With the softball season just weeks away, it’s the time of year for preseason team and player rankings. Major outlets Softball America and D1 Softball have both put out their top player lists. Softball America has also released its preseason Top 25 team rankings. The Arizona Wildcats feature prominently as individuals and as a group.
SA released its top 100 players list last week. Arizona outfielders Dakota Kennedy (34) and Regan Shockey (59) both made the grade. It also published its freshman watch list. Arizona catcher/utility Emma Kavanagh, third baseman Jenna Sniffen, and pitcher Sarah Wright made the outlet’s list of rookies to keep an eye on.
D1 Softball is higher on Arizona’s individual players. Its preseason top 100 list includes three Wildcats. In addition to Kennedy (17) and Shockey (47) being ranked higher than on SA’s list, the publication also includes redshirt senior Devyn Netz (69).
Netz catches D1’s eye again in its preseason player power rankings. While she doesn’t make the list of the top 15 pitchers, she is No. 5 among dual-threat pitchers for those who have an impact both in the circle and the batter’s box. Battery mate Sydney Stewart comes in at No. 14 on the list of top catchers.
This week, Softball America’s preseason top 25 poll puts Arizona at No. 14. It’s one of four Big 12 teams to make the rankings, joining Oklahoma State (4), Texas Tech (9), and Baylor (16).
Arizona plays its first games of the year in a doubleheader against Michigan State on Thursday, Feb. 8.