CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Two Virginia softball veterans have been named among the top 100 players in the nation heading into the 2026 season with seniors Eden Bigham and Jade Hylton tabbed by D1Softball for the publication’s annual list on Tuesday (Jan. 13).
Hylton was tabbed as the No. 33 player by D1Softball, while Bigham was tabbed No. 86 on the list.
Hylton was a second-team All-America honoree as a junior as well as garnering All-Region and All-ACC first team honors, while Bigham also garnered All-Region and All-ACC first team honors. The duo helped lead the Cavaliers to a second consecutive berth in the NCAA Tournament and the quarterfinals of the ACC Championships.
Last season, Hylton hit .362 and set program single-season records with 19 home runs, 64 runs scored and an .802 slugging percentage. She also set the career record for home runs and sits at 43 heading into the 2026 campaign.
Bigham is coming off a campaign that saw her post 18 wins and six saves as she tallied a 2.34 ERA and held opponents to a .191 batting average against. She struck out 127 batters on the year. She enters the 2026 campaign in the top 10 in career victories (47) and strikeouts (424).
Virginia is currently in preseason practice with the 2026 season set to open at the Kickin’ Chicken Classic hosted by Coastal Carolina on February 6.
FRESHMAN JAIDEN GRIFFITH RECOGNIZED ON TOP 100 LIST
Hylton and Bigham aren’t the only two Virginia players who have received recognition in the preseason from D1Softball. Freshman Jaiden Griffith was named to their Top 100 Freshmen list – a list of the publication’s top 100 freshmen heading into the 2026 season. D1Softball does not rank them players, simply names their 100 players for recognition.
