LOUISVILLE, Ky. – As her slugging numbers maintained astronomical levels after the rigors of Southeastern Conference play, Bri Ellis advanced as one of 10 finalists for the 2022 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year award.
Ellis is the only SEC student-athlete to eligible for this year's award.
The most powerful bat in the Tiger lineup, 18 of Ellis's 42 hits this season are home runs. Ellis leads all SEC freshmen and ranks third for most home runs in the league. Ellis ranks 13th nationally in total home runs. Ellis currently is fifth in the SEC with a 0.35 home runs per game average.
Ellis is just the second Auburn freshman in program history to slug at least 10 home runs in their debut season. The Houston, Texas, native is tied with three-time Auburn All-American Kasey Cooper for the program's freshman home run record. Ellis is also tied for fifth overall in Auburn single-season history for home runs.
Adding eight doubles and a triple to her power numbers, Ellis currently stands seventh in Auburn single-season history with an .757 slugging percentage. Her slugging percentage is good for 10th in the SEC. Ellis is currently 15th among all active and qualifying Division I batters for career slugging percentage.
Ellis leads the team with 45 RBI and her 106 total bases is good for 12th in the SEC. She has scored 30 runs this season. Behind 13 walks, she holds a .383 on-base percentage. Starting 52 games at first base, Ellis holds a .988 fielding percentage with 238 putouts, 11 assists and just three errors.
She currently holds the program's second highest slugging percentage by a freshman. She also boasts the second most RBI and total bases by a freshman in school history.
The top three finalists will be released on May 26. The 2022 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year will be announced on June 1.
2022 NFCA Division I National Freshman of the Year Top 25
Jordy Bahl - Oklahoma
Mac Barbara - San Diego State
Jada Cecil - UC San Diego
Michaela Edenfield - Florida State
Bri Ellis - Auburn
Tatum Kresley - UMES
Jane Kronenberger - Notre Dame
Emma Lemley - Virginia Tech
Sierra Sacco - Louisiana Tech
Cydney Sanders - Arizona State