The Line Drive HOT 100 are led by me, Brentt Eads, and I’ve done the softball player and team rankings format for over 15 years ago at fastpitch-specific websites such as Extra Inning Softball, FloSoftball, Full Count Softball and StudentSportsSoftball.

Over those nearly 20 years, I’ve compiled over 50 grad class rankings (note: each class is updated several times leading up to the players’ high school graduation and transition into college).

Some of the past No. 1’s I have ranked who went on to become college All-Americans include:

• Jenna Lilley (Oregon, 2014),
• Amanda Lorenz (Florida, 2015),
• Megan Faraimo (UCLA, 2018)
• Jayda Coleman (Oklahoma, 2020)
• Jordy Bahl (Nebraska, 2021)

… and, last year alone (2024), Line Drive Softball honored these current high schoolers as being atop their respective classes:

• Kendall Wells (C/3B, Oklahoma commit, Georgia Impact – Taylor, Class of 2025)
• Madi Doty (P/UT. Texas Glory – Shelton, Class of 2026)
• Macie Bryant (P, Impact Gold 2K9 National, Class of 2027)
• Audrey Seiler (P, Frost Falcons 09, Class of 2028)
• LG Goldin (SS, Georgia Impact – Cleghorn, Class of 2029)

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Previous Classes Ranked in 2024

On Monday, we’ll begin our first-ever look at the Class of 2030 which will spotlight deserving players for the following two weeks culminating in the Top 10 and a spotlight on the No. 1 player.

Since the start of Line Drive Softball in April of 2024, we’ve been proud to highlight the following classes:

Note: click on the links below and they will go to each year’s Top 10… and from there you can access ALL the rankings of each class!

• Class of 2029 Top 10

• Class of 2028 Top 10

• Class of 2027 Top 10

• Class of 2026 Top 10

• Class of 2025 Top 10

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Why Do the Rankings?

So what is the intent and purpose of the player rankings?

I’ve always believed that the rankings primary focus is to honor these talented and hard-working athletes with the hope being that someday those recognized can pridefully share with their kids and grandkids that ‘I was one of the best softball players in the country and here’s proof!’

As one softball mom told me:

“It definitely motivates my daughter! She knows it doesn’t define her, but she definitely works towards moving up! Thanks for what y’all do for softball!”

A proud father of a top-ranked athlete added:

“I used to be against these top 100 lists, but I am now for them, not because of where my kid is ranked, but because it gives these kids yet another motivating factor and helps them see where they realistically stack up to some degree within reason and also to the extent of the strength of schedule they are playing.”

Click HERE to see the rankings schedule for the rest of this year covering the classes of 2030, 2029, 2028, 2027 and 2026).

For more information, contact me via email at Brentt.Eads@LineDriveMedia.com.