On April 4, Lilah Grace (“LG”) Goldin, a speedy power-hitting shortstop for the Georgia Impact team coached by Jason Cleghorn, was named as the No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2029 Line Drive HOT 100 for the second straight year.

It’s not hard to see why she’s so highly heralded.

First, there are the numbers.

Last year, combing school and travel ball play, LG went 102-for-105 in stolen attempts, smacked 21 home runs with 76 extra base hits and drove in a jaw-dropping 127 RBIs.

… and this all from an athletic shortstop who also happens to be one of the top long jumpers for her age in the state of Georgia.

Yea, she’s a freaky good athlete.

Second, LG passes the eye test with flying colors.

Watch this video of her smacking the aforementioned 21 homers and you’ll see that she not only has power to all fields but also has great speed and running form.

LG just looks smooth and athletic… because she is.

Third, you don’t have to look far to see where the athleticism comes from.

LG is following in the footsteps of her older brother, Cannon, who will attend Ole Miss on a baseball scholarship and her older sister, Janie, a high school sophomore ranked as a Top 5 player by Line Drive last summer in the Class of 2027 HOT 100 rankings. She is already getting heavy Power 4 interest.

The athletes’ father, Ryan, adds with a laugh:

“We are a pretty athletic family… I married a basketball player and she was the fastest lady I ever met!”

LG is a verified 5-tool player and her club head coach, Jason Cleghorn, was quoted in our earlier 2029 Top 10 article as saying his young prodigy already has the tools to play at the next level… and LG isn’t even in college yet.

“LG’s hands, arm slots, game IQ, and arm strength are already at the college level,” he explains. “LG is just different! She can take over a game; whether it be at the plate or in the field.”

“With her, you just know something special is about to happen.”

*****

Here’s an interview Line Drive’s Brentt Eads did with her recently…

Line Drive Softball: What has helped you get to the point?
LG Goldin: I started playing softball when I was three years old. I grew up at the ballpark watching my brother and sister and I wanted to be like them.

LDS: What advice would you give others?
LGG: Celebrate your team’s success and your teammates success over your own success. Also, be kind… always. Don’t ever let an outcome effect how you treat others.

LDS: What have you learned about yourself in the game of softball?
LGG: I’ve learned that I can fight when things don’t go perfect. I like the big moments. I want to be up to bat on offense and I want the ball to come to me on defense.

LDS: What has helped you grow on the field?
LGG: We have a great team culture. I have been blessed to be around amazing coaches and the best softball families. We are truly a family—we win together and lose together. We don’t point fingers and always believe that the next play will be the best play.

LDS: What has set you back in life or been something you’ve had to overcome?
LGG: I don’t look at anything as a setback. I have very strong faith in Christ, and I owe that to my Pastor Stephen Fountain. My beliefs have allowed me to keep perspective over the most important things.

LDS: What are you most excited about looking ahead in your softball career?
LGG: I and very excited to start high school next year and be on the same team at Buford (Ga.) High as players like my sister Janie, Caroline Stanton, Addie Rackley, Kadyn Gabrels and Summer Castorri. I grew up going to their games and now we will be playing on the same team.

LDS: What is your favorite pregame meal?
LGG: Chick Fil A… a Chicken Minis with lemonade.

LDS: What is your favorite music to listen to on Game Day?
LGG: I like Country Music like Jason Aldean and Morgan Wallen.

LDS: Anything else of interest as you head to the next great adventure: high school?
LGG: I will officially become a Mizuno Athlete this Summer before I start high school. We have an NIL agreement in place, and I am very excited! Mizuno has the best softball equipment! My brother, Cannon, is already a Mizuno athlete and they have treated him incredibly well.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball
Email: brentt.eads@linedrivemedia.com