On Friday, we revealed who the No. 1 ranked player in the 2028 Line Drive HOT 100 for this year’s version which wraps up this week.

Coming up over the next few days to close out the ‘28’s, we’ll cover:

• Prospects Ranked #’s 101-Plus
• 2028 Class Position Rankings
• Regional Rankings

If you missed it on Friday, here’s a link to the 10-1 HOT 100 player rankings which featured pitcher Sophia Schlader from Urbandale, Iowa, atop this strong freshman class.

Not a bad Memorial Weekend for the athlete, as she was named the No. 1 fastpitch player in the nation for the Class of 2028 on Friday by Line Drive Softball and then helped her high school win the State Track championship on Saturday.

Impressively, Sophia had just qualified for the discus this year, but finished 7^th in state which helped earn her school points.

Back to the softball side of her life… what stood out about Sophia so much, we wondered, that had club coaches from East to West singing her praises?

She’s a dynamic power pitcher and power hitter and, as her mother, Ashley Schlader, said about her standout student-athlete daughter with a  4.2 GPA:

“From the time she was a little girl, Sophia has always thrived on being busy and active. She is very competitive and wants to do her best at everything she does.”

“Her work ethic and drive truly set her apart: Sophia never needs to be pushed or prodded—it’s intrinsic… she wants to work and be the best.

And we love this quote from her club head coach, Kyle Hardin of the Beverly Bandits:

“Her hobby is working at her greatest talent… softball!”

We caught up with Sophia this Memorial Day weekend to learn more about who she is on and off the fields… here’s what she had to say:

*****

Line Drive Softball: It’s been a couple days since you were announced as the No. 1 player in the Class of 2028… how has the response been?
Sophia Schlader: I still can’t really believe it! We have a very talented class and I’ve been working hard. I’ve gotten a lot of really nice calls, texts, snaps and comments from people who support me. This weekend was awesome because not only did I find out I was ranked No. 1, but my high school track team won the Iowa State Championship!

LD: It’s a great honor being selected No. 1, but it does put you in the spotlight. Are you worried that other teams, coaches and players will now try to play even harder against you to “take down the top dog?” 
SS: I have kind of always felt like I’ve had a target on my back. It doesn’t bother me; I love to compete. As a Bandit, we always see everyone’s No. 1.

LD: On the other hand, it must feel great to know that so many people—including your own coaches, both club and high school—are so high on you, yes?
SS: It feels amazing. I’m very thankful for all of my coaches who help me be my best and to everyone who supports me.

LD: I don’t know if we’ve had any other No. 1’s at any grad age come from Iowa! What’s it like being a softball player from The Hawkeye State? The weather alone must make it more challenging than warm-weather states like Florida, California, even Texas… what are your thoughts?
SS: Weather can be challenging for sure! I pretty much live at Diamond Sports Academy, a local indoor facility during the winter. They have HitTrax and plenty of cages to pitch in. We’re the only state to play high school ball during the Summer and our season kicks off tomorrow, May 27th.

LD: What are you most proud of regarding your softball skills and accomplishments?
SS: This is something I’m very proud of. It’s really rewarding seeing my hard work recognized.

LD: What’s an area of your game you’d like to work on and approve over the next year or two?
SS: I’m always working on spin, spots and speed. I also want to get stronger and more explosive.

LD: Imagine your team is ahead by one run in the bottom of the 7^th. Bases loaded, two outs and a full count. If it’s up to you, what are you throwing?
SS: A rise ball inside.

LD: What’s something different or unusual about you that most people don’t know?
SS: I recently started throwing the discus. I finished 7th at state and am currently the top freshman in Iowa.

LD: What’s one thing you would not be caught dead doing/wearing/eating (you choose)?
SS: Having “kneevage,” which in softball is when your knees show because your socks are too short or your pants are too short, exposing your knee.

Here’s a clip from TikTok showing how one softballer doesn’t like being called out for “kneevage!”

@northwestern.softball

CEO of kneevage #northwesternsoftball #softball #northwestern #gocats #nusb

♬ original sound - ozu ♚

LD: Most proud moment (on and off the softball field)?
SS: On the softball field: winning regionals to qualify for state last summer as an 8th grader. Off the field: winning state track this weekend!

LD: Most embarrassing moment (that you’re comfortable sharing on and off the softball field!!!)
SS: On the softball field: I was pitching and threw a pitch behind me and the ball went towards second base. Off: In first grade I came to school dressed up as the wrong character for Character Day. I remember hiding in a locker!

LD: If you could have one superpower, what would you like to have?
SS: Reading people’s minds.

LD: If you could have one wish to improve the lives of others across the world, what would it be?
SS: For everyone to love each other as God love us.

LD: What would you like to study in college and do for work down the road?
SS: I want to study sports medicine. I’d like to be around softball for as long as possible.  I’d like to play for Team USA and professionally.

LD: Finally, after your softball career is completed, what do you want people to remember about you?
SS: I want to be remembered as one of the best.