Incoming DHS Sophomore Haden Keilers is traveling a lot this summer as the athlete, who has played in competitive select teams in DFW, has joined the National Lady Dukes 2028 Premier Team and is playing softball across the country.
This summer, Haden will compete in some of the most prestigious tournaments in the country, traveling to Shawnee, Kansas; Atlanta, Georgia; Denver, Colorado; and Huntington Beach, California.
This selection comes as Keilers was ranked 23rd in the nation by Line Drive Media in its Hot 100 Player Rankings. During her seasons with select teams and Dublin Varsity Softball, she split her time between pitcher, shortstop, second base, third base and center field.
Keilers made an immediate impact during her freshman campaign at Dublin High School, posting eye-popping numbers including a .540 batting average, 22 RBIs, 3 home runs, 15 doubles, .593 on-base percentage, .860 slugging percentage, and 1.436 OPS.
These stats earned her a well-deserved spot on the District 8-3A All-District First Team.
All of these accomplishments are the product of a lot of work as Keilers had an ACL and meniscus tear in 2023.
“As a coach, it’s incredibly rewarding to witness an athlete like Haden rise to the moment,” said head DHS softball coach Vanessa Longoria. “From day one of her freshman season, she brought a level of commitment and game knowledge that’s rare at that age. She carried herself with experience and consistently helped her teammates bring out the best in themselves.”
“Her selection to play national select softball is a true reflection of the work she’s put in both on and off the field,” Longoria added. “I couldn’t be more proud of her, and I’m excited to see how far she’ll go in this game.”
Haden is the beloved daughter of Derrick Keilers, Richelle Keilers and Johnley Obina, granddaughter of Rhonda and Stanley Williams, and great-granddaughter of the late Kenneth and Norma Pendleton. Her great-grandfather, Kenneth, pitched in college and her father, Derrick, was a standout pitcher for the Hardin-Simmons University Cowboys following his graduation from Dublin High School in 2001. Haden’s love for the game came naturally—an inheritance of both talent and passion passed down through generations.