NFL
By: Courtney Walsh
What is the AUSL? If you are like me and many sports fans, you were thrilled by the College World Series of Softball, which saw the Texas Longhorns win the national championship. Softball players have gone to 4-year schools for years and excelled, only to see their playing days end after they finish school for many. Several leagues have popped up and either are gone or still hanging on to little fanfare. The Olympic games have also been in and out on the game. Appearing five times in the Olympics and the USA team owning the stage but giving a platform for stars to keep playing.
This is where the AUSL comes in making its debut in 2025. Athletes Unlimted is a women’s professional sports organization that started in 2020 showcasing softball, basketball, and volleyball. Athletes Unlimited has been running softball events out of Rosemont, Ill., for the last 5-years, and the AUSL is an extension of those efforts. With its professional presentation and outstanding athletes, it has put other leagues on notice of how to present a sports product fans and players will love. AUSL advisors are softball legends Jennie Finch, Jessica Mendoza, Cat Osterman, and Natasha Watley. Ladies who KNOW the game!
So about the AUSL, it is made up of four teams: The Bandits, Volts, Blaze, and Talons. The season is 24 games taking place in 10 cities, with a champion crowned in a best-of-3 series. They also have an AUSL All-Star Cup which is a 4-week season featuring 60 players and from the reading about the format this is going to be exciting and a format other leagues will look to for ideas. Learn about it here.
Having a chance to see our favorite softball players take the field again and continue doing what they love is an exciting prospect and something people want. The explosion of women’s sports is REAL and isn’t stopping anytime soon. Innovative ideas, and fans having access they haven’t before are all things that make for a successful league. Major League Baseball has stepped up to the plate with its wallet and also broadcasting games, along with ESPN. Those are just two of the TEN networks that will broadcast games throughout the season.
Some players I will be watching:
Former Oklahoma Sooner Sam Landry, Aleshia Ocasio, Ciara Briggs, Lexi Kilfoyl, Bri Ellis who has been called the “Barry Bonds” of softball. And many more will use this platform to make a name for themselves and grow the league. If you are looking for something fun to get into this summer watch a game or even better scoop up the family and go to one in a city near you.
Talk soon with more updates. Play Ball!!
