By Gianna Postiglione, Intern Journalist
Publication Date: June 3rd, 2026
As professional softball continues to develop, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) expanded from four to six teams in only its second season. What makes this league different from past professional ventures is the unprecedented level of coverage it's receiving from major networks including the MLB Network, ESPN, ABC, and CBS. This mainstream visibility marks a significant turning point for the sport, providing a platform for the next generation of elite athletes.
The Golden Ticket: A New Era for Professional Softball
This spring, 17 college seniors received a “Golden Ticket” into the AUSL, a symbolic invitation to join the professional ranks. All 17 athletes were drafted to one of the league’s six teams: the Carolina Blaze, Chicago Bandits, Oklahoma City Spark, Portland Cascade, Texas Volts, and Utah Talons. The draft consisted of four rounds, with the Carolina Blaze receiving the first overall pick.
Round 1: Elite Arms and Power Bats
Blaze – Karlyn Pickens, Tennessee, Pitcher
Coming in at 6-foot-1, Pickens is the fastest-throwing NCAA Division I softball pitcher in history, reaching a staggering 79.4 mph. The right-hander recorded a 1.49 career ERA and 810 career strikeouts for Tennessee. She is expected to be one of the Blaze’s top pitchers this season after Tennessee’s deep run at the Women’s College World Series.
Volts – NiJaree Canady, Texas Tech, Pitcher
The Volts selected Canady, who dominated in the circle with an incredible career 1.04 ERA over 766.1 innings pitched. The future Volt has secured 100 collegiate wins over her four years thus far, accompanied by 1,100 career strikeouts. While Canady is widely known for her dominance in the circle, she also adds significant value in other roles, including playing first base and contributing at the plate.
Spark – Maya Johnson, Belmont, Pitcher
Before becoming the third overall pick for the AUSL in 2026, Johnson redshirted earlier in her career while managing lupus. The left-hander led the NCAA in ERA during the 2026 season with a 0.78 and nearly 1,200 career strikeouts. Following her standout 2026 performance, Johnson won the Softball America Pitcher of the Year award. She started this season on a high note by throwing a perfect game against Missouri State.
Cascade – Megan Grant, UCLA, Utility
Grant is widely recognized for breaking the 31-year-old NCAA Division I single-season softball home run record during the 2026 season. With 40 home runs this season, Grant posted a career-high batting average of .469. The home run leader is primarily known for her role as a Designated Player (DP) or for her defensive work at the corners (first or third base).
Bandits – Jocelyn Erickson, Florida, Catcher
Erickson is recognized for her stellar defense behind the plate, having won two Rawlings Gold Glove Awards in 2024 and 2025. On the offensive side of the ball, she is putting up career numbers from the left side with a .400 AVG, 21 home runs, and an .810 SLG%.
Talons – Jordan Woolery, UCLA, Infielder
Primarily a third baseman, Woolery posted a .992 FLD% while making only three errors during the 2026 season and recording 347 putouts. The right-handed hitter showed her power this year, hitting 34 home runs and recording 112 RBIs with a .500 AVG. Woolery is expected to be a premier hitter for the Talons alongside Bri Ellis.
Round 2: Versatility and Veteran Presence
Blaze – Reese Atwood, Texas, Catcher
Atwood was named the 2025 NFCA Catcher of the Year and is known for being a major presence both in the batter's box and behind the plate. Atwood has posted a career .363 AVG, 73 total home runs, and 281 career RBIs. Having already experienced success with Texas in the 2025 season, Atwood is expected to bring a valuable championship mindset to the Blaze.
Volts – Leighann Goode, Texas, Infielder
Leighann Goode brings defensive versatility to the Volts. While she has mostly played second base and shortstop for Texas, she has experience playing third and first base on occasion. Goode posted a career-high batting average of .345 in the 2026 season, as well as a career-high 11 home runs.
Cascade – Sydney Stewart, Arizona, Catcher
Stewart won Big 12 Player of the Year in 2026 while posting a .391 AVG, 62 RBIs, and a .904 SLG%. Stewart is recognized for her consistency behind the plate as well as being a powerful bat for Arizona over the last two years.
Spark – Peja Goold, Mississippi State, Pitcher
Goold spent her first three seasons at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga before transferring to Mississippi State for her senior season. She posted a 2.28 ERA with Chattanooga over 424 innings pitched. After transferring to Mississippi State, Goold continued her success by posting a 2.17 ERA, striking out 178 batters, and holding opponents to a .180 batting average.
Bandits – Taryn Kern, Stanford, Infielder
Kern brings offensive versatility to the lineup, consistently finding ways to reach base through hits, walks, or hit-by-pitches. She boasts a career OPS of 1.304, a .351 AVG, and 67 home runs. During her time with Stanford, Kern played second base but can handle other infield spots for the Bandits if needed.
Talons – Taylor Tinsley, UCLA, Pitcher
Taylor Tinsley is known for her exceptional control and movement on the mound. As UCLA’s primary pitcher, she was a two-time All-Big Ten honoree in 2025 and 2026. Tinsley carries a 2.42 career ERA with 552 strikeouts and 71 career wins.
Round 3: Strengthening the Foundation
Bandits – Ailana Agbayani, Oklahoma, Infielder
Agbayani was the 2025 Rawlings Gold Glove winner at second base for the Sooners, maintaining a .979 career FLD% over two seasons. Before transferring to Oklahoma, she served as a pitcher/shortstop; however, since becoming a Sooner, she has locked down second base as a defensive anchor.
Spark – Amari Harper, Oregon, Utility
In her first and final season with Oregon, Harper batted .396 with 49 RBIs while posting a .971 FLD%. Before transferring to Oregon, Harper was selected to the 2025 All-SEC Second Team with Texas A&M. She will provide speed in the outfield and reliable defense in center field for the Spark.
Cascade – Kenzie Brown, Arizona State, Pitcher
After missing the 2024 season, Brown posted a 1.78 ERA, 555 strikeouts, and 37 wins over two seasons with Arizona State. She is recognized for her dominance in the circle and was named a Softball America Second Team All-American in both 2025 and 2026, as well as a two-time NFCA All-West Region First Team selection.
Blaze – Dakota Kennedy, Arkansas, Outfielder
Kennedy played her first three seasons with Arizona before transferring to Arkansas for her senior season. She is a two-time third-team NFCA All-American and the 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove winner. Kennedy holds a career AVG of .394 and demonstrates stellar defense in left field with a .990 career FLD%.
Round 4: The Final Addition
Cascade – Kenleigh Cahalan, Florida, Utility
The final pick of the draft, Kenleigh Cahalan predominantly plays shortstop but can also handle third base. She bats from the left side and maintained an average of .377 during the 2026 season. She was voted to the 2026 NFCA All-Gulf Region Second Team and the All-SEC Second Team.
Expanding the Diamond: Lasting Impacts
This draft represents a significant milestone for the game of softball, primarily due to the increased exposure it provides the league. Entering only its second season, the AUSL continues to grow by attracting high-profile talent and expanding from four teams to six this year. The increased attention from national broadcasters benefits both the league and the sport as a whole, providing a sustainable pathway for collegiate stars to transition into the professional arena.
For more updates on professional sports and athlete profiles, visit our articles page or learn more about us. If you are interested in pursuing a career in sports journalism, check out our internship opportunities.