OKLAHOMA CITY — University of Arkansas standout Bri Ellis made history as the first player from her program to receive the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award. She was presented with the honor during the 2025 NCAA Women’s College World Series banquet in Oklahoma City. Now in its 23rd season, the award recognizes the top Division I softball player in the country, and Ellis becomes just the fifth position player to earn the title since it was introduced in 2002.
“This award means so much to the sport, and to know I’ll always be part of its history is incredible,” Ellis said. “I’m extremely proud of myself and my team, because individual awards don’t happen without team success. My coaches played a huge role in my journey, and I’m grateful for them every day.”
Historic Offensive Season
Ellis delivered one of the most dominant offensive seasons in recent NCAA history. She led the nation with a 1.142 slugging percentage and a .646 on-base percentage, while batting .457 with 58 hits, including nine doubles and 26 home runs. She drove in 72 runs and totaled 145 bases, finishing the season with an OPS of 1.788 — a mark that would be the highest recorded since OPS tracking began in 2016.
Record-Breaking Production
At Arkansas, Ellis set single-season program records for both home runs (26) and RBIs (72), and she also tied the SEC single-season record for home runs. She became the first player since 2010 to rank in the top two nationally in both home runs per game (0.51) and walks per game (1.24) during the regular season, hitting a home run once every 4.88 at-bats.
National Rankings and Conference Honors
Across the country, Ellis ranked among the top players in multiple categories:
- Batting Average: 8th (.457)
- Home Runs: 3rd (26)
- On-Base Percentage: 1st (.646)
- RBIs per Game: 9th (1.31)
- Slugging Percentage: 1st (1.142)
- Walks per Game: 2nd (1.16)
Her all-around performance earned her 2025 SEC Player of the Year, along with First Team All-SEC and All-SEC Defensive Team honors.
Finalists for the 2025 Award
Joining Ellis as finalists for the 2025 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year were Jordy Bahl of Nebraska, the Big Ten Pitcher and Player of the Year, and NiJaree Canady of Texas Tech, the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year.
Legacy of the Award
Past recipients of the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award include many of the sport’s most iconic names, such as Stacey Nuveman, Cat Osterman, Monica Abbott, Danielle Lawrie, Keilani Ricketts, Rachel Garcia, Jocelyn Alo, Valerie Cagle, and most recently NiJaree Canady in 2024. The list reflects a tradition of excellence that continues with Ellis’s historic season.
How the Winner Is Selected
The award is determined by a nationwide vote that includes Division I conference coaching representatives from all USA Softball regions, members of the national media who regularly cover collegiate softball, and previous winners of the award.