BYU Softball announces 2024 signing class

BYU softball head coach Gordon Eakin has announced the signing of six student-athletes to join the program for the 2025 season.

Author Cameron Muh
2023 BYU softball signing day2023 BYU softball signing day

PROVO, Utah — BYU softball head coach Gordon Eakin has announced the signing of six student-athletes to join the program for the 2025 season.

The Cougars’ 2024 recruiting class includes infielder Danica Acosta, catcher/outfielder Ilove’a Brittingham, outfielder Amiya Hernandez, infielder/outfielder Ariyah Morgan, first/third baseman Breana Townsend and left-handed pitcher Jade Villegas.

Below is some information about each member of the 2024 signing class, as well as quotes about each student-athlete from BYU head coach Gordon Eakin.

Danica Acosta — 2024 BYU Softball signing day

Danica Acosta
Middle Infielder | 5-4 | OC Batbusters Stith | Central Union High School | El Centro, California

  • 2023 18U Alliance National Champion
  • All-league high school softball
  • Also a CIF champion and all-league in volleyball

"We are thrilled Danica choose BYU. She has great game instincts and currently plays for the Stith Batbusters, which has been named America’s top travel ball team in 2023. Her understanding of the game will only get stronger. She will come ready to contribute on day one. She has great speed from the left side and can play the short or power game. Danica is a great defender in the middle infield and has versatility to move to the outfield if necessary. She is a great addition to our team."

Ilove'a Brittingham — 2024 BYU Softball signing day

Ilove’a Brittingham
Catcher/Outfielder | 5-9 | OC Batbusters Maroon | Oaks Christian High School | Nipomo, California

  • 2023 CalHiSports All-State Team
  • Batted .419 with 39 hits, 43 RBI and 13 home runs in 2023
  • Led team last season with four triples

"Ilo plays for the Batbusters Maroon and has tremendous power. She will be a fan favorite with her talent level both offensively and defensively. She is fun to watch. Ilo is a high-level catcher and outfielder. Ilo’s presence in our offensive lineup will make every hitter around her more effective as they see better pitches while teams attempt to pitch around Ilo.  She is a great athlete and a fiery competitor. Ilo is my kind of player."

Amiya Hernandez — 2024 BYU Softball signing day

Amiya Hernandez
Outfielder | 5-3 | Arizona Rogue Firecrackers | Basha High School | Chandler, Arizona

  • 2022 First Team All-Region
  • 2022 All-CUSD Player
  • 2022 state runner-up
  • Also a 2023 badminton doubles state champion and 2022 badminton doubles state runner-up
  • 2022 All-CUSD wrestler, has made it to state every year in wrestling

"Amiya is a great athlete. She is a very solid defender and possesses great speed. She has the offensive ability to bunt for a base hit with her speed or drive the ball to the gaps. She will take advantage of what the defense gives her. She understands the game and is an extremely hard worker. Her teammates and the fans will love her."

Ariyah Morgan — 2024 BYU Softball signing day

Ariyah Morgan
Infielder/Outfielder | 5-5 | Suncats Jimenez | North Monterey County High School | Prunedale, California

  • 2023 First Team All-League, Best Defensive Player
  • 2022 Second Team All-League
  • 2020 Central Coast Section Champion
  • Also 2022 Best Defensive Player in volleyball

"Ariyah Morgan is a very scrappy player. She just gets the job done. She has the ability to play anywhere, the corners, middles or the outfield. Ariyah is a solid contact hitter that will hit for average and can hit it deep at times. She is very good at executing her job on both offense and defense. When you look at the box score she will stand out as a very productive and solid player. We are thrilled Ariyah chose BYU."

Breana Townsend — 2024 BYU Softball signing day

Breana Townsend
First/Third Baseman | 5-4 | OC Batbusters Stith | Cypress High School | Buena Park, California

  • Two-time First Team All-Empire League (2022, 2021)
  • Two-time team MVP (2023, 2022)
  • 2023 18U Alliance National Champion
  • 2023 Empire League Champion, MVP
  • 2023 All-Orange County Second Team, All-Southern Section Team
  • 2023 team leader in doubles, home runs and RBI
  • 2023 Alliance Stars of Tomorrow Defensive MVP
  • 2022 First Team All-Empire League, Team MVP
  • 2022 team leader in hits, doubles and RBI
  • 2022 Zoom Into June 1st, Don Battles On All-Tournament Team
  • 2021 High School Rookie of the Year
  • 2021 Empire League Champion
  • 2021 team leader in triples
  • 2021 IDT Colorado Champion, Extra Innings Top 100 player

"Bree is a versatile player that although she plays the corners, her athleticism will allow her to play many positions. She is a power hitter that plays for the 2023 National Champion Stith Batbusters. She will be prepared to face top pitching in the Big 12 and beyond on day one. I am convinced Bree will have a great career as a Cougar. Bree has an infectious personality and will be a great asset to BYU on and off the field."

Jada Villegas — 2024 BYU Softball signing day

Jada Villegas
Left-Handed Pitcher | 5-8 | OC Batbusters Stith | Cajon High School | San Bernardino, California

  • Two-time All-State First Team (2023, 2022)
  • Two-time Citrus Belt League MVP (2023, 2022)
  • Two-time Citrus Belt League Team (2023, 2022)
  • Two-time 18U Alliance National Champion (2023, 2022)
  • Two-time AFCS Champion (2023, 2022)
  • 2023 AFCS Most Outstanding Player
  • 2023 18U Alliance Most Ouststanding Player
  • 2022 CIF Division 5 Champion, Player of the Year
  • 2022 SBCUSD Athlete of the Year
  • 3.5 GPA or higher (2021-2023)
  • Also competes in track and field, running the 100- and 200-meter dash, as well as the 4x100-meter relay

"Jada is currently one of the top pitchers in the Country. She pitched the Stith Batbusters to the 2023 Alliance National Championship and was the tournament MVP. Because she pitches at the highest level of travel ball, she will be ready on day one. Jade is left handed, is strong and has great command of her pitches. We are thrilled Jada chose BYU"