Line Drive Softball likes to find out what the top club players are thinking about the latest issues, so we throw out a question to some of them from around the country. Here’s the latest question:

Who is your softball role model and why?

Here’s how they answered:

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Khloe Williams, 2028, 1B/UT, Impact Gold-Jazz/Broken Bow High, OK, uncommitted:

“(2027 C/1B) Kensey Ross from Choctaw, OK (and Epic National-Smith). She is an amazing player and all-around great person and athlete.”

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Avary Stockwell, 2026, C/IF, Mojo-Lewis/Green Hill High, #10 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, Tennessee:

“There are many out there, but one that stands out for me is Jennie Finch (a 2001 Women’s College World Series champion and All-American at Arizona, 2004 Olympic gold medalist and 2008 Olypmic silver medalist) because of the way that she advocates for women in sports and helped to bring softball back into the Olympics.”

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Caroline Stanton, 2026, 1B/OF/P, Texas Bombers Gold-Smith/Buford High, GA, #5 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, Florida:

“(Fastpitch legend) Cat Osterman is my role model, not only because she’s my coach and helps me on so many levels, but growing up watching her she was an insane competitor and I love that about her!”

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Kylinn Stangl, 2025, RHP/3B/1B, Midwest Speed National-Holt/Maneko East High, MN, Minnesota:

“My softball role model is Montana Fouts (a former four-time All-American at Alabama and Team USA member) because she is a dominant pitcher and carries herself very well in the circle and in any circumstance. She is a physical and vocal leader and a great role model for many softball players!”

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Haley Spitale, 2026, MIF, Finesse-Dreher/Peters/Hool/Saint Joseph High, MI, Notre Dame:

“My softball role model growing up was Cait Brooks (a two-time ACC championship All-Tournament Team selection at Notre Dame). I would always watch her in the box and her approach. She was one of the best players to ever put a uniform on at Notre Dame and she was an amazing person. She embodied the player I always wanted to be and not only how she presented herself on the field, but also her personality and character. She was always willing to talk to me, take a picture and give me advice when I asked for it, even if I was only 7 (years old) at the time. I looked up to her immensely and I truly believe she was a big reason I fell in love with Notre Dame and why I fell in love with the game of softball like I currently do. I wear #16 in high school because she did and I wanted to try and be like her. So even though she no longer plays the game, she taught me how to love the game and treat people right. I hope I can be the same type of role model to a little girl sitting in the stands someday!”

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Makala Smith, 2025, RHP/1B, Bombers Gold-Jacoby/Needville High, Oklahoma State:

“My softball role model is (Fastpitch legend) Cat Osterman because she has been the biggest inspiration to me as a pitcher and I have always looked up to her!”

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Jones Southall, 2026, RHP, EC Bullets-Schnute/Bilz, #37 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, uncommitted:

“My softball role model is Maddie Penta (a former two-time All-American at Auburn) because she is an amazing leader on and off the field. When I went to Auburn camps, she always helped me and encouraged me with my curve ball, which is now my best pitch!”

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EK Smith, 2026, RHP/1B/OF, Impact Gold-Jackson/Katy High, TX, #2 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100,  Oklahoma:

“My softball role model is Kelly Maxwell (a former Women’s College World Series champion and two-time All-American at Oklahoma and Oklahoma State) because she just gets it done and really persevered through adversity. Also, she is a great person off the field.”

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Addyson “Addy” Sheppard, 2025, SS/3B, Impact Gold-Jackson/Kingwood High, TX, #9 in the 2025 Line Drive Hot 100, Stanford:

“Sis Bates (a former two-time All-American at Washington, silver medalist at the 2024 Women’s Softball World Cup and Athletes Unlimited professional) because her defense is unmatched and she is an amazing hitter. I want to be a threat on both sides of the field like her.”

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