We continue our extensive look at the 2030 Line Drive HOT 100 player rankings by featuring those talented athletes rated #’s 40-31.

This class will also be updated several more times so know that there will be a lot of change over the next several years!

Each weekday for two weeks we are honoring players via our countdown with 10 spots each day per the following schedule:

• #’s 100-91 (Mon., Jan. 27, 2025)
• #’s 90-81 (Tue., Jan. 28, 2025)
• #’s 80-71 (Wed., Jan. 29, 2025)
• #’s 70-61 (Thu., Jan. 30, 2025)
• #’s 60-51 (Fri. Jan. 31, 2025)
• #’s 50-41 (Mon., Feb. 3, 2025)
• #’s 40-31 (Tue., Feb. 4, 2025)
• #’s 30-21 (Wed., Feb. 5, 2025)
• #’s 20-11 (Thu., Feb. 6, 2025)
• #’s 10-1 (Fri. Feb. 7, 2025)

Line Drive Softball will also list those prospects ranked #’s 101+ as well as the 2030 Class Position Rankings, Regional Rankings and a spotlight on the top-rated player.

To send in information including player updates and other news, e-mail:

Brentt.Eads@LineDriveMedia.com

*****

40—Brooklyn Hebert, IF, La Slam 14U – Leblanc 2011
Brooklyn is a versatile infielder from Lafayette, La. who is noted as a clutch performer at the plate. She hit .440 last year with 16 RBIs, had 19 stolen bases and only one strikeout. Assistant Coach Joy Leblanc calls the 2030 infielder a “difference maker.”  Brooklyn was selected as the State Tournament MVP playing for St. Leo Seton Catholic High and, off the field, she excels in volleyball and maintains a 3.5 GPA.

39—Brae Allsbrooks, OF, Atlanta Vipers – Murphy 2011
Braelyn, or “Brae” for short, is a speedy outfielder who “consistently makes exceptional plays using her athleticism and innate ability for making quick reads off opponent’s bats,” according to Head Coach Mike Murphy. Offensively, she batted .393 with a 1.036 OPS and scored 48 runs and drove in 23 RBIs last season. Coach Murphy adds: “Braelyn has an exceptional mental approach at the plate leading to a 45.03 quality at-bat percentage. She has a seasoned veteran’s command of the strike zone, a Tony Gwynn-like ability to find holes, and always finds a way to reach base. “Whether making her signature sliding catches, clutch hits, stealing bases, or scoring runs, Braelyn is a momentum fire starter both offensively and defensively and is a vocal and emotional leader for our team,” Murphy concludes.

38—Macie Pridgen, P, LLG Uprising NC
Macie’s pitch velocity reaches 58-to-60 mph and last year she led her team to an Alliance Nationals berth. She is a rising star for Patrick Wilson’s LLG Uprising NC squad and put up big numbers in 2024 with a 1.40 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and 143 strikeouts in 124 innings. John Corn, the President of LLG, comments: “Macie led her team with an array of pitches that consistently hit their mark. We believe she is an up-and-coming star in the LLG program. In the classroom,  the 2030 grad carries a 4.0 GPA.

T-37—Lilly Hawthorne, C, Beverly Bandits Premier – Ault
Lilly is an elite catcher for Ty Ault’s dynamic 12U team which, since last Spring, has played in 13 tournaments at 12U and 14U and has won seven of them with a runner-up finish also.  From Lexington, Ky., Lilly has skills behind the plate and with the bat as she hit .403 last year with a 95 percent contact rate and had only three strikeouts all season. Defensively, Lilly’s numbers are impressive as she compiled a .980 fielding percentage with a 45 percent caught stealing rate with just one passed ball. A Select 30 participant, she was also named as the MVP of the USSSA National Championship Tournament. Coach Ault says: “Lilly is an accurate catcher with size and strength. She’s played with the Bandits since 10U and is the most clutch hitter in big moments.”

T-37—Ansley Wilkerson, IF, Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2030 – Wilkerson
Ansley’s impressive athletic resume includes being a PGF National Champion, a USSSA National Championship Tournament Defensive MVP and a two-time USSSA All-State athlete. Head Coach Jeff Wilkerson explains: “She possesses a high softball IQ and is extremely competitive. As a coachable and team-oriented player, Ansley provides vocal leadership on the field, directing her teammates effectively.” Her versatility also draws praise by opposing coaches, including her play at second base, where she helped turn five double plays last year and was a perfect 1.000 in fielding percentage. With the stick, Ansley hit .380, had a .505 on-base percentage and drove in 35 runs. Coach Wilkerson concludes: “Ansley’s impressive gritty and diving plays have earned her recognition from other coaches and players, culminating in her team’s undefeated wins at the PGF Super Select Southern Championship and the USSSA National Championship where she recorded a .500 batting average.”

T-36—Channing Cook, IF, Tennessee Mojo – Grip
Channing produces strong numbers including a .479 batting average last year with just six strikeouts while her fielding percentage was a solid .951. One Mojo coach noted: “She makes quick reads in the infield which makes her a key defensive asset,” and adds: “Channing plays with an incredible passion that stands out. She is consistently the first to support her teammates and is learning to move past her mistakes, demonstrating her potential to achieve great things.” Despite being a 2030 grad competing alongside 2028 players, she outsmarts many of them with her game intelligence. “Tenacity is truly one of the best words to describe Channing’s style of play,” says the coach. Away from softball, she has a 4.0 GPA, plays basketball for South Lyon (Mich.) Middle School and also is proficient in playing the trumpet.

T-36—Lily Poland, C, Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2030 – Wilkerson
Lily hails from Orange Beach, Ala. where she put up strong numbers across the board for the Bolts last year including a .426 batting average, a .525 on-base percentage and a .987 defensive fielding percentage. “She dominates both at the plate and behind it,” says Head Coach Jeff Wilkerson. With the glove, Lily caught 227 innings and only allowed nine passed balls. Her head coach adds: “Lily has a high softball IQ and is one of the toughest catchers out there. She is vocal on the field making sure her teammates know the situation and where to throw the ball.” The 2030 backstop has a pop time clocked at 2.1 seconds and is a PGF National Champion and a two-time USSSA All-State selection. Academically, she has a 4.0 GPA in the classroom.

35—Gabriella Durso, C/UT, Rhode Island Thunder – Lieto/Lotti
Gabriella, whose nickname is “Gabby,” is a standout athlete from Woodbridge, Conn., and is recognized as a powerhouse catcher for the Rhode Island Thunder Gold National 12U team  coached by Frank Lieto and Emily Woznick.  She is a wall behind the plate, maintaining a flawless 1.000 fielding percentage last Fall, and her versatility extends to third base as her secondary position where she showcases a strong arm and quick reflexes with three turned double plays and 23 assists.  At the plate, however, is where Gabby really flexes her muscles as she batted .580 with 28 RBIs on 36 hits. Beyond softball, Gabby is a competitive swimmer with a lightning-fast 26.54 seconds mark in the 50 meters freestyle, earning her a spot in the Eastern Zone Championships. As a straight-A student and the President and CEO of her own non-profit, The Good Night Sleep Tight PJ Program. “Gabriella is not just an athlete—she’s a game-changer in every sense of the word,” says Coach Frank Lieto who continues: “Gabby has soft hands and a big bat, and we expect a bright future for her in the Thunder program!”

34—Whitney Beaugh, OF, La Slam 2011
Whitney is a hard-hitting and accomplished outfield from New Iberia, La., who batted .423 last year and was named the MVP in multiple tournaments, including the Jennie Finch World Series. Her elite arm strength and throwing accuracy make her a defensive standout for Joy Leblanc’s team and the 14U coach comments: “Whitney brings a lot to the field including arm strength, accuracy, strong hitting and a team-first attitude.” Off the field, she participates in archery and is part of her school’s gifted and talented art program. In the classroom Whitney carries a 3.5 GPA.

T-33—Moana Talataina, IF/P, Power Surge – Hammond 2K12
From El Cajon, Calif., Moana is following in the softball footsteps of her older sister, Sina Talataina, who is a 2025 grad signed to play softball for the Arizona Wildcats. The younger sibling is an infielder with a big bat as shown by her numbers including a .562 batting average. Head Coach Jason Hammond says: “Moana is an elite hitter, fielder and pitcher.” When not playing fastpitch softball, the infielder will likely be found in flag football, basketball or working hard on homework to maintain her 3.3 GPA. 

T-33—Victoria Wright, OF, Wisconsin Lightning 12U
Victoria, or “Vicky” as she’s also called, is one of the top centerfields in her class and, according to Head Coach David Sunden: “She is constantly recognized amongst competing coaches and tournament directors as a top outfielder in the Midwest. Victoria is from Cudahy, Wisc., and she has excellent tracking on fly balls and incredible range to cover from left center to right center.” In addition to her defensive skillsets, she brings a strong and reliable bat to the lineup as shown by her hitting .371 with a .482 on-base percentage and a .959 OPS. Coach Sunden adds: “Her speed around the bases also makes Vicky a threat for most defenses.” A three-sport athlete, she also competes in volleyball and gymnastics when not playing softball.

T-32—Katalyna Beratlis, IF, LTG Lions 2029 Buck
Katalyn calls Hayward, Calif. home and has shined for Zachary Buck’s team as she batted .356 with a .443 on-base percentage in the Fall after batting .350 last summer with a 1.070 OPS and, on defense, showed she’s dynamic defender with a .945 fielding percentage. Katalyna was selected as a USA All American Games participant in Oklahoma City and was one of the few 2030’s selected. Her head coach adds: “Kat is a phenomenal athlete with great size for her class. Her athleticism allows her to play many positions at a high level. As a pitcher, Kat pounds the zone to limit walks and her movement on her fastball induces a lot of ground balls while her change-up gets her a lot of pop ups or swings and misses. As an outfielder, the 2030 grad has a quick first step and the speed to allow her to cover a lot of area. As an infielder, Katalyna has soft hands, a smooth glove, a strong arm, and a quick first step to give her great range. At the plate, she is a powerful swinger who can drive the ball to all areas of the field.

T-32—Lexi Fritsche, OF, Indiana Magic Gold 2011 Fritsche
Lexi is a slapping force at the top of the lineup for AJ Fritsche’s Indiana Magic. From Fishers, Ind., she batted .385 with a .500 on-base percentage and scored an amazing 59 runs in 2024. Lexi led her team in walks with 26 and went 15-for-15 in steals. Being one of two 7th graders on a 2011 team, she’s also impressive in the outfield where she covers a lot of ground and has the arm to have thrown out multiple runners on the bases. Lexi maintains a 4.0 GPA even with her softball club schedule and her time being a libero for Team Indiana Volleyball.

T-31—Aubrey Curtis, C, LLG Uprising NC
Aubrey is a power-hitting catcher who organization president John Corn describes as a “next level player.” He adds: “She’s a powerful threat at the plate with each at-bat and with exit speeds near 70 mph as a 12-year-old, Aubrey is a game-changer.” Last year she batted .415 and had a .467 on-base percentage. Aubrey’s from Elon, N.C., and plays for Western Alamance Middle School and the Lady Lightning Gold team coached by Patric Wilson.

T-31—Khloe Melgar, C, Power Surge – Walling/Sterling 2030
“Khloe is the type of player every coach would love to have,” begins Head Coach Jeremy Sterling. “She’s a true team player.” A force at the club and school level where she plays for Rancho Del Rey Middle School in Chula Vista, Calif., Khloe gets it done both in the classroom (3.8 GPA) and on the softball field where she has been named as an Alliance League Spotlight Player. Coach Sterling adds: “She is always ready to get on the field every chance she gets.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball