Skip to content
  • #10 KATRINA OVIEDO -- At No. 10 is the hardworking...

    #10 KATRINA OVIEDO -- At No. 10 is the hardworking Katrina Oviedo. This middle-infielder from Pacifica High School is the definition of the word "scrappy." She can hit, run, field and will make things happen. At only 5'2, she carries an impressive bat, and hit .327 last season. Oviedo ignites the Pacifica infield with her desire and love for the game, and I look for her to lead the Mariners this season. She is being recruited by the University of the Pacific, Wright State and San Diego State.

  • #8 KAYLA ANDERSON -- No.8 brings us senior standout, Kayla...

    #8 KAYLA ANDERSON -- No.8 brings us senior standout, Kayla Anderson. The niece of one of the county's all-time greats, Toni Mascarenas, it's in her genes to be one of Pacifica's best and most consistent hitters. Not only is she an offensive threat, her presence and knowledge of the game are immeasurable. She could be an immediate impact player for any college next season. She is being recruited by Wright State, Maryland and Utah State.

  • #6 KAYLEE PUAILOA -- At No.6 is sophomore Kaylee Puailoa....

    #6 KAYLEE PUAILOA -- At No.6 is sophomore Kaylee Puailoa. This left-handed hurler from Western High School was stunning last season, hitting .592 in her freshman campaign. Not only can she hit, but she also struck out 72 opponents in 12 games. She is being recruited by Tennessee.

  • #7 ALEXIS (A.C.) BORDEN -- Esperanza's A.C. Borden takes the...

    #7 ALEXIS (A.C.) BORDEN -- Esperanza's A.C. Borden takes the No. 7 spot. She is confident, and deserves to be. This junior has proven herself in one of the toughest leagues in Orange County, and looks to be a dominant factor for the Aztecs. Last season she posted a 2.05 ERA, and hopes to top that this season. Wanting to attend school in the Ivy League, she is still undecided, however, sources say she may pick Princeton.

  • #5 CASSANDRA ROULUND -- At No. 5 is junior centerfielder,...

    #5 CASSANDRA ROULUND -- At No. 5 is junior centerfielder, Cassandra Roulund. Hitting .324 last year as a sophomore, she is expected to ignite the Tesoro offense this season. Not only is she athletic, but she is smart as well, and is in the process of deciding between Stanford and Princeton. A member of the dominant OC Batbusters travel ball club, there's no question why she is one of the top 5 uncommitted players in the county.

  • #4 AUBREE MUNRO -- At No. 4 is Brea Olinda's...

    #4 AUBREE MUNRO -- At No. 4 is Brea Olinda's Aubree Munro. This stellar catcher has a cannon for an arm, and is quickly making noise within the college recruiting circle. She is a sophomore, very athletic, and a dual sport athlete. Not only can she play defense, but she is a threat in the batter's box as well. Already in communication with Alabama and Oregon, only time will tell where this young athlete will continue her softball career.

  • #3 CASEY AFRICANO -- At No. 3 is last year's...

    #3 CASEY AFRICANO -- At No. 3 is last year's "Sunset League Freshman of the Year" Casey Africano. She is a utility player and true leader. Africano is probably the most versatile player in Orange County. She plays outfield at Edison, and middle infield, the corners, and catcher with her travel-ball team. As a freshman she hit .434 in one of the toughest leagues in Orange County, and is quickly being considered one of the nation's top recruits. She's attracted the attention of the University of Oregon.

  • #2 ALLYSON HECHT -- No. 2 brings us Ally Hecht....

    #2 ALLYSON HECHT -- No. 2 brings us Ally Hecht. Coming off a tremendously successful sophomore campaign, this junior is ready to lead Edison. After hurling 104 innings last season, she posted a 0.88 era, holding opposing hitters to a .188 batting average. This fall she has been a force to be reckoned with, competing with the So Cal Explosion. Don't let her 5'6 height fool you. She has offers from Boston College and Long Beach State, but it's not likely she'll attend either.

  • #9 ERIKA CAMPBELL-- At No. 9 is Pacifica sophomore, Erika...

    #9 ERIKA CAMPBELL-- At No. 9 is Pacifica sophomore, Erika Campbell. This outfielder is most known for her impressive bat. After sitting out last year due to a transfer, she is ready to show Pacifica what she's got. Quickly making noise throughout the travel-ball circuit, she has already impressed Mike Candrea of the University of Arizona. Last year her father, Mark Campbell, was the Orange County's Coach of the Year. Can Erika match her dad and possibly contend for the Empire League's Newcomer of the Year? I think so.

  • #1 JESSICA PLAZA -- At No. 1 is Edison sophomore...

    #1 JESSICA PLAZA -- At No. 1 is Edison sophomore catcher, Jessica Plaza. Toted as one of top 2012 recruits in the nation, she has numerous scholarship offers to some of the most prestigious college softball programs in America. Plaza states she is leaning towards either Stanford or the University of Washington, however, she has a very tough decision ahead of her. Expect her presence behind the plate, and in the batter's box to lead Edison deep into CIF this season.

of

Expand
Author

Click on the photo to see a countdown.

Orange County is full of softball players who are being recruited by major universities around the country. These players have yet to reach the goal of receiving a college scholarship, but are so close they can taste it.

It was difficult to come up with a list. Players like Rylee Baisden (Esperanza), CJ Chirichigno (Mater Dei), Bethany Patterson (Mission Viejo), Nicole Schroeder (Esperanza), and Devin Vanderoff (El Modena) are getting a lot of attention from colleges, but they’re honorable mention on this list.

Here’s a list of Orange County’s top 10 players who have not yet committed to colleges. (Coming soon, a list of the county’s top freshman players).

Author Jennifer Schroeder is a former softball star at Esperanza High and UCLA. She is now a softball instructor and a contributor to ESPN Rise.