FORT COLLINS, CO - In 2023, College Sports Evaluation (CSE) developed a method for selecting All-American honorees based solely on objective data, with the aim of recognizing athletes who deserve national attention—regardless of the school they attend or the conference in which they compete. The only factor considered in the All-American selections is in-game data, analyzed by CSE's Data & Analytics Team.
"The CSE All-American Teams are a game-changer for softball because they’re built purely on data — no bias, no favoritism, just performance. No matter the team or conference. It’s the most objective recognition players can get." — Jayden Stack – CSE Lead Data Analyst
The CSE All-American rankings are based on FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) for pitchers and wRAA (Weighted Runs Above Average) for offensive players, and are adjusted to account for strength of schedule. All numbers shown are projections for the end of the 2025 regular season.
aFIP is Adjusted Fielding Independent Pitching. This stat considers only what the pitcher can control (Ks, HRs, BBs, & HBPs) and doesn't account for above or below-average defensive play behind the pitcher. The adjustment made to FIP considers the average offensive rating of their opponents. Offensive rating is determined by the average number of runs scored. If pitchers play against teams with an above-average offensive rating, their FIP would improve.
awRAA is Adjusted Weighted Runs Above Average. This calculates how many runs a player has contributed to on an offense, compared to the national average of zero. The adjustment made to wRAA takes into consideration the average defensive rating of their opponents. Defensive rating is determined by the average number of runs allowed. If a player plays against teams with an above-average defensive rating, their wRAA would improve.
CSE All-American Players of the Year
Position Player – Bri Ellis (Arkansas) The Arkansas infielder dominated this season, leading the nation in awRAA with 59.39. Ellis anchored the Razorbacks’ offense all year, recording career highs in hits (58), runs (64), total bases (145), doubles (9), home runs (26 – 2nd in the nation), and RBIs (72), all while slashing .457/.646/1.142. Remarkably, she struck out only 14 times (7.3% strikeout rate) despite facing the elite pitching talent of the SEC. The Razorbacks continue their postseason run at home on Friday, May 23, against SEC rival Ole Miss.
Pitcher – Maya Johnson (Belmont) Maya Johnson led the nation in aFIP, posting an astounding 0.389. As Belmont’s ace, she guided the Bruins to a Missouri Valley Championship and a trip to the NCAA Regional round. Johnson finished the regular season with a 24–4 record, 197 innings pitched, 355 strikeouts, and allowed only 103 hits, 19 walks, and 35 earned runs.
