In the story of Bri Ellis’s softball career, May 27 will be a date to remember.
Her historic run with the Arkansas Razorbacks has come to an end, but it was not the end of the road for Ellis on the diamond. She signed a professional contract with the Talons and will compete in the inaugural season of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League.
Later that evening, Ellis was named the 2025 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. The award was announced at the athlete banquet ahead of the start of the NCAA Women’s College World Series (WCWS). It is considered the most prestigious honor in college softball, recognizing outstanding athletic achievement among Division I softball players across the country.
There’s a reason Ellis was the first pick by the Talons at the 2025 AUSL College Draft. She is the 2025 SEC Player of the Year after leading the nation with a 1.189 slugging percentage and a .649 on-base percentage, while ranking third nationally with 26 home runs.
She’s become one of the most feared hitters in college softball, and for good reason. With only 15 strikeouts and a .440 batting average, Ellisa has been walked by pitchers 69 times this season.
The Talons formed an extremely versatile roster at the Allocation Draft, featuring sound pitching and defense. Ellis will create an opportunity for the team to bolster their batting lineup. The Talons will open the season versus the Bandits on June 7 in Rosemont, Illinois. Tickets are on sale now.
The AUSL is a professional women’s softball league featuring four teams playing in a traditional format during the regular season.
Savanna Collins is the Senior Reporter for the AUSL. You can follow her on X @savannaecollins.
