Here are 20 position players in Washington high school softball to watch in 2023 WIAA postseason
From Redmond's Tia Milloy to Othello's Camryn McDonald, many of Washington’s top high school softball players are two-way position-player threats as hitters and defenders.
Based on their recent success, and on the recommendation of coaches throughout the state, here are SBLive’s 20 position players to watch in 2023 spring postseason.
Editor's note: Players only eligible for one list. SBLive tried sorting multi-position standouts in best position - or one they project to spend most time at. Also, players expected to miss much of season due to injury were not considered.
* 20 SOFTBALL PITCHERS TO WATCH IN 2023 SEASON
The list is broken up by classification, and names are listed in alphabetical order:
CLASS 4A
Photo by Todd Milles
Maleah Andrews, Bothell, senior
Also a WIAA championship volleyball player, this WWU softball signee just doesn't swing at bad pitches (.470 BA, leads 4A KingCo in walks) at the plate.
Brooke Baker, Bothell, senior
Arizona Christian University infield signee got No. 1 Cougars rolling early with home runs in four consecutive games - against some of top pitchers in state (10 HR total).
Ally Hetzel, Mount Si, sophomore
Her ability to pounce, both as a right-handed power hitter (11 HR, .515 BA) and defensively at catcher is striking. Voted 4A KingCo offensive MVP this spring.
Tia Milloy, Redmond, junior
Despite being hampered by injuries, University of Oklahoma commit (and 2022 4A KingCo MVP) still has had fantastic season (.629 BA, 10 XBH in 35 ABs).
Samantha Rohwer, Kamiak, senior
With sound swing mechanics and balance, Bryant University signee is sight to behold in batter's box. Been known to take elite pitching deep (eight HR this spring)
Kyra Smith, Puyallup, junior
Some hit regular home runs - and others such as this Colorado State third baseman commit have light-tower power (10 HR, .455 BA). 4A SPSL's most feared hitter.
Rachel Sysum, Jackson, junior
Big rebound junior season for Fresno State shortstop commit who has carried Timberwolves' offense with her rocket shots. Set school record with 13 home runs.
Gabi Toney, Inglemoor, junior
Epitome of smooth - both as a slick-moving defender at shortstop and her ability to hit to all gaps. No wonder 4A KingCo first teamer is headed to UW.
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CLASS 3A
Photo by Lauren Smith/The News Tribune
Emi Connell, Liberty of Issaquah, sophomore
State leader in home runs (18) as a sophomore, her presence in cleanup spot has given Patriots big-time run producer - whether at catcher or designed player.
Kyla Cross, Bonney Lake, junior
If you like plate coverage and power to all fields from leadoff spot - this Linfield signee is your type. Also has one of strongest throwing arms from outfield around.
Alexis DeBoer, Bellevue, junior
Does it matter what infield position she plays? Her bat (.679 BA, 13 HR) is what will enable her to crack a Pac-12 lineup. Daughter of UW football coach Kalen DeBoer.
Jing Gardner, Chief Sealth, senior
A vacuum at shortstop defensively, she makes difficult plays looks easy. And if last spring's 3A Metro MVP gets on base - watch out. Signed with UW as an outfielder.
Emma Hansen, Snohomish, senior
Not much the Everett CC shortstop signee hasn't done for the 3A-contending Panthers - especially dialing in her power stroke (12 HR, .514 BA).
Raquelle Justice, Walla Walla, senior
A three-time all-4A/3A MCC catcher, she's been one of the most consistent performers the league (.556 BA) has seen in a while. Headed to Utah Valley.
Jessica Waters, Mount Spokane, senior
Most dangerous hitter in Spokane. Her right-handed swing generates so much bat speed, two-time 4A/3A GSL MVP locks in on fences - and beyond (33 career HR).
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CLASS 2A
Camryn McDonald photo courtesy of Othello athletics
Maddie Knowles, Cedarcrest, senior
Not sure what is more impressive with the Iowa State catcher signee - the rocket arm behind the plate or the rocket blasts (10 HR this year) she sends to outer space.
Courtney Locke, Burlington-Edison, senior
Doesn't say a whole lot, but this 2022 co-Northwest Conference offensive MVP flashes big run-producing bat (.473 BA, five HR). Signed with Indian Hills CC.
Camryn McDonald, Othello, senior
Huskies have had some great players - and Idaho State shortstop signee is as good as any of them (.773 BA, nine HR), especially on defense.
Mallory Vancleave, Ridgefield, junior
Reigning 2A GSHL MVP terrorizes teams in variety of ways - from leadoff spot (.558 BA, four HR) and with that college-ready arm at shortstop. Fresno State pledge.
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CLASS 1A-B
Photo courtesy of Cal State Bakersfield athletics
Hailey Brooks, Mossyrock, senior
How dangerous is she leading off? Rival Naselle intentionally walked her 21 times total a year ago. Plays shortstop for Vikings, but likely an outfielder at Cal State Bakersfield.
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Others to watch: Candice Adams, Battle Ground, jr.; Laila Carpenter, Glacier Peak, sr.; Hayden Downer, Seattle Prep, fr.; Bella Ely, Juanita, sr.; Alosina Fuiava, Decatur, jr.; Alyssa Hoff, Olympia, sr.; Jadyn Holdren, Southridge, soph.; Brooke Jett, South Kitsap, sr.; Addison Lawrence, Royal, sr.; Madison Lee, Roosevelt, soph.; Brooklyn Loose, Adna, sr.; Riley Peschek, Gig Harbor, sr.; Isabel Quintanilla, Emerald Ridge, sr.; Shelby Southard, Cedar Park Christian, fr.; Tori Trotter, Timberline, sr.
