As we look more closely at the Class of 2030 which we’ll spotlight starting March 16^th in the latest HOT 100 player rankings series, we’re seeing some outstanding pitchers in the class.

One to keep an eye on out West is Piper Krauss who attends Walnut Creek (Calif.) Christian Academy and competes for Greg Fuentes’ Universal Fastpitch 14U team.

Piper looks to be one of the top prospects in Northern California and: “her invitation to the USA Softball High Performance Program (HPP) was an indicator of where she stands nationally for her age,” Coach Fuentes says.

Coach’s Scouting Report

The scouting report on the pitcher is she has developed above-average spin on the ball and has reached a top velocity of 62 mph at the 13U age level. Piper, the coach notes, plays well under pressure and “continues to make steady gains in command and consistency.”

That was all impressively on display at the HPP event where Piper pitched in three games and caught the eyes of many scouts onsite with her ability to miss bats and control games.

Over the last one to two years, Piper has recorded strikeout rates as high as 80 percent-plus in multiple games.

Coach Fuentes adds:

“Piper is a rising star on the mound,” he explains. “She can throw every pitch with accuracy, and her speed is increasing every season.”

Along with her softball abilities, Pipe is also an impressive swimmer who competes at a high level.

Piper On What She Does Well

“One of my biggest strengths as a pitcher is that I don’t just rely on velocity, I focus on pitching smarts,” the standout pitcher says when asked to evaluate her strengths.

“I work ahead in counts, attack the zone, and aim to get outs in as few pitches as possible. At the HPP event, I finished with a 0.00 ERA and a .250 WHIP. I take pride in staying calm under pressure and trusting my preparation when the game is on the line.”

What pitches work well for her? she was asked.

“My velocity currently sits around 59–61 mph and I’ve hit 64 mph with a Pocket Radar. I continue to work on spin and movement—my fastball spin average is 1076 and my changeup spin average is 883. My changeup vertical break is -3.80 and my fastball vertical break is -2.40, which helps me keep hitters off balance.”

She adds that it’s not all speed that makes for an accomplished pitcher.

“Also, I believe movement and location are just as important as speed.”

Piper acknowledges that her performances at HPP put her on the map for many coaches looking to bring in a top pitcher in the 2030 class.

“At the HPP games,” the talent athlete continues, “I was proud of my performance. I did not allow a hit during Saturday’s games, my innings were efficient, and I focused on attacking hitters early in counts.”

Piper adds that the results of that event has further motivated to keep pushing herself to great heights.

“Being invited to HPP was one of my biggest accomplishments so far because it showed me that my hard work is paying off.””

Offensively, Piper also makes an impact as she batted .500 through the fall and winter seasons.

“I use my speed to pressure defenses,” she responds when asked to describe her hitting acumen. “My 20-yard sprint time is 2.93 seconds, and I’m always looking to take extra bases and create opportunities for my team.”

And Piper says candidly that she likes the pressure moments when the game is on the line.

“More than anything,” she concludes, “I believe my greatest strength is how I handle pressure. I enjoy big moments. Whether I’m pitching with runners on base or stepping up to hit in a tight game, I stay focused and trust my training.”

Line Drive’s Brentt Eads caught up with Piper to learn more about her accomplishments and opinions…

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Piper On & Off the Field

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Line Drive: Do you play other sports?
Piper Krauss: Yes! Softball is my No. 1, but swim is a very close second. I’ve always loved being in the water, and last year I made County in every stroke except one on my down year.

I also love soccer and gymnastics. It’s getting harder to balance multiple sports because softball is my priority, but swimming will always be a big part of who I am.

LD: What do you want to major in or do for a profession?
PK: Right now, I’m really interested in Sports Medicine or Athletic Training because I want to stay connected to sports even after I’m done playing. Being a sports physical therapist would be awesome in helping athletes recover and get stronger.

I could also see myself working in player development for an organization like USA Softball. But I also have a creative side, and I think being a wedding planner would be really fun too!

LD: What’s been your favorite softball experience?
PK: Getting to compete at the USA HPP event was definitely one of my favorite softball experiences. Being around girls from all over the country who love the game as much as I do was so fun, and the level of competition was amazing. I’m really proud of my pitching performance as I only allowed one run across all the games I pitched.

I also loved being in Florida and training at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex. The camaraderie was so cool, and all the little touches USA Softball added made it feel really special.

LD: Most embarrassing moment on the field?
PK: Definitely when I was trying to steal home at practice and my coach was standing there ready to tag me. I tried to dodge the tag at the last second… but instead I somehow did a full somersault and landed on my head at home plate. Everyone froze for a second and then started laughing.

LD: If I had a million dollars, I would…
PK: Buy lots of softball gear and build the ultimate backyard training setup, with a full softball field.

LD: Favorite softball piece of equipment or product?
PK: My bat, for sure. I love the sound when you square the ball up perfectly.

LD: Biggest issue facing society today?
PK: I think there’s not enough kindness. People are quick to judge or be negative, especially online. If more people chose to be kind and supportive, it would make a big difference.

LD:  I wouldn’t be caught dead…
PK: Wearing socks to bed. I cannot stand the feeling of socks when I’m trying to sleep…

LD: Music in my headphones…
PK: Gracie Abrams and Tate McRae.

LD: If you could go anywhere in the world…
PK: I would definitely go to Bali and Paris. Bali looks so pretty and peaceful with the beaches and sunsets. Paris seems so beautiful with the architecture and cute cafés.

LD: Fill in the blank: “The thing I like most about me is_____________”
PK: I’m outgoing and confident. I’m not afraid to put myself out there, and I don’t back down from challenges. I actually like pushing myself and seeing what I’m capable of.

LD: Something unusual about me…
PK: I love getting a swim in before school starts.

LD: Favorite school class
PK: English.

LD: Least favorite school class
PK: Probably history, although I love my teacher… she’s the best.

LD: The softball player I most admire is…
PK: Jordy Bahl. I love how she competes with so much confidence and always represents the sport so well.

Even after her injury, she came back and was still one of the best. That just shows how strong and determined she is, and I really look up to that.

LD: Favorite softball website
PK: Line Drive, of course 😉

As we said earlier, she’s very, very smart…

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Media