Aspen Boulware, the No. 1 overall player in the 2027 class, has officially committed to South Carolina softball, delivering what many consider the biggest recruiting win in the program’s history. Her decision marks a defining moment for the Gamecocks as they continue building a national contender.
South Carolina’s recruiting momentum has been steadily climbing under second-year head coach Ashley Chastain-Woodard, but Boulware’s pledge elevates it to unprecedented heights. Landing the top-ranked prospect not only strengthens the roster but also signals South Carolina’s growing reputation as a destination for elite softball talent.
A standout five-star infielder from Gray Collegiate, Boulware was one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation. She ultimately chose South Carolina over powerhouse programs such as Oklahoma, Florida State, Georgia, Florida, and Texas Tech, underscoring the Gamecocks’ remarkable success in her recruitment.
Boulware’s commitment is more than just a high-profile signing it’s a statement that South Carolina is ready to compete at the highest level of college softball. Her talent, combined with the program’s upward trajectory, sets the stage for a bright future in Columbia.
Ranked as the No. 1 player in the class of 2027 by Softball America/On3, Aspen Boulware also holds the top spot as both the No. 1 middle infielder in her class and the No. 1 overall prospect in South Carolina. Her commitment adds star power to the Gamecocks’ roster.
A Midlands native, Boulware grew up well-acquainted with the South Carolina softball program. She was particularly inspired by the team’s remarkable postseason run last year, when the Gamecocks came just one out away from reaching the Women’s College World Series, a performance that raised the program’s national profile.
Her connection to the program deepened during her camp experience at South Carolina this past summer, where she got to know the coaching staff, the facilities, and the team culture firsthand. The visit left a lasting impression and played a key role in her decision.
Boulware shared with GamecockCentral last month that the camp helped her feel more comfortable with the program and convinced her that South Carolina was the right place to develop her game and pursue her championship aspirations.
“There’s a lot of girls there that I knew just from like, there was a girl from Lexington, Karley (Shelton), and then Precious Bross,” Boulware said. “She transferred from Georgia. She played at Irmo. And so just being able to have conversations with those girls while I’m in the camp was very nice. I could ask them questions and stuff like that. And so I really like that it was very homey. Whenever we go, they’re saying’s like, ‘Welcome Home,’ and so that really transferred into the camp. But yeah, I really enjoyed it. They let me be myself there, and the team, they’re really nice.”
Aspen Boulware’s athletic pedigree is impressive, as she hails from a family deeply rooted in sports excellence. Her background has played a significant role in shaping her competitive drive and passion for the game.
Her mother, Jessica van der Linden, is a name well-known in the softball world. A former All-American at Florida State, van der Linden remains one of the most decorated players in the program’s history.
Van der Linden’s accomplishments on the diamond set a high standard and provided Aspen with both inspiration and guidance from a young age. Growing up under the influence of such a celebrated athlete gave her unique insight into what it takes to excel at the highest level.
This strong family foundation, combined with Aspen’s own talent and determination, has made her one of the most sought-after softball prospects in the nation and a transformative addition for South Carolina’s future.
Sports run deep in Aspen Boulware’s family tree. Her father, Michael Boulware, and uncle, Peter Boulware, are both well-known figures in South Carolina athletics. The brothers first made their mark at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, then went on to star at Florida State before enjoying successful careers in the NFL.
Now, Aspen is forging her own legacy as the top softball prospect in the country. Her recent commitment to South Carolina marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Boulware family, adding another layer to their long-standing connection to Palmetto State athletics.
In a conversation with GamecockCentral last month, Aspen spoke highly of South Carolina’s coaching staff. “Coach Ashley gave very like mom vibes, I like that,” she said of head coach Ashley Chastain-Woodard, explaining that while the head coach primarily works with pitchers, her personality made a strong impression.
She also praised assistant coach Katie, describing her as more intense but fair a style she’s comfortable with given her father’s football background. “I want to be told what I need to do to fix it,” Aspen said. “Having the two to balance each other is important to me. So I like that about USC.”
The 2024-2025 Gatorade Player of the Year in South Carolina, Aspen Boulware put together a remarkable sophomore season, leading Gray Collegiate Academy to a state championship under head coach Doug Frye. Her dominance at the plate and versatility in the field cemented her status as the nation’s top softball prospect.
Boulware posted eye-popping numbers during the title run, batting .573 with 22 home runs. 67 runs scored, and 44 RBI. She also added nine doubles, eight triples, and drew 34 walks while stealing 26 bases. Her production resulted in a staggering .696 on-base percentage and an incredible 2.379 OPS, underscoring her all-around offensive power.
Her talent shone on the international stage as well. At the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup Finals last week, Boulware earned a spot on the All-World Team after hitting. 588 across six games. She tallied two home runs with an impressive 1.926 OPS while showcasing her athleticism in center field,
These accomplishments highlight Boulware’s rare combination of power, speed, and defensive skill, making her a game-changing addition for South Carolina softball as she continues to build an already stellar résumé.
South Carolina softball has been on a remarkable recruiting surge in recent weeks, steadily climbing the national rankings. The Gamecocks’ efforts have paid off, as their 2027 recruiting class is now ranked No. 9 in the country, a testament to the program’s growing appeal under coach Ashley Chastain-Woodard.
This hot streak has been highlighted by the addition of elite talent, headlined by Aspen Boulware, the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect. Her commitment not only boosts the team’s immediate outlook but also raises the program’s profile on the national stage.
The strong class reflects the coaching staff’s dedication to building a foundation of top-tier athletes who can compete against the country’s perennial powerhouses. South Carolina’s upward momentum signals that the program is positioning itself for sustained success.
By landing highly ranked recruits and assembling one of the best incoming classes in school history, the Gamecocks are demonstrating their intent to become a regular contender on the national stage and to challenge for future Women’s College World Series appearances.
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