In building off the success of its debut season, Athletes Unlimited Softball League is expanding for the 2026 season.
As part of that process, each of the four original teams (Talons, Blaze, Bandits and Volts) will be allowed to protect five players, with the two new teams (Cascade and Oklahoma City Spark) being able to pick from the pool of unprotected players.
From Tuesday, Nov. 18 through Saturday, Nov. 22, the AUSL will announce the protected players from the four original teams. Each team will announce one protected player over the course of those five days, and you can track the progress here.
The Expansion and Allocation Drafts will take place on Monday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
TALONS
1. Georgina Corrick, RHP (AUSL Pitcher of the Year)
General manager Lisa Fernandez on Corrick: “A consistent performer in the circle, Georgina combines elite command with a high-level softball IQ. Her precision, poise and defensive ability at her position make her a dependable force every time she takes the field.”
BLAZE
1. Ana Gold, 3B (AUSL Rookie of the Year)
General manager Dana Sorensen on Gold: “Ana Gold was a breakout rookie star in the 2025 season. She is one of the best defensive players on the field, and made plays at third base in her first pro game. She is one of the top third basemen in the league, but has the defensive skill set to play shortstop as well, giving a lot of versatility on the field. At the plate, she quietly carried a .427 OBP and 1.094 OPS and tied for third in homers, all while playing her first full season in the pro league.”
BANDITS
1. Erin Coffel, INF (AUSL MVP, AUSL Hitter of the Year)
General manager Jenn Dalton-Hill on Coffel: “Erin dominated at the plate, garnering the top two accolades as Hitter of the Year and AUSL MVP in the 2025 regular season. Her ability to self-evaluate and adjust her game plan and approach set her apart in her preparation, and it translated into her production at the plate. She quickly became the backbone of the middle of the offensive lineup and played stellar defense in the middle of the field.”
VOLTS
1. Rachel Garcia, RHP
General manager Cat Osterman on Garcia: “Rachel was our anchor in the circle in 2025 and showed why she is still one of the best arms in the game. Any time she has the ball, we have a chance to win the ballgame. Her competitive nature is second to none.”
