SOFTBALL: Take a look at SOSA’s All-Area Team

Derrick Webb, Managing Editor

Two state champions, three regional titles and nine district crowns made this past softball season well worth covering.

But those were just the highlights. To really understand how special the season was, you’d have to look back on every career-defining moment, every big-moment pitch, and every at-bat that ended with jubilation.

Southern Ohio Sports Authority was right there every step of the way, covering individual milestones, improbable feats and wins that changed history.

After a fun-filled spring, take a look at our All-Area Team, which consists of 40 area players who were at their best throughout the spring season.

Allie Baker | Senior | Shortstop | Huntington

The hits just kept coming for Baker this spring … literally. The senior pounded out 45 base hits en route to a .536 batting average alongside five homers, seven doubles, 33 RBIs and 39 runs scored. For four consecutive years, Baker has been a mainstay in a hot-hitting lineup. That didn’t change this spring. In a word, she was elite, all year long, and she leaves a lasting legacy.

Sadie Binkley | Junior | Pitcher | Logan Elm

While enjoying yet another special year in the circle, Binkley proved that her sophomore year — where she helped the Braves earn a regional title — was indeed no fluke. The flamethrower was 19-7 with a 1.49 ERA and 153 strikeouts in 159 ⅓ innings of work. At the plate, she hit .463 with 12 doubles, 21 RBIs and 13 runs scored. She was a first-team All-Ohioan, and rightfully so.

Haylynn Boggess-Pierce | Sophomore | Catcher | Zane Trace

Boggess-Pierce still has two years left to pick on opposing pitchers. That’s a scary thought. The sophomore hit .413 with 28 hits, three round-trippers, 16 RBIs and 28 runs scored atop the Pioneers’ lineup, earning first-team all-SVC and all-district honors. She helped Zane Trace reach a district final. The future is bright in Kinnikinnick. Boggess-Pierce is a huge reason why.

Catie Boggs | Senior | Shortstop | Wheelersburg

Special. That’s how Wheelersburg coach Teresa Ruby describes Boggs, and she’s right on the money. The University of North Carolina commit was spectacular this spring, hitting .628 with 10 doubles, seven triples, 16 home runs, 57 RBIs and 126 total bases. Those numbers helped the Pirates win yet another state championship and further cemented Boggs’ incredible legacy. 

Maci Bradford | Senior | First Base | West

There may not have been a better leader than Bradford this spring … anywhere. The senior was a key part to a roster that featured a platoon of underclassmen. Her .450 batting average led the team while she added 12 doubles, four home runs, 16 RBIs and 21 runs scored to her totals. She was the co-Division VI District Player of the Year and earned first-team All-Ohio honors.

Isabella Brunck | Senior | Third Base | Hillsboro

In a lineup jam-packed with elite talent, Brunck proved time and time again why she was one of Hillsboro’s most consistent bats. Her .415 batting average, 21 RBIs and 16 runs scored helped the Indians’ offense tally 223 runs this spring, outscoring their opponents by an 165-run margin. The senior was an all-FAC honoree and — somehow — a third-team all-district selection.

Lucy Caplinger | Sophomore | Outfielder | Logan Elm

As a freshman, Caplinger enjoyed an introductory campaign where she cemented herself as a bonafide star. As a sophomore, she proved that it was no fluke. Caplinger hit .438 — an uptick from .353 — while piling on seven doubles, 33 runs, 39 hits and 14 RBIs, all career bests. After helping her Braves reach a regional final, she earned first-team all-MSL and all-district honors.

Kaylynn Carter | Senior | Pitcher | Wheelersburg

Make no mistake about it … Carter ran the show for the Pirates. The right-handed flamethrower made a habit of overwhelming hitters with an array of pitches, leading her team all the way to a Division V state championship. She was 21-0 in the circle with a 0.46 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 123 innings of work. At the dish, she hit .513 with 13 bombs and 49 RBIs. Absolutely incredible.

Maddie Childers | Junior | Catcher | Wellston

Stop us if you’ve read this before, but Childers was spectacular all year long. While the Rockets captured their first district title since 2014, their junior hit .542 with eight doubles, seven homers, 45 base hits and 24 RBIs. She earned first-team all-district honors. She’ll be the unquestioned leader of next year’s roster and will be counted on to produce results.

Kota Copley | Freshman | Pitcher | South Point

Few players make a splash like Copley did in their freshman years. The Pointers’ all-league pitcher was spectacular, picking up 14 wins in the circle and striking out 178 hitters. She also hit .605 — not a typo — with 49 hits in 81 at-bats. When you add three triples, 32 runs, 15 RBIs and 26 stolen bases to the mix, you’ve got a superstar. She’ll be a force throughout her career.

Claire Davis | Junior | Third Base | Circleville

Davis is one of the most consistently productive players in the region, and she showed that over and over again throughout her junior season. She hit a team-high .432 at the top of the Tigers’ lineup while adding 12 doubles, 24 runs, nine RBIs and 32 base hits to her totals. Davis was a first-team all-league and first-team all-district selection. She’s a name to watch for next spring.

Abbie Deeds | Senior | Pitcher | Coal Grove

Before Deeds stepped onto the softball diamond, Coal Grove had never won a district championship. When she walked off for the final time this spring, the Hornets had two. The OVC’s Player of the Year led her team to 18 victories and a second consecutive district crown. She hit .333 with 24 runs and was 18-5 in the circle with a 1.35 ERA and 287 strikeouts.

Kate Entler | Junior | Catcher | Notre Dame

There’s no lack of pop in Entler’s bat. She showed that in each and every turn of a state championship season. The junior backstop hit .479 with nine home runs, 50 RBIs, 23 runs scored and a .555 on-base percentage. She was a first-team all-league and all-district selection, and rightfully so. Expect her to be even better in 2026 as the Titans attempt to defend their title.

Maddie Entler | Senior | Outfielder | Notre Dame

In the history of leadoff hitters in Southern Ohio, you have to mention Entler as one of the best to ever do it. At Notre Dame? She’s most likely the G.O.A.T. In her final act as a Titan, she helped the program win its first-ever state championship while hitting .545 alongside eight doubles, 27 RBIs, 53 runs scored and 22 walks. She leaves a huge hole atop ND’s lineup.

Ava Estep | Junior | Outfielder | Wheelersburg

Throughout the past three seasons, Estep has been a fixture atop the Pirates’ lineup. And she’s done nothing but get better during that time. While the Pirates racked up 27 straight victories, Estep hit .524 with 13 doubles, four home runs, 18 stolen bases, 20 RBIs and a .620 on-base percentage. She struck out four times in 84 at-bats. She showed why she’s a Division I commit.

Marley Ferguson | Sophomore | Third Base | Symmes Valley

When Ferguson steps to the dish, good things tend to happen. The sophomore enjoyed a career year where she hit .593, collecting six home runs and 54 RBIs alongside a .606 on-base percentage and a .956 slugging percentage. The SOC II Player of the Year helped her Vikings win conference and district championships, and earned first-team all-district accolades. 

Jaylin Forbes | Sophomore | Shortstop | Piketon

Forbes is one of the best pure hitters on this list, and there’s no doubt about it. As a freshman, she put her name on the radar. This spring, she put on a show every single night, making it known that she’s unquestionably elite. While helping the Redstreaks win their first district title since 2017, Forbes hit .560 alongside three home runs, 22 doubles, eight triples and 50 RBIs.

Maycee Ford | Junior | Outfielder | Notre Dame

Tucked right in the thick of a state title lineup was Ford, who made pitchers pay for mistakes all season. The junior hit .367 with a .508 on-base percentage to show for. Add six doubles, three triples, 36 RBIs and 47 runs scored to her totals and you’ve got an absolute show-stealer. If the Titans are able to defend their state championship, Ford will play a huge role in them doing so.

Marly Halcomb | Sophomore | Shortstop | Adena

There’s plenty of good reasons why Halcomb was named a Division V second-team All-Ohioan. Her .564 batting average, four long balls, 10 doubles, 32 RBIs, 48 runs scored and .642 on-base percentage are all perfect examples. She was the leader of a team that outperformed its expectations all year. Adena will be dangerous in 2026 and Halcomb leads the charge.

Jobey Hattan | Senior | Shortstop | Fairfield

Throughout her career, Hattan only got better on the diamond. While that happened, the Lions reaped the benefits. The shortstop helped Fairfield reach a district final this spring while hitting .557 alongside five home runs and 30 RBIs. After earning Division VI co-POY honors and being named a first-team All-Ohioan, she ends her career with 152 hits, 150 runs and a .497 average.

Aubrey Heath | Sophomore | Third Base | Piketon

It was a benchmark year for Heath, who earned SVC POY honors. While leading her Redstreaks to an outright league crown, Heath hit the you-know-what out of the ball. The leadoff hitter batted .554 with 12 homers, 39 RBIs, 56 runs and a .626 on-base percentage. Those numbers allowed her to earn first-team all-district and honorable mention All-Ohio accolades.

Haylee Hull | Sophomore | Shortstop | Unioto

A year removed from a breakout freshman campaign, Hull proved that it was no coincidence. She’s really just that good. The Shermans’ shortstop hit .494 as a sophomore, posting 10 doubles, 15 RBIs, 30 runs and 39 base hits. Those numbers helped the youth-laden Shermans win 15 contests and reach a district semifinal. She’ll be the team’s undoubted leader in 2026.

Khamil Martin | Junior | Shortstop | Ironton

Showtime. That should be Martin’s nickname. She’s constantly putting on a show for spectators and this spring was no different. The junior hit a team-best .492 alongside four triples, 11 home runs, 25 RBIs, 49 runs and 13 stolen bases. Martin was the OVC’s Offensive POY, a first-team all-district selection and an honorable mention All-Ohioan. She’s as dynamic as they come.

Hannah Potts | Senior | Pitcher | Wellston

If you’re looking to circle the top five players on this list, stop here. Potts was a dominant force, and the Rockets rode her arm all the way to a regional final. The senior posted a 1.06 ERA while striking out 213 hitters this season. Her bat was just as special as she hit .519 to go with two homers and 21 RBIs. She was the Division V co-District POY and a first-team All-Ohioan.

Rilee Quickle | Junior | Pitcher | Fairfield

The Quickle name is a household name inside Southern Ohio softball circles and Rilee continued to add to the legacy in 2025. While aiding the Lions to 19 wins and a conference title, Quickle hit .466 with two homers, 10 doubles, 19 RBIs, 41 base hits and 36 runs. In the circle, she was also dominant, posting an 18-5 mark to go along with a 2.58 ERA and 145 strikeouts. 

CJ Rittinger | Sophomore | Pitcher | Chillicothe

When next spring comes around, the area is going to have a plethora of returning all-state caliber players. Rittinger is another example of that. Chillicothe’s pitcher shut down opposing offenses with relative ease, going 16-5 in the circle with a 1.14 ERA and 262 strikeouts in 134 ⅔ innings of work. She also hit .443 and added 22 RBIs en route to a second-team All-Ohio honor.

Chloe Roberts | Junior | Shortstop | Hillsboro

On a team that reached the Division IV state title game, Roberts was arguably Hillsboro’s most consistent hitter. The junior hit a team-best .473, pounding out six home runs, 35 hits, 33 RBIs and 29 runs scored. Those numbers undoubtedly helped the Indians win conference, district and regional titles, rewriting school history in the process. She’s flat-out one of the district’s best.

Bella Roush | Junior | Outfielder | Meigs

When they talk about hitting the cover off the ball, they’re referencing what Roush did all spring. The junior helped the Marauders win 17 contests, hitting .505 alongside 50 base hits, 16 stolen bases, 38 runs — all team-highs — 11 doubles and 20 RBIs. Roush was a first-team all-district selection and a second-team All-Ohio honoree. Her upside is tremendous heading into 2026.

Mollyann Runyon | Senior | Shortstop | Northwest

If Runyon hadn’t been intentionally walked so many times throughout her career, she may have broken Ohio’s career home run record. Actually, she may have blown it away. The senior ended this spring with 57 career home runs — four shy of the state’s record. Runyon helped the Mohawks win 20 games this season and make a district final appearance.The SOC II co-POY was an honorable mention All-Ohioan and, without a doubt, should’ve been a first-teamer.

Ava Rush | Sophomore | Pitcher | Notre Dame

After the 2025 season, the Titans lost two Division I pitchers in Gwen Sparks and Kyndall Ford. Enter Ava Rush, who made sure there was no rebuilding period. The sophomore — yes, she has two years to wreak havoc — was dominant all spring. Rush was 28-3 in the circle with a 1.20 ERA alongside 244 strikeouts in 163 innings of work. She allowed 100 hits. Ridiculous.

Alayla Soard | Sophomore | Shortstop | Notre Dame

Soard absolutely terrorized opposing pitchers all spring. Nestled in the heart of the state-champion Titans’ order, Soard hit .511 alongside 11 doubles, 57 RBIs, 58 runs scored and a .638 on-base percentage. Her 17 home runs set ND’s new single-season record. She was — absurdly — an honorable mention All-Ohioan. She’s one of the best players in the state.

Camryn Spruell | Senior | Pitcher | Hillsboro

It’s really as simple as this … Spruell is the best player in her program’s history. The senior took her Indians to their first-ever state championship game after helping them win 23 games. In the circle, she was 23-4 with a 1.24 ERA and 353 strikeouts — passing 1,000 in her career. At the dish, she hit .449 with seven bombs and 35 RBIs. She was a first-team All-Ohioan, rightfully so.

Sophia Stauffer | Senior | Outfielder | Paint Valley

When Stauffer is on the base paths — and she usually is — she’s a defense’s worst nightmare. The senior hit .477 this spring alongside 31 base hits, 22 runs scored and 40 stolen bases, all team-highs. Stauffer logged her 98th career stolen base to set a new school record before ending with 102 swipes and 143 base hits. She earned first-team all-SVC and all-district nods.

Serenity Taylor | Junior | Pitcher | Jackson

Jackson enjoyed a 20-win spring and Taylor was in the thick of that storm every step of the way. The junior was 20-7 in the circle, sporting a 2.03 ERA with 212 strikeouts in 113 innings of work. Those numbers helped the Ironladies reach a district title game and helped Taylor earn first-team all-district honors. She’s got a year left to add on to an already impressive resume.

Brenna Tibbs | Junior | Pitcher | Symmes Valley

Over the past three seasons, Tibbs has been busy assembling one of the best softball careers that Symmes Valley has ever witnessed. As a junior, she was dominant at the plate and in the circle, leading her Vikings to a 27-3 mark with a regional final appearance to boot. Tibbs was the SOC II Pitcher of the Year, a first-team all-district honoree and a first-team All-Ohioan. 

Rylee Toadvine | Senior | Shortstop | Athens

Toadvine was the rock of an offense that could put runs in a blur. She spent her senior season helping the Bulldogs nail down 18 victories and a share of the TVC-Ohio championship. The shortstop batted .506 to go alongside three homers, 14 doubles, 33 RBIs, 39 hits and 42 runs. She ends her career as a first-team all-district selection and an honorable mention All-Ohioan.

Ady Williams | Freshman | Outfielder | Athens

It took no time for Williams to prove she was one of the best all-around players in all of Southeast Ohio. She slashed a team-high .547 alongside five homers, 12 doubles, 41 hits and 40 RBIs. Those numbers helped Athens earn a share of the league title and aided Williams to first-team all-league, and all-district honors. It’s going to be fun watching her career pan out.

KJ Worsham | Sophomore | Third Base | Jackson

There weren’t many at-bats that didn’t end with Worsham reaching base safely. The Ironladies’ standout sophomore spent the year batting .471 alongside a homer, four triples, 27 RBIs and 14 runs scored. Her on-base percentage led the team at .489. Worsham earned first-team all-FAC and second-team all-district nods. She’ll be in the FAC Player of the Year conversation in 2025.

Laken Wright | Senior | First Base | Wheelersburg

Right in the thick of Wheelersburg’s third state title run in the past four years was Wright, who played at an elite level. She spent her senior year batting .536 alongside a team-high 20 doubles, five bombs, 30 RBIs and a .568 on-base percentage. Wright earned second-team all-league and second-team all-district nods. But let’s be real. She deserved first-team honors. 

Rylie Young | Senior | Pitcher | Manchester

There’s no question that Young saved her best year for her last. In 115 innings, Manchester’s workhorse posted a career-best 1.46 ERA alongside 17 wins and 225 strikeouts. At the plate, the story was the same. She batted .627 with six home runs, seven triples and 34 RBIs. Young was the Division VII District Player of the Year and earned first-team All-Ohio accolades.

Honorable Mention Selections

Kyndall Carroll, Piketon; Kendal Walker, Unioto; Gabby Henry, Westfall; Jade Turner, Southeastern; Savannah Bushatz, Huntington; Jordyn Zinn, Vinton County; Aedre Ault, Eastern Meigs; Natalie Goode, Meigs; Emma Ridenour, Symmes Valley; Elin Shaw, Clay; Emma Smith, Wheelersburg; Addi Claxon, South Webster; Jaiden Wright, South Webster; Lexi Smith, Waverly; Brie Cummins, McClain; Cadie Boltenhouse, Chillicothe; Vivian Morgan, Chillicothe; Maddie Wright, Jackson; Lillie Eberts, Jackson; Peyton Richendollar, Logan Elm; Adelyn Wolfe, Fairfield Union; Chloe Bennett, Gallia Academy; Audrey Ferguson, Ironton; Layla Townsend, Ironton; Izzy Kitts, Coal Grove; Caitlyn Galloway, Portsmouth; Allie Grooms, Eastern Brown; Paige Evans, North Adams; Carlee Garrison, North Adams; Kaelyn Musser, Peebles

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