Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc., announced Friday that Sydney Romero of the Oklahoma City Spark has been named the recipient of the first-ever Rawlings Gold Glove Award® in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), recognizing the league’s top defensive player for the 2026 season. 

Romero earns the historic honor following a standout season at shortstop, where she established herself as a premier defender in professional softball.

A consistent highlight on the Spark infield, Romero led all AUSL shortstops with 45 assists, five double plays, and a .974 fielding percentage, consistently making difficult plays look routine while serving as the cornerstone of Oklahoma City’s defense. 

Originally introduced in 1957 to recognize defensive excellence in Major League Baseball®, the Rawlings Gold Glove Award expanded to collegiate softball in 2022 and now extends to the AUSL for the first time. Romero is the first player in league history to receive the prestigious award. 

“Sydney embodies everything the Rawlings Gold Glove Award represents,” said Mike Thompson, Chief Marketing Officer at Rawlings.

“Her instincts, athleticism, consistency, and leadership set the standard for defensive excellence throughout the AUSL season. We are proud to recognize her as the first-ever AUSL Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner and celebrate the impact she continues to make on the sport.”  

The award winner was selected from a group of three finalists determined through voting by representatives from each AUSL team, including the general manager, head coach, and associate head coach. 

The other two finalists were Jadelyn Allchin of the Utah Talons and Alyssa Brito of the Carolina Blaze. 

Rawlings is the official bat, glove, and base of the AUSL, continuing its commitment to supporting the highest levels of softball and recognizing the athletes who elevate the game through outstanding performance. 

Follow AUSL and Rawlings on Instagram (@theauslofficial and @rawlingssb) for additional coverage from the AUSL All-Star Cup and to celebrate the league’s first-ever Rawlings Gold Glove Award recipient.