Have you been following what the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) has been doing?

It has to do with revealing to elite college players through the awarding of a “Golden Ticket” that they will soon be pro softball players after being selected in the upcoming AUSL draft… and that’s a very cool way to do it!

The draft will take place on Monday, May 4 and will be aired on ESPN2 at 7 pm EST/4 pm PST.  

The league explains the draft and the purpose of the Golden Ticket invitation this way:

“Over the next several weeks, Golden Tickets will be presented to college softball players at programs across the country, signifying the athlete’s selection in the 2026 AUSL College Draft.”

“These Golden Tickets — delivered by softball legends, AUSL ambassadors, or league leadership in front of teammates, coaches, and family members — signify that the athlete has been drafted to the AUSL.”

Currently, eight players have received the Golden Ticket invites (see the complete list below)

Think these players aren’t excited when they receive the news?

As to how the players were evaluated and deemed worthy to make it to the draft, the leagues website explains:

“The AUSL College Draft is an invitation-based process that identifies top collegiate seniors, confirms their readiness to turn professional, and introduces them to fans. The process prioritizes transparency with NCAA programs, strong general manager involvement, and a best-in-class athlete experience.”

Those extending the invite to the usually surprised athletes includes AUSL Commissioner Kim Ng, softball legends, and other notable figures.

The Golden Tickets are awarded to the softball player in front of teammates, coaches, family and fans making it a great spontaneous and emotional way to honor these soon-to-be pro athletes.

Here is the selection order of the first two rounds of the 2026 AUSL College Draft:

• Round 1, Pick 1: Carolina Blaze
• Round 1, Pick 2: Texas Volts
• Round 1, Pick 3: Oklahoma City Spark
• Round 1, Pick 4: Portland Cascade
• Round 1, Pick 5: Chicago Bandits
• Round 1, Pick 6: Utah Talons

• Round 2, Pick 1: Carolina Blaze
• Round 2, Pick 2: Texas Volts
• Round 2, Pick 3: Portland Cascade
• Round 2, Pick 4: Oklahoma City Spark
• Round 2, Pick 5: Chicago Bandits
• Round 2, Pick 6: Utah Talons

Each team is finished when its GM passes at his/her turn in the order. Selection concludes once all six teams have passed.

Here are those who’ve received a Golden Ticket; Line Drive will continue to add to this list as more players receive theirs!

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NiJaree Canady – Texas Tech

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Reese Atwood – Texas

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Leighann Goode – Texas

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Sydney Stewart – Arizona

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Karlyn Pickens – Tennessee

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Dakota Kennedy – Arkansas

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Kenzie Brown – Arizona State

Taryn Kern – Stanford

— Brentt Eads/Line Drive Media