Here’s some Line Drive Softball inside information: in January (2026), we will launch our first-ever look at the Class of 2031 as part of our HOT 100 series (specifics, including dates, to be announced soon).

One thing has become obvious as we’ve researched this class: the talent—event at such a young age— is becoming more advanced and developed sooner as athletic training and position-specific instruction continues to improve and access to coaches and instructors is ever-increasingly more available.

Today, we head to the Southeast to learn more about a trio of 2031’s who have a great chance to make the upcoming 2031 HOT 100—three accomplished players on Head Coach Jamie Beck’s Athletics Gold – Tamborra/Beck team—which draws talent from Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina and its home base in Georgia and this year was the PGF Super Select champs.

*****

Callia Patterson

Pitcher
The Baylor School (Chattanooga, Tenn.)
Athletics Gold – Tamborra Beck 2031

This season, Callia cemented herself as one of the most dominant arms in the circle at her age group.

Over 68 innings, she recorded an impressive 106 strikeouts, consistently overpowering hitters while setting the tone defensively for her team and her 0.706 ERA speaks volumes.

Game after game, she kept opponents off balance, shut down scoring opportunities, and gave her team a chance to win every time she stepped into the circle. Hitters managed just a .136 batting average against her — proof of how difficult she is to face.

But statistics only tell part of the story.

What truly sets Callia apart is her work ethic, focus, and mindset. She shows up every day determined to improve, embraces tough moments, and competes with a calm confidence that elevates everyone around her.

Coach Jamey Beck shares:

“This season was a statement — and the best part is, she’s only getting started. She’s calm, poised, and a true competitor. Whatever I ask of her, she gets the job done.”

Callia recorded wins against elite programs including Thunderbolts, Vipers, Impact Gold National, Kentucky Chrome, Unity, and Top Gun, proving she can compete and dominate at the highest levels.

She also attends the prestigious Baylor School (Chattanooga, Tenn.) at the prep level where she played a key role in helping her team achieve:

• 14 wins
• an undefeated season
• ISC champions

The standout pitcher was an All-Conference selection after she pitched 25 innings in the regular season with 50 strikeouts per inning and gave up just seven hits, four runs (three earned) and a 0.72 ERA.

In the conference tournament she threw 10 innings with 16 K’s, four hits and no runs given up,

Off the field, Callia is a laid-back kid with a big heart and simple favorites which include:

• Team: Florida Gators
• Softball Player: Kegan Rothrock
• Food: Goldfish
• Musician/Band: Morgan Wallen
• Movie/Show: Christmas Movies
• Character: Jasmine
• Author: Lisa Greenwald
• Animal: Dog
• Store: Nike
• Favorite Bible Verse: “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” – 2 Chronicles 15:7

*****

Carson Crook

UT/3B/SS/RHP
AC Flora (Columbia, S.C) High School
Athletics Gold – Tamborra Beck 2031

Carson is a high-impact, true utility athlete who excelled at both third base and shortstop this season. She brings a strong, accurate arm, quick reads, and elite instincts that allow her to make difficult plays look routine.

Her versatility also extends to the circle, where she consistently delivered competitive innings and kept hitters off balance with poise and command. A high-IQ, dependable player, Carson elevates every unit she’s part of.

Here are her stats for her travel ball season:

• .422 batting average
• .447 on-base percentage
• 1.202 OPS
• .755 slugging percentage
• .974 fielding percentage
• 1.27 ERA
• .173 opponent batting average

Coach Beck describes Carson as a true utility player you can place anywhere on the field and trust completely.

“She does everything that’s asked of her with a smile and without hesitation. I could ask her to throw on catcher’s gear and she’d jump right in. That’s just who she is — a team-first kid, coachable, competitive, and a joy to have around.”

Carson’s positive energy, consistency, and versatility will make her a true asset to her school program this season at AC Flora High School, where she’s expected to make an immediate impact.

*****

McKenzie Poole

C/SS
Pickens County (Jasper, Ga.) Middle School
Athletics Gold – Tamborra Beck 2031

McKenzie Poole is a high-IQ, multi-sport athlete who continues to separate herself as one of the most complete and projectable players in the 2031 class.

She impacts games on both sides of the ball and brings leadership, composure, and advanced defensive skills well beyond her age.

Defensively, McKenzie excels behind the plate as a true field general. She manages the game at a high level, controls tempo, and routinely shuts down the running game with quick transfers and accurate throws.

Her framing is advanced, and she consistently puts her pitchers in position to succeed.

At shortstop, she shows excellent instincts, clean glove work, and quick reads, taking away hits and dictating the infield with confident footwork and strong communication.

Offensively, McKenzie is a consistent and reliable presence in the lineup.

For her Athletics Gold team this year, she posted a .395 batting average, .438 OBP, and 18 RBIs, including two walk-off wins, highlighting her ability to perform under pressure.

She stays disciplined at the plate, finds barrels consistently, and has a natural ability to deliver in key moments.

She finished the season with a .976 fielding percentage and recorded multiple double plays, showing her defensive awareness, athleticism, and reliability.

McKenzie is a key contributor for Pickens County Middle School and continues to elevate her game through travel softball.

Her combination of leadership, versatility at premium positions, high softball IQ, and competitive mindset makes her a high-upside prospect to track in the 2031 class.