From many, there will be one. While there’s no guarantee contending athletes will win their state at this point in the season, a number of elite performers are making a case for Gatorade National Softball Player of the Year consideration. Here’s the scoop on the latest top candidate.

Bre Macha
Junior pitcher/first baseman, Red Mountain (Mesa, Ariz.)

Greatness Present: The 5-foot-6 junior powered the Mountain Lions (33-5) to a fourth straight Division I state title, pitching every inning of Red Mountain’s unbeaten five-game postseason run, including the 9-5 title-clinching win over Chaparral (Scottsdale, Ariz.) on Monday.

Macha owned a 19-4 record in the circle this season with a 2.09 ERA and 200 strikeouts in 151 innings-pitched. At the plate, Macha batted .380 with eight home runs and 31 RBI.

Greatness Past: A returning All-Division I First Team selection, Macha has been the winning pitcher in each of Red Mountain’s last three state title games.

Greatness Future: Macha has verbally committed to Arizona State.

Make no mistake: The Gatorade State Softball Player of the Year races aren’t over, and the National POY race is heating up. Time remains for one standout student-athlete among thousands to rise to the top of our list.Check back for daily updates on the top contenders making their case.