Some are highly ranked while others haven't really gotten a whole lot of recognit

When you talk about the next wave of impact players in softball, one name that continues to rise is Aedre Ault, a 2028 Top 100 prospect making her mark with Outlaws National 2027☠ (16U). Ranked #42 by LineDrive and #45 by Extra Innings Softball (EIS), the 5-foot-9 outfielder and first baseman blends power, speed, and versatility in a way that has already caught the attention of major programs across the country.

Head coach Tonya Johnson has been quietly building her roster to compete at the highest levels. In 2023, she brought in Jurnee Robinson ,...

The LSU Experience Camp gives athletes the chance to live a day in the shoes of an LSU softball player. From high-level instruction with the Tigers’ coaching staff to experiencing the culture and energy that define LSU athletics, campers get an inside look at what makes Baton Rouge special. To cap it off, they’ll also take in the sights and sounds of a Saturday night in Death Valley — one of the most unforgettable atmospheres in all of college sports.

Her dominance has made her one of the most coveted arms in the 2025 class. Softball America ranks her the No. 26 overall recruit and No. 10 pitcher in the nation with a four-star, 96 rating. Line Drive Media has her slotted as the No. 2 overall recruit, while Extra Innings tabbed her as the No. 1 pitcher in the country.

Not only does LSU Softball hold the undoubtable No. 1 recruiting class for the 2026 cycle, but the Tigers are also charging into the 2027 class with momentum. Already sitting atop the national rankings, LSU has secured a headlining group that includes No. 10 overall Sydney Gonglik, No. 29 Jewel Cooper, and No. 32 Bryli Seifert. Add in Hope Gaudio (No. 61 overall) and Jillian Wimmer (No. 86 overall), and LSU already boasts five Top 100 players in the 2027 class 

Her official visit sealed it all. Wimmer and her family not only got a sense of LSU’s commitment to academics and athletics but also soaked in the gameday atmosphere. “My highlight of the visit was getting to go on the field before the football game – Callin’ Baton Rouge blasting, lights flashing, players running out, fans cheering… I got goosebumps! I’m so excited to now call LSU my home!”

Sydney Gonglik isn’t just another top-10 recruit. She’s a rare two-way threat, a natural leader, and a competitor who thrives under pressure. For LSU, her commitment is another statement — the Tigers are building a class designed not just to compete, but to win championships.

Gaudio said. “It felt like family and super close, and I knew then that’s where I wanted to go. We had a little break between touring and practice, and Coach Beth called me and my family. At the end of the meeting, she asked if I had any questions. I told her, ‘I don’t have any more questions, but I do have something to say. I’m ready to be a Tiger!’ She was so excited and so cheerful, she almost made me cry.”

With the second commitment of LSU’s heralded 2027 recruiting class, Jewel Cooper has made her decision — and it’s a big one. The No. 29 overall prospect and the No. 7 catcher in the nation out of Liberty High School (Oakley, CA) joins the Tigers as they continue their push for back-to-back No. 1 ranked classes.

“The coaches, the culture, the facilities, and the atmosphere was everything I wanted in a softball program. "Still, the anticipation of September 1 wasn’t lost on her. Like so many prospects across the country, she felt the nerves leading into that pivotal day. "Leading up to it, I did have some nerves just wondering who might reach out and what the conversations would be like,” Seifert recalled. “I am so thankful for all of the colleges that reached out. But every conversat

I think LSU is about to pull off something special again. Back-to-back classes with two Top 10 pitchers, the No.1 outfielder, of the premier catchers in the country, plus a mix of versatile athletes who can move around the middle infield, corners, and even the outfield. That’s the kind of balance you win with.