PROVO, Utah — BYU softball sophomore Ilove’a Brittingham was ranked No. 49 on D1Softball’s D100 Preseason Player Rankings, the outlet announced Tuesday.
The catcher/outfielder earned numerous accolades following a historic freshman season in 2025. Brittingham was named an NFCA third-team All-American, a D1Softball Freshman All-American and a Softball America Freshman All-American. She also received NFCA All-Mountain Region first-team honors, was selected to the All-Big 12 first team and Big 12 All-Freshman Team, and was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year.
Brittingham set BYU’s freshman RBI record with 69 and tied the program’s freshman home run record with 21. She led the Cougars with 20 multi-RBI games and 19 multi-hit performances. The Nipomo, California, native also recorded at least five RBIs in four games, including five two-home run performances.
She is the third BYU student-athlete to earn preseason recognition this year. Freshmen Kaiya Fabela and Rita Tavita were both named to national freshmen watch lists.
The Cougars will kick off their 2026 campaign at the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday, Feb. 5.
View the full D100 preseason player rankings at D1Softball's website.