From many, there will be one. And while there’s still no guarantee contending athletes will win their own 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.

Andrea Kindrick

Junior pitcher, Russellville (Ark.)

Greatness Present: The state’s returning Gatorade Softball Player of the Year, Kindrick is picking up where she left off a year ago, leading the Cyclones to an 8-0 start with her arm and her bat.

The 5-foot-9 right-handed pitcher has earned all eight victories in the circle, collecting a 0.33 ERA and 94 strikeouts in 43 innings pitched. Kindrick has allowed just 13 hits and eight walks this season.

At the plate, the junior has batted .652 (15-for-23) with four homers, four doubles, 17 RBI and a 1.347 slugging percentage.

Greatness Past: A two-time Class 6A First Team All-State selection, Kindrick owned a 20-4 record with a 0.16 ERA and 287 strikeouts in 135 innings as a sophomore, leading Russellville to the 2013 Class 6A state title.

Greatness Future: Kindrick has verbally committed to Alabama.

Make no mistake: The Gatorade State Softball Player of the Year races aren’t over, and the National POY race is now 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.