The 2030 player rankings wrap up this week and then we’ll turn our attention to the 2029 Line Drive HOT 100, which we did for the first time last Spring (April 2024).

The top-ranked player at the time was LG Goldin, an amazing shortstop with the Georgia Impact organization. Since the top 100 list was published 10 months ago, the Peach State resident has only gotten better.

“LG has been in the weight room all offseason,” says her Impact club coach Jason Cleghorn, “and has made tremendous strides in her physicality. LGis consistently driving balls 230-feet plus. She has also been working on her explosiveness as her already extremely fast speed has improved.” 

The stats bear that out. 

For the 2024 year, here’s her totals:

• 21 home runs
• 76 extra-base hits
• 102 of 105 on stolen bases (97 success percentage!)
• 127 RBIs

According to those close to LG, she looks to have a monster 2025 year due in part to her:

• growing physically, meaning she’s now faster and stronger than last year
• running a 13.1 in the 100 meters
• becoming one of the top long jumpers in Georgia

Her exploits haven’t gone unnoticed by coaches and even sports-oriented companies tied into the game: LG has already agreed to be a Mizuno athlete when she enters high school next fall.

Here’s the announcement the company made last month (Jan. 2025)

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The 2029 Line Drive HOT 100, which will launch Monday, March 24, 2025 (the players ranked #’s 100-91)  and wrap-up on Friday, April 4, 2025 (the Top 10), will once again be loaded with talent… so don’t be surprised to see LG at or near the top once again.

She’s that good.

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Softball

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2029 Line Drive HOT 100 No. 1 Spotlight… Shortstop LG Goldin Already Getting Major College Attention

Originally published April 22, 2024 on Line Drive Softball

Last Friday, in the first-ever 2029 Line Drive HOT 100 rankings, the final Top 10 slots were announced and atop the list was LG Goldin, a franchise-type shortstop with Jason Cleghorn’s Georgia Impact Premier team.

As noted in her No. 1 player bio, even though LG is just a 7^th grader, she is already getting mail, questionnaires, social attention, camp invites from top college programs already.

Based on the outstanding athleticism of her two older siblings, you can certainly see why any college coach would want to get an early foot-in-the-door with her: LG’s older brother, Cannon, is an Old Miss baseball commit and is also ranked as one of the top 15 players in his class, while her sister, Janie, a 2027 class standout, is ranked as a Top 10 player in her class,

Line Drive Softball caught up with LG last week to find out more about what she thinks of her game on the field and life off of it… here’s what she had to say.

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Name: LG GOLDIN
Hometown/ST: Buford, Georgia
Grad Year: 2029
Position(s): SS
Club Team: Georgia Impact Premier 2011 Cleghorn
High School (City/ST): Buford (Ga.) High
GPA: 4.0

ON THE FIELD:

In your eyes, what are some of the top honors and accomplishments you’ve achieved individually and with your teams?
Winning the HR Derby in Orange Beach, the World Series and the Beverly Bandits Power 80 Tournament in 2023.

What would you say are your strengths on the field?
Glove work and quick release along with my throwing angles

Have you set personal goals for yourself for this year?
Yes, to become a better teammate and leader as well as being grateful and excited for my teammates’ accomplishments.

Do you have any softball superstitions?
Wearing the same hairstyle every game: a low pony and braid!

If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be on-field?
“Energetic.”

Off the field?
“Fun.”

What’s been your favorite place you’ve placed softball?
Oklahoma City.

What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome in life?
Overcoming adversity at the plate.

What drives you to play the game of softball?
Being with my teammates and having fun.

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OFF THE FIELD:

What’s your favorite softball item, like a preferred bat, glove, etc.?
Easton Ghost Unlimited.

Favorite item(s) in your closet:
Shoes.

Favorite school subject:
Math.

Best way to unwind is…
… taking a long shower and watch TV.

What would you say is your philosophy in life?
“I do all I can so God can do what I can’t.” – Paige Bueckers

If you have 30 minutes to shop and $100 to spend, where do you go?
Dicks Sporting Goods.

What’s playing in your headphones right now?
SZA.

Celebrity you’d like most to hang out with…
… Paige Bueckers.

What’s been your favorite vacation or place you’ve visited?
Miami, Fla.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you’d want to have with you (sorry: can’t be a phone as they’re no cell towers nearby!)?
Fuzzy Blanket

If you could have dinner with anyone… living or dead… who would it be?
Devyn Flaherty from Florida State.

Favorite college uniform (and why):
Ole Miss because I love Powder Blue!

What worries you most about what classmates your age are facing in the future?
Living on the streets.

If you won a million dollars and had to spend it all in 24 hours, how would you spend it?

Go shopping and buy my friends and I stuff, get whatever my family needs, groceries, paying taxes for the month.

Calories aside, what food could you eat and never get sick of?
Moe’s.

Best talent off the field?
Long jumping.

What have you learned most about yourself over the last year or two?
I am more independent than dependent.

Who inspires you (athletically & non-athletically):
Kobe Bryant and my mom.

Finally, what’s one thing or accomplishment about you that is unusual or unique which few know (until know)?
Giving my life to Jesus.