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Gentry headlines flurry of Top 150 2027 commitments

Screenshot 2024-07-31 at 7.46.34 PMby: Brady Vernon09/19/25BradyVernon
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Softball America’s 2027 Top 150 players are quickly flying off the board. On Thursday, we saw numerous top-end talents announce their verbal commitments to their future homes.

No. 11 recruit Riley Hilliard started with her commitment to Oklahoma as the Sooners prepare for a busy weekend in Norman, hosting a group of players, including five-star outfielder Finlee Williams.

Four-star catcher Riley Hilliard commits to Oklahoma

Four-star catcher Hollynn Gentry committed to Texas Tech after also taking visits to Oklahoma and Ole Miss. The Athletic Mercado star is currently ranked 13th overall in the 2027 rankings.

Gentry is explosive offensively and attacks with power in every swing. She can drive the ball deep to all parts of the park. The California native has an elite-level arm to complement her athleticism and mobility behind the plate.

Taylor Workman from Warrior Academy became Clemson’s second four-star commit and third overall of the 2027 class. Workman is 60th overall in our rankings

Workman is an explosive middle infielder with an elite skill set. She can cover a ton of ground on defense, has a strong arm, and has the unique combination of power and speed at the plate.

Auburn, which came into the week with the third-ranked 2027 class, added four-star infielder Jenna Rapp, who also visited Alabama.

The infielder from the EC Bullets Schnute/Bilz squad has good feet, is aware of her body in space, and can make plays with ease. She has an elite arm, soft hands, and the makings of a high-level middle infielder at the next level. Offensively, Rapp has proven she can drive home run balls and go gap to gap consistently.

Brooke Donofrio committed to Maryland. She has a strong presence on the mound and the ability to shoulder a lot of innings. The top-rated player from New Jersey has a good late break and throws a heavy down ball, forcing a ton of ground ball outs.

“I chose Maryland because the second I stepped on campus, I knew I was home,” Donofrio said. “Coach Lauren (Karn) has built an amazing team culture, which is centered around one big Terp family. I love being able to get a Top 20 public university education while playing Power Four competition in the Big Ten. The campus environment and distance from home were the perfect fit for me. When I got on my visit, the team and coaches were so welcoming and I left knowing I was going to be a Terp.”

Penn State added the big bat of Addison Sabers from Kansas and the BC Peppers Wallace organization. She has the ability to hit some monster home runs at the next level. Has a smooth, strong, powerful swing from the left side that can adjust to different pitch speeds and planes.

“I chose Penn State because from the moment I connected with the coaching staff,” Sabers said. “I felt seen—not just as a player, but as a person. The culture, the energy, and the pride in the program were everything I was looking for. I knew it was a place where I could grow, be challenged, and truly thrive both on and off the field. I’m honored to be a part of something so special and excited to represent the Blue and White.”

Stanford added its second four-star recruit with Peyton Tsao, a four-star middle infielder from the Firecrackers organization.

“My first ever camp was at Stanford when I was 8 years old. My hometown is just 20 minutes away, and I’ve grown up watching Stanford softball play,” Tsao said. “I’ve dreamed of playing there ever since. Regardless of location, I chose Stanford for its championship mindset – not only on the field but in the classroom. The support Stanford gives to women’s athletics is one of a kind. The coaching staff represents that motivation, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to play for Coach Allister, Coach Merchant, Coach Groenewegen and Coach Tooly. When talking to Coach Allister, she emphasized both athletics and academics and how special it is to be part of the Stanford community. I felt welcomed from the very beginning, and that’s when I knew I had found my home.”

Zailey Freeman committed to Michigan State as Sharonda McDonald-Kelley is shaping up to have her best recruiting class since taking over in East Lansing. Freeman is an infielder from the Hotshot organization, who is a solid defender and puts pressure on the defense when she steps up to the plate.

“First, Coach Sho, her entire staff, and incredible facilities are exactly what I’ve ever wanted in a softball program,” Freeman said. “And getting my degree in East Lansing is a dream come true. The campus is beautiful and MSU felt like home from the start.”

A pair of Mid-Majors picked up big commitments in the backend of the Top 150 rankings. Taylor Smartt nabbed catcher Josie Bohannon from the Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier Alford/Rocky team. She’s a strong defender behind the plate.

Righty Courtney Wahlbrink is headed to Charlotte. The Rock Gold pitcher from Florida limits hard contact, using her spin to induce a lot of groundballs.

More from Softball America:

2027 Top 150 Rankings
2027 Team Rankings
2028 Recruiting Watch List

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