Pikes Peak region softball: Players to watch and top returning teams
The prep softball season will begin on Thursday as several area schools start their battle to the playoffs. Last season, the Pikes Peak region had multiple teams advance to the state tournament and make a push toward their respective title with several strong performances from players and schools.
Here are some of the area’s top returning players and the top five teams ahead of the 2026 season.
Top 10 players to watch
Stats and top 10 based on Gazette Preps’ 2025 Peak Performer lists
Olivia McEwen, jr., Widefield (2025 notable stats: .556 batting average, 48 runs, 50 hits)
McEwen led the Gladiators in a plethora of categories as a sophomore including wins, where the Widefield pitcher earned 21 in the circle along with a school-record 160 strikeouts.
Jocelynn Kalkman, sr., Vista Ridge (2025 notable stats: .543 batting average, 38 hits, five home runs)
Kalkman narrowly trailed Vista Ridge graduate Jaylani Jusino for the top spot on the team in several categories last season, but led the Wolves in doubles (16), slugging percentage (.988), and home runs (5).
Abigail Stenerson, so., Pine Creek (2025 notable stats: .615 on-base percentage, .925 slugging percentage, eight stolen bases)
The Eagles freshman shined in her debut season at Pine Creek and had a team-high 38 hits, 36 runs and a .567 batting average in 21 games.
Savanah Martinez, jr., Palmer Ridge (2025 notable stats: .969 fielding percentage, 49 runs, five triples)
The Bears return a slew of hitters with Martinez being one of the key cogs of that machine following her sophomore campaign where she ranked third on the team with 39 hits and third in batting average at .488.
Corinne Harlow, sr., Cheyenne Mountain (2025 notable stats: 10 home runs, 11 stolen bases, 38 RBIs)
Of the Red-Tailed Hawks’ 16 home runs, Harlow accounted for 10, which was more than triple the amount she had combined as a sophomore and freshman. Harlow’s 38 RBIs nearly doubled her total from her sophomore season when she had 22.
Kayleigh Garcia, jr., Palmer Ridge (2025 notable stats: 46 runs, .882 slugging percentage, 33 stolen bases)
In two seasons with the Bears, Garcia has 21 home runs including nine dingers last season. Garcia also boasts confidence on base and has 54 total stolen bases in 52 games.
Pam Boyarko, sr., Palmer Ridge (2025 notable stats: 144 strikeouts, 44 hits, 18 doubles)
Boyarko finished the year with 22 wins as the Bears’ ace and remained dominant in the batter’s box with a .506 average and 38 RBIs in 26 games.
Ada Wilson, sr., The Classical Academy (2025 notable stats: 21 stolen bases, 34 runs, .849 slugging percentage)
The lethality of Wilson’s arm led to 131 strikeouts in 79.1 innings last season and the Titans senior allowed just 65 hits and 42 earned runs.
Keira Finkle, sr., Air Academy (2025 notable stats: .537 batting average, .957 fielding percentage, 20 stolen bases)
Along with leading the Kadets in batting average as a junior, Finkle also led the team in runs (46), hits (51), slugging percentage (1.053), doubles (13), triples (9) and was second on the team with six homers.
Sailor Livingston, jr., Falcon (2025 notable stats: 14 stolen bases, .524 on-base percentage, .844 slugging percentage)
Livingston finished second on the team with three home runs and was third for the Falcons with 13 RBIs. Livingston also had 54 strikeouts in 34 innings and allowed 21 earned runs.
Top five returning teams
Based on 2025 performances, MaxPreps’ end-of-year rank
1. Palmer Ridge: 23-5, sixth
2. Pine Creek: 20-5, 21st
3. Air Academy: 18-8-1, 26th
4. Cheyenne Mountain: 19-7, 29th
5. Widefield: 23-4, 41st