How and Who to Watch: 2025 Georgia High School Softball State Championships

When: October 29–November 1, 2025
Where: South Commons Softball Complex – Columbus, GA
Tickets: Available exclusively on GoFan
Streaming: NFHS (Games listed on Elite Eight Brackets)
Bracket: GHSA Playoffs

GHSA Softball Championship Tournament Update
Due to inclement weather expected in the Columbus area on Wednesday, the GHSA is announcing a schedule adjustment for the start of the Softball Championship Tournament. Unfortunately, the Opening Ceremonies have been canceled. Competition will now begin on Wednesday evening with games beginning at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Thursday’s action will start at 10:00 AM and wrap up after the 6:00 PM games. Friday will also begin at 10:00 AM and end after the 4:00 PM contests. Saturday’s games will start at 9:00 AM and the finals will conclude after the 3:00 PM first pitch, if necessary.

Future College Stars Set to Shine on Georgia’s Biggest Stage

The 2025 GHSA Fast Pitch Softball State Championships kick off Wednesday in Columbus, Georgia, at the historic South Commons Complex, home to some of the best high school softball in the country. With eight divisions converging for a double-elimination battle to crown state champions, the four-day event will showcase elite-level talent, many already featured in national recruiting rankings.

From powerhouse programs like Buford and East Coweta to private-school dynasties, the field is stacked with Division I commits and future collegiate standouts.

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6A Division: Buford’s Redemption Tour

The 6A Division features the nation’s No. 1-ranked team, the Buford Wolves (per MaxPreps), who enter Columbus looking for redemption after finishing runner-up to East Coweta last season in the “if necessary” championship game.

Buford’s roster reads like a who’s who of Power Five talent. Caroline Stanton, the No. 1-ranked player in the 2026 class and a Florida commit, headlines one of the deepest and most dominant pitching staffs in the state alongside Top- 10 LSU commit Addie Rackley. South Carolina commit Kadyn Gabrels, Oklahoma State commit Janie Goldin, and Mississippi State commit Brooklyn Atha and Georgia Tech commit Summer Castorri anchor an explosive lineup capable of producing runs in bunches.

Should Buford and East Coweta meet again, expect fireworks and plenty of chirping between two programs that have dominated Georgia softball.

East Coweta, Archer, and the Contenders

East Coweta, led by dynamic ace Jada Savage with over 800 career strikeouts, returns looking to defend the title with eight seniors on the roster. The 4x state champions will be tested early against Archer High School with four-star infielder Mia Johnson and a potent offense powered by Mariah Maze and two-way standout Cayleigh Curinton. Both have been reliable run producers throughout postseason play.

Elsewhere in 6A, North Cobb’s Leah Byrd — a four-star middle infielder — has guided the Warriors to their third straight state appearance, while Brookwood’s Keren Leal (Troy commit) remains a key leader at the plate.

Private Division: Wesleyan’s Star Power

In the Private Division, five-star Florida commit Shayla Bahr will once again be the centerpiece for Wesleyan (26–3). A fleet-footed outfielder who also plays shortstop for her high school team, Bahr combines speed, range, and pop at the top of the Wolves’ lineup.

Backing her is four-star Ole Miss commit Avery Tucker, one of Georgia’s top players, and Furman commit Jessica Epps, a workhorse in the circle capable of carrying Wesleyan deep into the bracket.

Their opening matchup — a rematch against Whitefield Academy — brings intrigue after Wesleyan’s 13–3 win earlier this season behind a 16-hit offensive outburst. Whitefield’s Cece Springfield, a powerful lefthander with legit home-run pop, and sophomore Alivia Mitchell, an emerging arm in the circle, give the Wolfpack a fighting chance to flip the script.

Other Divisions to Watch

• 5A Division: Veterans High School boasts an impressive lineup, anchored by Duke commit Riz White, whose consistency and leadership have been pivotal to the team’s success.
• 4A Division: Anna Bardeen (Virginia Tech commit) and Lyla Morici (Alabama commit) lead Kell High School into Columbus, setting up a must-watch duel with Cartersville’s Zoie Shiflett, another four-star talent.
• 3A Division: West Laurens rides into state behind four-star Jacely Hogan, one of the top hitters in her class.
• Class A Division I: Bacon County’s Asher Thompson, a four-star Auburn commit, is another elite prospect to watch.

The GHSA Championships continue to be a proving ground for the next generation of college softball talent — and this year’s field is no different. From Power Four commits to rising underclass stars, Columbus, Georgia will once again be the center of the softball world this week.