Georgia a hotbed for high school softball recruiting; where will the best-of-the-best play college ball?

By -- Seth Ellerbee

The GHSA softball season has been over since early November and the latest season featured some of the best players in the state leaving it all on the field before graduating to take their talents to various college programs around the nation.

In the opening softball recruiting post, let us look at some of the players who completed their high school careers and where they are heading for college competition in the Power Four conferences.

Highlighting the departing players is North Oconee star Kendall Wells, who will take her talents to four-time defending champions Oklahoma and will play for head coach Patty Gasso. The Sooners have dominated the collegiate softball world under Gasso and won championships in 2000, the programs first, before capturing titles in 2013, 2016, 2017 and each of the past four seasons, including an 8-4 victory against Texas in the 2024 championship.

East Coweta star pitcher Jada Savage, who led the Indians to a Class 6A state championship victory against Buford 4-3 in a decisive Game 3 in Columbus in November, will play at Mississippi. East Cowetas star shortstop Madison Duffel, will play at Georgia Tech.

Speaking of Buford, which has won 12 state championships, it graduated Caroline Stanton, who will travel to Florida to play collegiately. Theres Veterans infielder Kharisma White, known as Riz, who will play at Duke alongside Northside-Columbus star outfielder Laci Martinez.

Take a glance at some of the top college-bound players below.

Class of 2025

Oklahoma

Kendall Wells, North Oconee

Duke

Laci Martinez, Northside-Columbus

Kharisma Riz White, Veterans

Georgia Tech

Madison Duffel, East Coweta

Pittsburgh

Gracie Helton, Gordon Lee

Class of 2026

The University of Florida

Caroline Stanton, Buford

Shayla Bahr, Wesleyan

Nina Carcone, Woodstock

Texas A&M

Aubrey Moore, Allatoona

Milan Torres, Seckinger

Auburn University

Cece Springfield, Whitefield Academy

Leah Byrd, North Cobb

Mississippi

Jada Savage, East Coweta

Avery Tucker, Wesleyan

Louisiana State University

Addie Rackley, Buford

University of South Carolina

Kayden Gabrels, Buford

Alex Williams, Stockbridge

University of Arkansas

Mia Johnson, Archer