Way-too-early candidates to be Alabama’s Miss Softball in 2027
With the 23rd Miss Softball now awarded, who’s in line to be No. 24?
Olivia Bennett 
The 23rd Alabama Miss Softball award has been handed out, with Hewitt-Trussville superstar Corey Goguts taking home the honors from the Alabama Sports Writers Association. The Ole Miss signee capped off a phenomenal senior campaign with a .618 batting average, a 2.140 OPS, 29 home runs, and 91 RBIs, helping lead the Huskies to a Class 7A championship title.
RELATED: Check out the 2026 ASWA all-state softball team
With the 23rd Miss Softball trophy now sitting in a trophy case, the focus immediately shifts to the future. Who will rise to the top of the state to claim the 24th honor next June? Here is a look at some of the early contenders heading into the 2027 season.
Top Contenders to Watch
Lalah Culpepper, Wetumpka: The Class 6A Hitter of the Year dominated in 2026, posting a .516 average and a 1.762 OPS. She finished her junior season with 21 home runs, 20 doubles, 10 triples, and 83 RBIs, while also dealing a 2.02 ERA with 118 strikeouts in the circle.
MK McMullan, Orange Beach: As a sophomore, the Class 4A Pitcher of the Year went 32-1 with a staggering 0.44 ERA and 212 strikeouts. The Class 4A tournament MVP, who helped the Makos secure their sixth straight championship, also proved lethal at the plate with a .443 average, 13 home runs, and 65 RBIs.
Anleigh Wood, Wicksburg: The Class 3A Hitter of the Year enters the conversation after a monster sophomore year. Wood batted .580 with a 1.976 OPS, mashing 27 home runs and 19 doubles while contributing 57 RBIs and 70 runs scored.
Lily Brewer, Auburn: An Ohio State commit, Brewer earned first-team all-state honors as a pitcher with a 1.40 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and 201 strikeouts in 155 innings. She also chipped in at the plate, hitting .325 with 38 hits.
Anna Claire Cole, Saraland: A junior standout for the Class 6A state champion Spartans, Cole finished the year with a .469 average, a 1.369 OPS, 16 home runs, and 72 RBIs.
Braylynn Pope, Hackleburg: The Class 1A Player of the Year was a force, batting .612 with 15 homers and 27 doubles for the state runners-up. She also maintained a 2.03 ERA and a 25-8 record on the mound with 216 strikeouts.
McKinley McCaghren, Lawrence County: A Chattanooga commit, the Class 5A Player of the Year recorded a 1.84 ERA with 185 strikeouts and finished with a 27-2 record. She also tallied 23 doubles and 41 RBIs this season.
Kate Flanagan, Vestavia Hills: Even as an eighth-grader, Flanagan commanded the field, earning Class 7A Pitcher of the Year and a spot on the Super All-State team. She posted a 1.04 ERA, a 0.83 WHIP, and 141 strikeouts while hitting .415 with five home runs.
Aubrey Machen, Lincoln: The North Alabama commit earned Class 5A Hitter of the Year honors by hitting .538 with a 2.028 OPS. She powered the Lincoln offense with 23 home runs and 21 doubles.
Hanna Kimbrell, Winfield: Committed to Jacksonville State, Kimbrell had a standout junior year, batting .717 with a 2.207 OPS, 25 home runs, 31 doubles, and an impressive 109 RBIs.
More Names to Watch
- Khloe Broadwater, IF/C, Central-Phenix City
- Kelsey Burden, OF, Thompson
- Jayde Palmer, IF, Orange Beach
- Ralee Dunagan, IF/OF, Curry
- Harper Myers, P/IF, Lamar County
- Georgia Chancellor, P/IF, Springville
- Mylee Stagner, UTL, Faith Academy
- Taylor Poland, OF, Orange Beach
- Paige Welch, IF/P, Houston Academy
- Autumn Ingle, P, Thompson
- Aubrey Bethune, C/IF, West Limestone
- Kherington Keith, IF, Pell City
- Presley Hull, OF/DH, Hewitt-Trussville
