Aubrie Newton is a 2027 infielder who Line Drive recently ranked as the No. 51 player in her class.

In her Hot 100 bio published on August 29, we wrote that when she played for the EC Bullets organization:

“Her travel ball numbers this summer including a .363 batting average, a .427 on-base percentage, a 1.092 OPS, a 61.5 quality at-bat percentage.”

“Aubrie attends Ballard High in Louisville, Ky.,” our HOT 100 rankings write-up continued, “a strong softball school that has won two state titles in the last five years.”

“At the prep level in 2025, the then-sophomore batted .392 with a .444 on-base percentage.”

Here’s a clip of Aubrie hitting a home run for Ballard High last spring:

Steven Cornett, her former travel coach with EC Bullets and now a college coach, also noted this about the current junior:

“Her teammates all look to her for energy and confidence as she is a leader both on and off the field. Her work ethic is second to none as she is constantly working to get better at something in her game by hitting the cages, working off the tee outside at home or pushing herself in the gym to get stronger.”

Having to find a new team and organization, Aubrie joined the Stars National 18U team coached by Rachel Coleman out of New Jersey, showing the dedication the athlete has to work hard and even travel a long distance to practice and compete to improve her skills.

Her father, Cody Newton, gives insight into what drives his daughter to excel.

“Aubrie’s passion is very strong,” he begins.

“A lot of players have it for softball I’m sure, but she is very outcome-focused and will push herself and stay focused until she reaches her desired outcome or result.”

The high schooler’s passion on the softball field is only matched by her zest for life when not playing between the lines and an example of that is her touching love for her late grandfather, who she says was her biggest fan.

Aubrie affectionately calls him “Paul-Paul” and honors her beloved relative before every at-bat by paying tribute to him on the field.

“I write a ‘P’ in the dirt before I step into the box for him,” she says, before lovingly recalling memories of the special relationship they shared.

“His name was Paul (Wright) and is why he was always ‘Paul-Paul, kind of like ‘PawPaw’ but using his name,” Aubrie explains.

“He died in 2023 of cancer and was my favorite person in the world. We had a special bond, and I was his “favorite” grandchild! (laughs) He took me to all my practices and never missed a game. He bragged about how good I was to everyone he talked to.”

Even after her grandfather’s passing two years ago, it’s evident that he is still with her every day, in her heart and watching from above.

The athlete’s grandfather died from bladder cancer that spread throughout his body quickly. He had owned his own business for over 50 years—a wood staining business that specialized in large contracts such as hospital, college dorm and military furniture—and retired at 78 and sold his business.

Not the type to sit around and do nothing, Grandpa Wright turned his free time towards following Aubrie’s softball career, which he did from her 8U to 12U years until he became too ill with the cancer to attend in person.

Even when he was in the hospital and approaching the end of his life, Paul-Paul always had a way to bring a smile to his young granddaughter’s face and there are pictures of the two embracing and loving each other to the very end.

One poignant photo is of Aubrie hugging her grandfather one final time, the night before he would pass away.

“That is their last photo together,” the softball player’s father says.

“That was her goodbye to him because the nurses knew he only had a few hours left. That moment hit me hard because I knew Aubrie would never be the same after that.”

Though her beloved Paul-Paul has been gone for a few years, he’s always close to Aubrie’s heart, mind and soul… and the memories will last forever.

“I know he has a front row seat still at all my games,” Aubrie begins, and then the memories coming flooding back to her lovingly.

“One of my fondest memories with him was getting a Polar Pop fountain drink from the gas station after every practice, his favorite!”

“I was his shadow no matter what he did. I just liked being with him whether it was working on his car, lying in his recliner with him watching Gunsmoke on TV, playing cards (he always cheated and was a poor sport!), eating his favorite bologna and crackers, or getting his physical therapy activities done like walking around the block.”

“There were always lots of laughs no matter how we spent our time together.”

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball

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Here is more on Aubrie as we learn more about her on and off the field energy, passion and love for life…

Name: Aubrie Newton
Hometown/ST:  Louisville, KY
Grad Year: 2027
Position(s): IF/ OF
Club Team: Stars National Coleman
High School (City/ST): Ballard (Louisville, Ky.) High
GPA: 3.82
Preferred College Major: Psychology

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ON THE FIELD:

In your eyes, what are some of the top honors and accomplishments you’ve achieved individually and with your teams?
Receiving the “Compassion” award by my high school staff for my graduating class.  Making the All-District team last year.  Reaching the Tier 1 Elite 8 of the Alliance Nationals in 2024.

What’s been your most memorable softball experience?
Hitting an extra innings walk-off grand slam at Alliance Nationals 2024 to reach the Elite 8.

What would you say are your strengths on the field?
I am very versatile and a true utility player.  Diving for plays, getting dirty…the dirtier the better!

Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year? If so, what are they? 
High school: make it to the state tournament.  Travel: make a big impact and be a good teammate with my new travel team.  Find a “home” for college!

Do you have any softball superstitions?
I always wear some type of hair braid on game days.

What would you say is your philosophy in life?
Dream as big as you can possibly dream and anything is possible.

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be… first, on-field? Off the field?
On field: ‘AGGRESSIVE! Off the field: Funny.

What’s been your favorite place you’ve placed softball?
Colorado the last two years at the Sparkler.  It’s beautiful out there!

What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
Losing my favorite person and biggest fan, my Paul-Paul (grandpa).

What drives you to play the game of softball?
Playing not only for myself but also for my family.  I want to make an impact on the game somehow, some way,

Finally, what’s one thing or accomplishment about you that is unusual or unique which few know (until know)?
I am very emotional when it comes to animals and elders.  I tear up and cry sometimes when I see old people out in public.  They are so cute and I want to hug them!

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OFF THE FIELD:

What’s your favorite softball item, like a preferred bat, glove, etc.?
I love my custom gloves…one for high school and one for travel.

Favorite item(s) in your closet:
Nike sweatshirts for sure.

Favorite school subject:
English.

Best way to unwind is…
Listen to music!!!  Literally 24/7 if I can.  And if not, then I’m always humming or singing.

If you have 30 minutes to shop and $100 to spend, where do you go?
Target…DUH!

What’s playing in your headphones right now?
Justin Timberlake or Jonas Brothers.

Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with…
Ryan Reynolds, he’s hilarious…and not bad to look at either!

What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
Disney World three times,,, and I hope I get to go more.

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!)
Bug spray!!!! Haha! I don’t like bugs!

If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead, who would it be?
Jennifer Lawrence, a fellow funny Louisville girl.

Favorite college uniform (and why):
Oregon, they always have amazing combinations thanks to Nike.

What worries you most about what classmates your age are facing in the future?
Our country being so divided on so many topics.

If you won a million dollars and had to spend it all in 24 hours, how would you spend it?
Save all the animals in the shelters!  And go on a shopping spree, what girl doesn’t want to shop?!

Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?
Chicken, no doubt. I’ve worked at Chick-Fil-A for almost a year and still eat it every shift and sometimes even when I’m not working.

What’s your best talent off the field?
Drawing/Art.

What have you learned most about yourself over the last year or two?
To be yourself around others.  Don’t try to fit in or be someone that you’re not.

Who inspires you (athletically & non-athletically):
Athletically: my Paul-Paul (grandpa) for sure because he was always my #1 fan.
Non-Athletically: my mom because she makes me want to be a better person in life.

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 for who I am as a person, not just a player.  I am more than just a girl who plays softball!  I will help grow the game by hopefully coaching or giving lessons one day and for sure have my daughter(s) play softball.