Vote in the People’s Choice semifinals to name the softball player of the year
This round’s voting will close Monday with voting for the championship beginning Tuesday.
Olivia Bennett 
The race to crown the 2026 Alabama softball player of the year in the 205focus.com People’s Choice Award is heating up. All four top-seeded athletes have punched their tickets to the semifinals, setting the stage for a high-stakes finish.
This NCAA tournament-style bracket features eight of the state's top performers. Fans have until Monday to cast their votes for the semifinal round, with the championship round set to kick off on Tuesday.
RELATED: See the full ASWA all-state softball team for 2026
The competition follows a successful inaugural year in 2025, when former Saraland star and current South Alabama standout Gracie Dees claimed the title as the first People’s Choice winner.
Meet the Semifinalists
Below are the four remaining contenders vying for the top spot. Make sure to cast your votes in both polls.
1. Corey Goguts, OF/IF, Hewitt-Trussville, Sr.
The Ole Miss signee and Alabama Sports Writers Association Miss Softball enjoyed a spectacular senior campaign. Goguts finished with a .618 batting average, a staggering 2.140 OPS, 29 home runs, 14 doubles, 11 triples, 91 RBIs, and 109 runs.
2. Katie King, IF, Orange Beach, Sr.
As the Class 4A Player of the Year, the Arkansas signee was a catalyst for the state champion Makos. King batted .536 with 17 home runs, 13 doubles, seven triples, and 59 RBIs, while also racking up 77 runs and 24 stolen bases.
3. Emily Needham, P, Saint James, Sr.
Needham dominated the circle to earn Class 3A Player of the Year honors. The South Alabama signee posted a 30-3 record with a 0.96 ERA, 327 strikeouts, 11 shutouts, five no-hitters, and two perfect games.
4. Myleigh Dobbins, P, Saraland, Sr.
The Class 6A Player of the Year led Saraland to its first-ever Class 6A state championship. Dobbins finished her senior season with a 24-6 record, a 1.63 ERA, 189 strikeouts, and a sharp 0.80 WHIP.
If you have trouble viewing the polls, you can click here to vote in the first matchup or click here to vote in the second matchup.
