Discovering the Future of Softball: 2028 SS Kallie Waalk, Vandebilt Catholic’s Rising Star

Justin Broussard
Jun 17
3 min read

Houma - In Houma, Louisiana, Kallie Waalk, a rising sophomore, is setting new standards of excellence at Vandebilt Catholic High School. With consecutive LHSAA Division II Select State Championships, All-State recognition, and a 2023 USA Softball All-American accolade, Waalk's journey is characterized by remarkable statistical growth—and her coach's praise highlights her potential.

A Statistical Explosion

Waalk has been the Terriers’ shortstop since eighth grade, but her freshman year in 2025 showcased a dramatic leap. In Spring 2024, she hit .376 with a .433 on-base percentage (OBP), .811 slugging, and a 1.032 OPS, tallying 44 hits, 9 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, and 33 RBIs over 131 plate appearances. By Spring 2025, her stats soared to a .450 batting average, .529 OBP, .915 slugging, and a 1.444 OPS over 138 plate appearances, with 53 hits, 14 doubles, 1 triple, 13 home runs, and 44 RBIs—tripling her home runs and boosting her average by .074 points. She also stole 55 bases over her first two seasons. In the circle, she also posted a 1.40 ERA over 10 innings pitched, striking out 14.

When discussing the differences between her 8th and 9th grade seasons “I do feel like the game slowed down a little for me during my freshman year,” Waalk said, crediting off-season work on speed, agility, and hitting mechanics. Coach James Spearman, in his first year as head coach, marvels at her growth: “She went from 4 home runs in her 8th grade year to 13 this year… She’s small in stature, only 5 ft tall, but man, she generates a lot of power with that bat.”

Championship Triumphs

Waalk’s 2025 impact shined through in the state tournament. As the youngest varsity starter in eighth grade, she recalled initial nerves: “I was scared and nervous at first, but as time went on, my fear lessened.” The pressure of the state games, especially “wanting to win for the seniors,” led to All-State honors both years. In 2025 with no seniors on the (34-2-1) 2025 roster, Waalk credits “great team chemistry” and off-field bonding. Spearman, part of Vandebilt’s 16 state titles adds, “It’s not all about the coaching… It’s about having the girls that have bought into our program,” a culture Waalk embodies.

A Dual-Threat Phenom

Spearman discovered Waalk through travel ball, and she was attending one of their feeder schools as he noted, “I was watching her for two years… She walked in as an 8th grader and just wowed the coaches.” Beyond her shortstop prowess, she’s a pitcher with a rise ball, screwball, curveball, and changeup. On the basepath he stated “She’s got a 2.7 speed from home to first base… She’s got the green light with me all the time,” Spearman said, praising her smart base-running when discussing her 55 stolen bases over two seasons. Her pitching emerged in 2025, a surprise to many, as Spearman balances her with elite pitchers like junior Lauren Baudoin (Nicholls State commit).

Aspirations and Style

Waalk states she aims to “continue improving… so that I can play softball in college.” She’s attended camps at Southeastern University and roots for LSU and Tennessee. Some of her favorite moments include "hitting a homerun off a D1 commit in eighth grade" and "playing in and winning my first state championship during my 8th-grade year." Inspirations include "There are many people who I feel have been an inspiration at some point during my softball career—my parents, brother, past and current teammates, travel ball coaches, and hitting coach", while off the field, she values time with loved ones. Her 3.9 GPA reflects her discipline as she stated, “I prepare ahead—I make sure to start on assignments and study for quizzes/tests early so that I don’t fall behind."

Words from the Coach

Coach James Spearman, in his first year as head coach after 19 years as an assistant, praises Waalk’s arrival: He told me in an interview that there have been others to start for Vandebilt as an 8th grader but something is different with Kallie “There’s only one Callie.” Noting her dual role: “Not only is she a really good shortstop, she’s a good pitcher”. Spearman highlights her work ethic: “She’s in the weight room 4 days a week… 100% serious about the game,” and her power surge from 4 to 13 home runs in 2025. “I have zero negatives to say about her,” he adds, crediting her parents, Chad and Julie, for her success.

The Road Ahead

With Vandebilt’s full roster returning for 2026, a three-peat is possible. Waalk’s explosive rise and collegiate aspirations, backed by Spearman’s guidance, make her a standout in the Discovering the Future of Softball series.

Follow her on X @Kallie_Waalk