We’re officially on the clock for the launching of the 2028 Line Drive HOT 100 which will start on May 20, 2024 (nominations are due by Monday, May 13).

As we focus on this deep and talented class, we’ll profile many of the top players who have a chance to be highly rated.

Today, we profile a great athlete from Poquoson, Va. – Tinley Goodson who I ranked last year in the Top 20 of the ‘28 class.

The middle infielder and switch hitter continues to shine in part because of her tremendous dedication to working out to improve her offensive and defensive skills… here’s a closer look at this prospect from the East Coast who continues to impress.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball

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Tinley Goodson put up huge numbers last year in travel ball as she had 93 hits in 80 games with 68 runs scored and 44 stolen bases for the Hanover Hornets team.

In the Fall, she joined Brian Bowman’s Team NC squad, based out of Lexington, N.C., and continued to shine, batting .463 playing up at 16U with a .510 on-base percentage, a .537 slugging percentage, an OPS of 1.047 and a fielding percentage of .968 playing in the in the dirt.

Not surprisingly, Tinley is now on the radar of many Power 5 programs, in part as she’s shined at college prospect camps such as ones held at the Univ. of Tennessee, James Madison and North Carolina State.

Tinley’s journey in softball started at the age of five in Little League playing coach pitch.  She immediately fell in love with the sport and has been playing ever since.

In her early years, the talented athlete split time between competitive cheerleading as a flyer and tumbler for several years, but ultimately the young athlete’s passion for softball eventually took precedence.

Transitioning to travel ball at the age of 10, she continued honing her skills with local, regional teams until making the move to join Team NC – Bowman.

Surrounding herself with an excellent coaching staff and a talented Team NC roster—many of whom will have the opportunity to play at the next level—Tinley has been provided the perfect platform for her growth as a player looking to play at the next level.

Quality time with the best #BradyBarefoot. Focus on strength, speed and agility. @teamnc_bowman pic.twitter.com/AgV3nXDow0

— Tinley Goodson (@Tinley_Goodson) February 10, 2024

Tinley’s goal with Team NC – Bowman is simple and defined: she wants to compete for a National Championship and eventually play for a highly competitive Division I program.

“We are all working hard, having fun,” she explains of the bond she and her teammates have, “and the best part is playing with girls that also live the game, love the sport, and have the same dreams as I do.”

Tinley and her Team NC teammates will compete this Summer in top 16U National Tournaments, playing five big tournaments in five different states stretching from the East to West Coasts.

For her, softball isn’t just a sport—it’s a passion that fuels her. She will often refer to it as her “Roman Empire” because she is always thinking about where it will take her.

Coach Bowman explains:

“Tinley’s passion for working out, training to increase strength, speed, and agility is next level.  As any coach would say:  “Be an athlete, not a softball player,” and to “Remember… the athlete always wins the war.”

“Tinley follows a structured plan that focuses on hitting, throwing, and fielding with her fine-tuning her skills as an overall, excellent athlete. It’s easy to see why so many schools are already showing interest.”

Athleticism runs deep in Tinley’s family, with both her parents and her two brothers having excelled as multisport athletes.

Her father, Todd, has especially been a key influence in his daughter’sports journey, having played Division I college baseball and experienced the rigors of the minor leagues. Tinley’s older brother, Jared, has won back-to-back Virginia State Wrestling titles his freshman and sophomore seasons in high school and looks to continue his success.

Of this family unity in sports, Tinley says:

“My journey started and remains possible only with the support that my parents have given to my brothers and me.”

Last Fall, though new to her travel team, Tinley helped Team NC finish second at the PGF Diamond Direction competing at 16U.

“I love helping my team in any way possible and what I love with this team is when I get to travel with my teammates and spend quality time together,” the athlete says.

The young athlete can play six positions on the field and is ideal in the middle infield as she can get to – and throw out – even the speediest of hitters.

“I am a 5-tool player,” she explains when asked what her strengths are on the diamond, “and I love to use my athleticism to help my team win ball games.”

But that athletic talent didn’t just magically appear one day; Tinley trains intensely to improve her athleticism as well as her softball-specific skills.

“She has really grown in the game of softball,” her father explains. “Tinley works extremely hard and most days will go straight from high school practice to working out with her trainer.”

“Some days she will go on her runs after practice, or we will head to the cage. Tinley has an amazing work ethic to be the best on and off the field.”

Getting a little extra work in this morning. Can’t wait to be on the field soon. Made JV as an 8th grader and can’t wait to play with my travel team this summer! @teamnc_bowman pic.twitter.com/ZKhVJbYTch

— Tinley Goodson (@Tinley_Goodson) March 2, 2024

She also carries a 4.0 GPA and is in the National Junior Honor Society.

The talented athlete explains that she is dedicated to improving her game in every area possible.

“I work really hard to make myself the best player I can be,” Tinley states.

“I work out with my trainer Brady Barefoot at OneLife Fitness to get bigger, stronger and faster and I do my arm care with Mrs. Crystal (Byars) at The Batters Box. She’s amazing.”

To hone her skills other areas like defense, Tinley also puts in the hours.

“I’ve really improved on my exit velo and overhand velo,” the athlete continues. “They’re both close to 70 mph and I’m working hard on it!”

A perfect day to put in some work! Hitting balls to the second field. Thankful for parents that are always willing to put in the work with me! @teamnc_bowman pic.twitter.com/tSZzTQH3cw

— Tinley Goodson (@Tinley_Goodson) April 1, 2024

And when it goes to her offensive game, the 2028 grad devotes a lot of time and energy to improve her prolific talents in getting on base.

“My dad and I live at D-Bat Newport News (Va.) where we constantly work on my swing and approach at the plate.”

Tinley feels her amazing work ethic in fastpitch is paying off, both personally and for her team.

“I love working out and trying to be the best version of myself to help my team the best way I can!” she concludes.