This week kicked off the start of the contact period for current high school juniors which means that these top 2026’s are, in many cases, hearing from college coaches nationally.

Very exciting, for sure… but don’t forget that there are some fantastic 2025’s still uncommitted and available, too.

If you’re Zaylen Tucker, the high school senior from Alabama and a member of the Birmingham Thunderbolts 18U travel team, you may be forgiven for asking yourself:

“What’s a player need to do around here to get some attention?!?”

Playing at the highest levels of club ball, Zaylen batted .373 this summer and helped her Bolts team win the PGF 18U Nationals as she went 3-for-3 in the 7-2 championship game win against a strong Athletics – Mercado team.

Birmingham Thunderbolts organization head and 18U’s Head Coach Rock Thompson and team take the title, puts it bluntly when he says:

“I feel Zaylen has been overlooked in some cases.”

The starting left fielder has a trophy case that’s getting crowded as she’s also won not one, not two, but three… count’em… THREE high school softball state titles.

Coach Rock doesn’t hold back when it comes to raving about his outstanding outfielder.

“Zaylen had a direct impact in helping us win the PGF 18U Premier National Championship this summer,” he begins, “and all week showed that she is a clutch hitter and a true triple threat at the plate who’s a tough out for teams.”

“She has great game knowledge that she uses in combination with her natural speed to find extra bases,” Thompson continues.

“Defensively, Zaylen is an elite outfielder who covers lots of ground and her arm strength limits runners from taking extra bases. Not only does Zaylen have the physical tools to contribute to her team’s success, play at a high level and be a threat to her opponents, but she also has intangible qualities that set her apart.”

“What I love is how she plays BIG, goes hard and is going 100 mph all the time. Zaylen is a true competitor who is always willing to put the team first, is always eager to learn and wants to become the best version of herself possible!”

Line Drive Softball’s Brentt Eads caught up with the standout prep senior recently to learn more about talented great athlete who will be a steal for someone at the next level…

*****

Name: ZAYLEN TUCKER

Hometown/ST: Trussville, Alabama
Grad Year: 2025
Position(s): Outfielder
Club Team: Birmingham Thunderbolts 18 Premier – Rocky
High School (City/ST): Hewitt Trussville High (Trussville, Ala.)
GPA: 3.54
Preferred College Major: “Psychology or Nursing”

ON THE FIELD:

In your eyes, what are some of the top honors and accomplishments you’ve achieved individually and with your teams?
Individually, I was really proud to be named the North-South MVP Award for the state of Alabama. With my club team, I am very proud being a national champion and with my high school team I am proud to be part of three Class 7A state championship titles.

What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
I’d say it’s definitely winning the national championship this past summer with my Thunderbolts club team.

What would you say are your strengths on the field?
My speed and quick reaction to the ball off the bat are my strengths in the outfield

Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year?
My goal this year is to get committed soon!

Do you have any softball superstitions?
I have one superstition, and it is right before I step into the box: I swipe my foot through the chalk every time.

What would you say is your philosophy in life?
There are no failures, just results to learn from.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field? Off the field?
On the field: “quick.”
Off the field: “outgoing.”

What’s been your favorite place you’ve placed softball?
I definitely enjoy playing softball in Colorado because of all the mountains.

What’s something you’re trying to work on to improve yourself?
I’m trying to learn to not keep putting myself down when things don’t go my way.

What drives you to play the game of softball?
My family, especially my little sister… I want to be a good role model for her.

*****

OFF THE FIELD:

What’s your favorite softball item, like a preferred bat, glove, etc.?
My favorite softball item has to be my white and purple custom glove that my mom got me.

Favorite item(s) in your closet:
I love my green and yellow 574 New Balances!

Favorite school subject:
My favorite subjects are Math and Sciences.

Best way to unwind is…
Take a hot shower and then watch a movie with the family

If you have 30 minutes to shop and $100 to spend, where do you go?
I would either go to a store called Alo or I would find any shoe store.

What’s playing in your headphones right now?
Noah Kahan (below).and Sam Barber.

Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with…
Zendaya.

What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
The beach with my friends.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you’d want to have with you (sorry: can’t be a phone as they’re no cell towers nearby!)
Definitely a big knife!

If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be?
My Dad, who has passed away.

Favorite college uniform (and why):
Texas’s all burnt orange uniform is my favorite because I think it looks super clean.

If you won a million dollars and had to spend it all in 24 hours, how would you spend it?
I would buy me and my family clothes and, if I have some money left over, then I would buy stuff for my friends, too!

Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?
Salmon.

Best talent off the field?
I’m really good at puzzles.

What have you learned most about yourself over the last year or two?
I’ve learned that I am a person who is a hands-on learner, and that I love to watch my teammates or family succeed more than anything.

Who inspires you (athletically & non-athletically):
Athletically: Bella Dayton (Texas Longhorn outfielder who was a senior this year).
Non-athletically: My Mom.

When you leave the game of softball, how do you want to be remembered and what will you do when you’re finished playing to help grow the game?
I want to be remembered as a very cheerful teammate but also remembered as a hard worker on and off the field. To help grow the game I would do as many camps as possible in my hometown and influence them to love the gam