College Softball's Top Shortstops Entering 2021

By Austin Wales
on December 7, 2020

The shortstop in softball is arguably the most important position player on the field behind the catcher. Due to the communication skills that are necessary to keep the infield and outfield on the same page, as well as the sheer number of balls that get hit to the position, shortstops are vital parts of any softball team's defensive success.

As we look ahead to the 2021 college softball season, we at Softball America are taking some time to examine a handful of the top college players at each position on the field.

See below for three of the best shortstops in the college game today.

Grace Lyons

Oklahoma, Junior

Lyons, who has been a two-year starter at shortstop for the Sooners, is a leader on the 2021 Oklahoma team. There is a reason why she has been a starter since her freshman year for a prestigious program like Oklahoma and that is because she can get it done both offensively and with her glove.

Defensively, Lyons had a .950 fielding percentage, with four errors and six double plays during the shortened 2020 season. We expect her to hold it down at short once again for the Sooners this spring.

Jessie Harper

Arizona, Senior

Arizona's Jessie Harper has the opportunity to become college softball's home run queen in 2021. While she's undoubtedly one of the best power hitters in NCAA history, she can also change the game with her glove at shortstop.

Defensively, Harper had a solid season during the abbreviated 2020 campaign. She posted a .975 fielding percentage with two double plays and only two errors for the Wildcats.

Sis Bates

Washington, Senior

Washington's Sis Bates is arguably the best defender in college softball today, and is even considered by many to be one of the best in the sport's history. Bates, also known as softball's human highlight reel, has one final college season left to wow fans of the Huskies and the sport at large.

The two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year will unquestionably put on a show in Washington's middle infield, no matter what the 2021 season looks like.