Payton Tamborra, class of 2027, has quickly established herself as one of the most impressive rising stars in the world of fastpitch softball. 

Representing Athletics Gold 08-Tamborra #22, while also competing for North Cobb Christian School, she continues to showcase elite skills on both sides of the ball. 

A commanding presence in the pitcher’s circle and a dependable force at first base, Tamborra demonstrates the combination of technical sharpness, game awareness, and competitive drive that places her in a special category of players. 

Her national recognition backs up the performance, ranked #4 in the Southeast and #9 in the Nation by EI, she carries credentials that reflect not only her talent but also her consistency in delivering high-level results.

As a pitcher, Tamborra brings excellent mechanics, smooth arm action, and strong command of her pitches. 

Her ability to change speeds effectively disrupts hitters, while her calm demeanor under pressure demonstrates maturity beyond her years. 

In the field, she is steady at first base, showing reliable glove work, quality footwork, and strong awareness of defensive situations. 

Offensively, she delivers solid production with a balanced swing and the ability to drive the ball with authority, making her a versatile contributor.

Payton’s leadership and team-first approach are evident every time she takes the field. 

She competes with energy, poise, and an undeniable love for the game. 

Her growth trajectory suggests she will continue elevating her game as she enters the latter stages of her high school career, with the potential to attract attention from top-level college programs. 

Simply put, Payton Tamborra is not just a player to watch, she is already a standout performer with the drive and skill set to be one of the premier athletes in her class.

Strengths & Improvements 

• Consistent strike throwing

• Smooth defensive footwork

• Calm under pressure

• Strong leadership presence

• Explosive bat speed

• Accurate fielding throws

• Smart pitch selection

• High-level awareness

• Focused game mentality

• Positive dugout influence

• Balanced hitting approach

• Reliable glove work

Conclusion

Payton Tamborra is the type of player every coach wants anchoring a roster. 

Her ability to dominate as a pitcher while offering reliable defensive play at first base gives her the rare versatility that strengthens her value in any lineup. 

Offensively, she is more than capable of producing big moments, whether by driving in runs or sparking rallies with consistent contact and disciplined at-bats. 

What sets her apart is not just the skill but also the mindset. 

Payton thrives in competitive settings, bringing composure and confidence when the stakes are highest.

Her current national ranking is a testament to her dedication and performance, but the future remains wide open with even greater opportunities ahead. 

As she continues to sharpen her mechanics and refine her game, she projects as a difference-maker at the next level. 

Coaches seeking a dynamic, skilled, and resilient athlete need to keep Payton Tamborra firmly on their recruiting radar. 

She is, without question, a name that will continue to rise.

Mia Johnson, a standout from Archer High School’s Class of 2026, has firmly established herself as one of the premier softball talents in the nation. 

Representing GA Impact Taylor ’08 and proudly committed to the University of Arkansas Razorbacks, Mia has achieved recognition as a 2024 PGF All-American and the 2024 6A GHSA Player of the Year. 

Her accolades alone speak volumes, but what separates Mia from other athletes is her ability to consistently elevate her game while demonstrating versatility, leadership, and a relentless work ethic.

Mia’s defensive skill set is exceptional, particularly at the third base and first base positions. 

She displays quick reflexes, smooth glove work, and excellent footwork that allow her to react instinctively to hot shots down the line or scoop difficult throws with confidence. 

As a utility player, Mia has proven that her athleticism and adaptability can contribute anywhere on the field, making her an invaluable piece to any roster.

Offensively, Mia brings a powerful and consistent bat to the lineup. 

Her swing is compact, explosive, and built for gap-to-gap production, giving her the ability to drive in runs and change the momentum of games in an instant. 

She thrives under pressure situations, showcasing a calm presence that belies her age. 

Coaches and teammates recognize her as not only a producer but also as a motivator, bringing energy and focus to every practice and game.

With her advanced softball IQ, leadership qualities, and high-level performance, Mia Johnson is the type of player that every championship-caliber team needs. 

She embodies the perfect mix of physical talent, mental toughness, and competitive fire. 

Already decorated with national recognition, Mia is poised to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level and beyond.

Strengths & Areas for Improvement 

• Quick defensive reactions

• Strong and accurate arm

• Reliable gap power

• Calm under pressure

• Effective base running instincts

• Solid defensive versatility

• Consistent offensive approach

• Smooth glove transitions

• Leadership on field

• High softball IQ

• Aggressive but controlled swings

• Excellent situational awareness

Conclusion 

Mia Johnson represents everything that today’s game of softball demands, versatility, power, athleticism, and leadership. 

What makes her truly special is how seamlessly she balances her defensive prowess with offensive production. 

At third base, she is fearless, showing lightning-fast reactions and the ability to make difficult plays appear routine. 

At first base, she anchors the defense with sure hands and the confidence to control the infield. 

Her bat brings a combination of power and consistency, with a knack for delivering in big-game situations.

Beyond the measurable skills, Mia brings intangibles that elevate her impact even further. 

Her leadership qualities inspire teammates, her competitiveness raises the level of play around her, and her calm demeanor in pressure moments proves she’s built for the spotlight. 

As she heads toward her future at Arkansas, Mia Johnson is not just preparing to contribute, she is preparing to shine on the biggest stage.

Leah Byrd, a standout member of Athletics Gold 08 – Tamborra, represents the prototype of a next-level softball athlete. 

As a member of the Class of 2026, Byrd has already made waves across the softball community with her skillset, determination, and maturity on the field. 

A shortstop and pitcher, she combines versatility with high-level execution, showing that she can impact the game in multiple ways both defensively and offensively. 

What makes her story even more impressive is her commitment to Auburn softball, a powerhouse program that consistently recruits top-tier talent. 

Byrd has earned her place among that group with her consistency, competitiveness, and ceiling for growth.

Defensively, Byrd brings excellent footwork and arm strength to the shortstop position, reading hops well and showing strong accuracy on throws across the diamond. 

As a pitcher, she demonstrates poise, spin control, and the ability to keep hitters off balance with effective placement. 

Offensively, Byrd provides a steady bat with the ability to drive the ball into gaps and consistently put the ball in play. 

Her approach at the plate reflects patience, understanding of counts, and a knack for producing quality at-bats.

Off the field, Byrd’s 4.3 GPA underlines her discipline and commitment to excellence in the classroom, reflecting the same determination she brings to softball. 

Balancing elite athletics and academics showcases her work ethic and leadership qualities. 

With strong ties to Kennesaw, Georgia, she has become a recognizable talent in her region, serving as a role model for younger athletes. 

Auburn’s coaching staff will gain not just a skilled player but also a student-athlete who leads by example. 

Leah Byrd’s athletic foundation, coupled with her academic success, makes her one of the most exciting 2026 prospects in the country.

Strengths & Areas of Improvement 

Strengths

• Smooth glove work

• Strong throwing accuracy

• High softball IQ

• Consistent contact hitter

Areas to Improve

• Added batting power

• Increased base speed

• Sharper pitch command

• Extra defensive range

Conclusion 

Leah Byrd embodies everything college programs look for in a softball player. 

Already committed to Auburn, she has proven she belongs on the big stage, yet her ceiling remains incredibly high. 

Defensively, her ability to control the infield at shortstop is matched by her composure in the circle, where she can change the rhythm of a game with her pitching. 

Offensively, she has a reliable swing that continues to show growth, with more power likely to develop as she matures physically and continues refining her training regimen.

Beyond her measurable skills, Byrd’s leadership and competitiveness set her apart. 

She is the type of athlete who elevates her teammates, setting the standard with preparation, effort, and execution. 

With her academic excellence and athletic drive, she represents the model student-athlete. 

Auburn has secured a cornerstone player in the Class of 2026, and her presence in the SEC will undoubtedly be impactful. 

Expect Byrd to make a lasting mark both at the collegiate level and beyond.

When you watch Kodi Leigh, a standout 2026 prospect from Yuma, Arizona, it’s clear that she is one of those rare players whose game is built on equal parts work ethic, athleticism, and determination. 

Competing with the Arizona Storm Softball program, Kodi brings an intensity to the field that separates her from many of her peers. 

Whether she’s behind the plate controlling the game as a catcher or in the outfield tracking down balls with her quick reads and natural instincts, she delivers consistent, high-level performances that speak to her future potential at the next level.

Kodi has embraced her role as both a vocal leader and a reliable performer. 

Behind the plate, she showcases strong glove work, a quick transfer, and an accurate arm capable of keeping runners in check. 

Her blocking skills and ability to frame pitches give pitchers confidence, making her a true asset to her team’s defense. 

In the outfield, she transitions seamlessly, showing versatility, range, and the ability to cover ground effectively.

Offensively, Kodi provides steady production with a compact swing that generates consistent contact to all fields. 

Her balance at the plate, combined with a disciplined approach, gives her the ability to extend at-bats and force pitchers to work. 

Beyond her skill set, what truly stands out is Kodi’s competitive drive and self-motivation. 

She approaches each practice and game with the mindset of improvement, constantly refining her game.

For college coaches seeking a reliable, coachable, and hard-working prospect, Kodi Leigh represents the type of player who can elevate a program. 

With the foundation she has already built and the dedication she demonstrates daily, her ceiling at the collegiate level is extremely high.

Strengths & Areas of Improvement 

• Strong defensive presence

• Quick release throws

• Accurate arm strength

• Disciplined hitting approach

• Solid pitch framing

• Blocks balls consistently

• High softball IQ

• Reads ball well

• Balanced swing mechanics

• Steady offensive production

• Consistent team leader

• Game tempo control

• Versatile defensive player

• Expands offensive tools

• Improves base running

Conclusion 

Kodi Leigh’s game is built for the next level, and her trajectory is only trending upward. 

As a 2026 uncommitted catcher and outfielder, she has already proven that she can compete against high-level talent while maintaining poise, consistency, and leadership. 

Her defensive strengths stand out most clearly, she is the type of catcher who brings stability to a pitching staff while simultaneously discouraging the running game with her quick release and strong arm.

Offensively, Kodi continues to evolve, developing a balanced swing that allows her to contribute in clutch situations. 

Her ability to put the ball in play, advance runners, and deliver in key moments makes her an asset to any lineup. 

Just as importantly, Kodi embodies the intangible qualities coaches look for: dedication, self-motivation, and a relentless work ethic.

For college programs searching for a versatile, hardworking prospect with the potential to make an immediate impact, Kodi Leigh is a name to remember in the 2026 class.

At just a freshman, standing 5’10” and playing as a six-rotation outside hitter for Colonel Crawford High School, Reese Redman has already cemented herself as one of the most dynamic young volleyball players in Ohio. 

Her presence on the court has completely transformed the program, helping lead her team to a 9–3 record after a four-win season last year. 

Per MaxPreps, she is leading all Ohio freshmen in kills, an accomplishment that reflects both her natural athletic ability and her tireless work ethic.

Reese combines technical skill with high-level volleyball IQ. 

She has an exceptional ability to read opposing blockers, make quick adjustments, and swing confidently into seams and gaps within the defense. 

This ability to adapt under pressure sets her apart as not just a scorer, but a problem solver on the court. 

She excels in finding ways to score even against well-formed blocks, often hitting off the block strategically or driving attacks into less-defended spaces.

What separates Reese even further is her vocal leadership. 

She thrives in being a “coach on the floor,” motivating teammates, directing communication, and setting the tone with her relentless energy. 

Despite her young age, she embraces responsibility, understands team dynamics, and elevates the play of everyone around her.

Her game is balanced, she is equally effective front row and back row, showing versatility as a six-rotation player. 

With her blend of size, athleticism, court vision, and leadership, Reese is more than just a standout freshman; she is a rising prospect with legitimate potential to thrive at the college level. 

Coaches looking for a driven, team-first athlete with a strong competitive edge will find Reese Redman to be an invaluable asset for years to come.

Strengths & Areas of Improvement 

Strengths:

• Reads blockers well

   

• Explosive vertical jump
• Strong vocal leader
• High kill percentage
• Consistent back-row play
• Finds seams effectively
• Smart shot selection
• Versatile six-rotation athlete

Areas of Improvement:

• Develop serve variety

   

• Improve defensive range
• Increase swing speed
• Enhance blocking timing
• Strengthen serve receive
• Improve transition footwork
• Expand attacking arsenal
• Build overall stamina

Conclusion 

Reese Redman represents the type of athlete every coach wants in their program, skilled, competitive, and an undeniable leader. 

Her freshman campaign at Colonel Crawford High School already demonstrates her ability to impact a game in multiple ways, and the numbers speak for themselves as she continues to pace Ohio freshmen in kills. 

Beyond the stats, however, it is her presence, both physically and vocally, that makes her so valuable. 

Reese thrives under pressure, embraces challenges, and plays with an intensity that is contagious.

While she has room to refine her defensive coverage, serve variety, and blocking technique, those are areas that will only grow stronger as she continues to train and gain experience against top competition. 

What cannot be taught, court vision, confidence, resilience, and leadership, are already her defining attributes.

As she looks forward to the college level, Reese Redman’s drive, adaptability, and leadership make her a high-ceiling prospect who is prepared to contribute at the next stage.