After leaving no doubt who Nevada's top high school softball star was in 2025, Palo Verde shortstop Taylor Johns has been named the state's Gatorade Softball Player of the Year.
The Georgia commit hit .642 with 11 homers, 39 RBI, and an over-the-top 2.225 OPS. Johns led the Panthers to an undefeated (25-0) season, NIAA 5A state crown, and No. 19 season-end national ranking per MaxPreps. She also shined on the base paths and in the field, stealing 14 bags, scoring 44 runs, and committing just two errors for a .970 fielding percentage.
The Panthers are believed to be the first ever undefeated NIAA state champion, and they did it at the 5A level.
Johns already turned in an outstanding sophomore campaign a year ago when Palo Verde went 21-9, but her leap in 2025 was the stuff of legend. She improved her BA by .191, her OBP by .130, and her OPS by .696. She also totaled two more long balls and nine more RBI despite playing in five fewer games and 26 fewer plate appearances. At shortstop she recorded five fewer errors despite dropping from 109 total chances to 67.
Palo Verde will graduate a few key starters but return most of its core in 2026, so look out for Johns and company to maintain their tremendous success from this spring.
I’m so excited to announce my commitment to the University of Georgia!! Thank you to everyone who has helped me through this process! GO DAWGS!!! @UGACoachTony @Syd_finch @chelsw20 @MikeDavo17 pic.twitter.com/4r4EJlLCEq
— Taylor Johns (@TaylorJohns2026) October 6, 2024