Latest news with #AthletesUnlimitedSoftballLeague
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
AUSL crowns inaugural champion as Talons claim sotball title with late home run
The first-ever Athletes Unlimited Softball League championship goes to the top-seeded Talons. After winning a rain-delayed Game 1 in the AUSL championship series, the Talons completed the two-game sweep of the Bandits on Sunday, July 27 with another delayed victory at Rhoads Softball Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Sydney Romero's solo home run with one out in the top of the sixth inning broke a scoreless tie and provided the winning margin in a 1-0 championship-clinching victory. It was the former Oklahoma star's first homer of the postseason and just her second of the season. The first-ever AUSL Champion: @AUSL_Talons 🏆 The first game in the best-of-three series was postponed a day earlier in the bottom of the sixth inning on Saturday as the Talons led the Bandits 3-1. ` With the skies clear on Sunday morning, the Talons closed out the victory to put themselves on the brink of a title. Romero, Fouts star in Game 2 Game 2 was a classic pitcher's duel between the Talons' Montana Fouts and the Bandits' Taylor McQuillin. They matched zeroes through the first four frames before the rain forced another delay in the top of the fifth inning. Once the skies cleared, Fouts – playing on the same field where she starred collegiately at Alabama – returned to the mound for the Talons. Meanwhile, the Bandits turned to their ace Lexi Kilfoyl, who took the loss in Game 1. With the game still scoreless in the sixth, Romero caught up with a fastball at the top of the strike zone and deposited it over the wall in left field to break the scoreless tie. SYDNEY ROMERO TAKES FLIGHT 🦅Talons have a 1-0 lead in the top of the In the bottom of the seventh, the Bandits' Bubba Nickles-Camarena nearly tied the game with a long drive that hit just a few inches away from clearing the wall in left-center field. But she was erased one batter later on a line drive that was snagged by Talons first baseman Tori Vidalis, who dove back to the bag and beat Nickles-Camarena for the double play. Fouts then struck out Bella Dayton to complete the shutout and the championship-clinching 1-0 victory.
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
ESPN hits home run with Sistersnacking for inaugural season of new softball league
Amid the meteoric growth of women's sports and exceedingly larger appetites from fans who are eager to enjoy all the action, ESPN has met the demand by stacking its lineup with the inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited Softball League. As four teams made up of the world's best professional softball players take the diamond for a 24-game slate, the group of gals behind Sistersnacking teamed up with ESPN to create a little friendly food competition for its new fans. ESPN Ultimate Snackdown dubs official snack of AUSL softball Sara Shapiro, Carly Shapiro, Madison Vitale, and Julia Paperny -- the sisters behind Sistersnacking, popular online culinary content creators -- launched the Ultimate Snack-down with the Worldwide Leader in Sports to unveil the official snack of AUSL games. "When Madison and I got to the stadium last week, the line was almost into the overflow parking lot of families and young girls waiting to attend the game. They were rocking the t-shirts of their favorite team and it just, it's really meaningful when we get to use our platform and work with such an amazing brand like ESPN and the AUSL to bring something so amazing to other women and young girls -- it feels really good," Sara Shapiro told "Good Morning America." Each sister was tasked with creating a unique ice cream topping for the first-of-its-kind competition, with fans weighing in over the last few weeks to vote on their favorite via ESPNW's Instagram page. On Thursday, Sistersnacking and ESPN announced exclusively with "Good Morning America" that the Bases Loaded Brownie Blast hit it out of the park, securing the win as the official AUSL snack. Sara Shapiro, the oldest sister and CFO, created the winning sundae, which she said is made with "chocolate soft-serve with hot fudge drizzle, peanut butter swirl and a pretzel rod," plus "a big chunk of delicious brownie," all served with a chocolate straw. "We all love all ice cream, so its hard to be mad about any one flavor coming out on top," said Carly Shapiro, who made the Strawberry Shortstop, a sundae inspired by strawberry shortcake. "We wanted to make sure they were all sundaes that people all across the country, because that's where the stadiums are, will love." Vitale added, "Sara just came out on top with the chocolate. I feel like people gravitate towards that chocolate, fudgy brownie, and peanut butter. It was fun to have a tiny, friendly competition, but we were all really supportive of each flavor." The Bases Loaded Brownie Blast will be served at the championship game this weekend in Tuscaloosa. Vitale's sundae, the Key Lime Curveball, is made up of "vanilla soft-serve topped with a whole slice of key lime pie, and then I had graham cracker crumbles and some lime zest." Paperny, the fourth and youngest sister, served up the Pinch Hitter Pudding, vanilla soft-serve topped with banana pudding, a little caramelized banana half and extra crushed vanilla wafers. Check out all four recipes below to recreate at home this summer while watching an AUSL game. Bases Loaded Brownie Blast Ingredients 3 scoops of your favorite chocolate ice cream 1 large slice of a gooey, chocolatey brownie 1 tablespoon peanut butter, melted 1 tablespoon hot fudge 1 pretzel rod 1 chocolate straw Instructions Top chocolate ice cream generously with the above toppings. The Strawberry Shortstop Ingredients 3 scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream 1 large homemade or store-bought biscuit 3-4 strawberries, diced 1 tablespoon strawberry jam, melted Instructions Top biscuit with vanilla ice cream, diced strawberries, and melted strawberry jam. The Key Lime Curveball Ingredients 3 scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream 1 large slice of homemade or store-bought Key lime pie Zest of a quarter of a lime 1 graham cracker, crushed Instructions Top vanilla ice cream generously with the above toppings. The Pinch Hitter Pudding Ingredients 3 scoops of your favorite vanilla ice cream 1/4 cup banana pudding loaded with vanilla wafers Pinch of sugar 1/2 a banana, sliced lengthwise 4 crushed vanilla wafers Instructions Dust banana half with a pinch of sugar and place flat side down on a pan medium heat and let crisp until golden. Or use a handheld blowtorch to melt the sugar atop the flat side of the banana. Top ice cream with banana pudding, caramelized banana, and crushed wafers. Sisters Snacking team up with ESPN, AUSL "We've really been eager to get involved in the sports arena," Carly Shapiro said. "So it was really special for us to do something that's marrying food with sports. And especially a women-dominated sport as four sisters. We love anything that's women-owned and women-driven -- all of those pieces coming together was really special for us." The sisters, three of whom played softball growing up, had a chance to meet AUSL players at their respective ballparks in Oklahoma and Utah and got to test their skills on the diamond in preparation for this partnership. "We actually threw the first pitch out, which was really harder than I thought. I have such an appreciation for those athletes. They are so amazing," Sara Shapiro said. But when they're not crafting sweet treats for stadiums, the sisters who grew up with an affinity for attending games each have their own must-order favorite ballpark item. "I'm gonna probably have a sausage and peppers [sandwich] -- they have the Primos at Yankee Stadium -- and probably a bag of popcorn," Vitale said of her go-to savory snack. "I'm a chicken tender girl. I've never been to a sporting event and not gotten the platter of chicken tenders with fries," Carly Shapiro said, adding the side of honey mustard "is a necessity." "I'm going classic. I want a hot dog," Sara Shapiro said, adding she b-lines to grab a Fenway Frank and tops the dog with "yellow mustard, maybe a little bit of relish." What to know about new women's softball league airing on ESPN The Bandits, Blaze, Talons and Volts will compete in the 24-game slate, followed by a three-game championship series and a dynamic, points-based All-Star Cup. ESPN2 and ESPNU will broadcast 18 regular-season games, while the AUSL championship will air on ESPN2.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
MLB takes bold step into women's sports with Athletes Unlimited Softball stake
Image Source: Getty MLB is going big by investing in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), a new women's professional softball league that launches its first season on June 7, 2025. This is MLB's first major investment in a women's professional sports league and will bring financial and promotional support to women's softball as the sport is blowing up. MLB partners with AUSL to boost women's softball MLB announced on May 29, 2025, that it's buying over 20% of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, giving a major boost to the new league that's set to start with four teams playing 24 games each in 12 cities across the country. That multimillion-dollar deal will go towards funding things such as running the league and promoting it to more fans. — MLB (@MLB) Marketing the product and airing the games will be a joint effort of MLB, including the first game at 7:00 PM ET on June 7, 2025, aired on MLB Network and ESPN's acquisition of the rights to broadcast all 72 games will ensure fans never have to worry about finding a channel to watch on. Also Read: Why the Los Angeles Angels' offence continues to struggle after loss to the New York Yankees This is a big deal because it's rare for a major men's sports league like MLB to invest so much in a women's league after it's created, unlike the NBA, which started the WNBA. The AUSL, run by Athletes Unlimited, which also has women's basketball and volleyball leagues, wants to make softball a sport that lasts for years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Truque caseiro noturno eficaz contra a papada (faça hoje mesmo) Revista & Saúde Saiba Mais Undo MLB's support will help get more people excited about the league by showing games and players at big events like the MLB All-Star Game and playoffs. Kim Ng's leadership and softball's growing popularity The AUSL is off to a strong start with Kim Ng as its new commissioner, hired in April 2025 to lead the league. Ng, who previously operated the Miami Marlins baseball organization and played on the collegiate level in softball has a wealth of experience and passion for the game. Meanwhile, famous softball icons Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Jessica Mendoza, and some of the best players in the game – Lexi Kilfoyl and Megan Faraimo, who will be playing in the league following the drafts in January 2025 and May 2025. Women's sports are becoming super popular, with over $1 billion in revenue each year, and softball is a big part of that. The 2024 Women's College World Series drew over 2 million viewers, representing a 24% increase from the previous year, underscoring the growing popularity of softball. With softball coming back to the Olympics in 2028, the AUSL plans to grow even more, moving to a city-based league in 2026 with six teams. MLB's help will make sure more fans see the games and young girls have a pro league to dream about joining. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
What is Athletes Unlimited Softball League? Everything to know about AUSL
What is Athletes Unlimited Softball League? Everything to know about AUSL Show Caption Hide Caption Texas Tech's NiJaree Canady and Tennessee's Karlyn Pickens lead WCWS players to watch The Oklahoman's Jenni Carlson highlights several Women's College World Series key players to watch. Many of the top players at the Women's College World Series won't end their playing careers altogether when the tournament is complete, instead going into the professional ranks. Athletes Unlimited has been around since 2020, but announced its intentions to launch a traditional softball league in 2025, starting with four teams. The Athletes Unlimited Softball League is also partnered with MLB. The AUSL is now set for a 24-game season, which starts June 7. The league is also run by commissioner Kim Ng, the former general manager of the Miami Marlins. Ng was the first woman to ever serve as general manager of a Big Four sports organization in the United States. WCWS bracket 2025: Full schedule, matchups for NCAA softball tournament Professional softball has had numerous leagues over the years, but none have quite stuck. The Oklahoma City Spark, the last-standing team from the now-defunct WPF, operate as an independent professional softball team. The Spark's roster includes former Oklahoma standout Jocelyn Alo, the NCAA's all-time home runs leader. Here's everything to know about the AUSL, which will feature multiple current college stars once the WCWS is over: What is the Athletes Unlimited Softball League? The Athletes Unlimited Softball League is a new premier professional softball league, which launches in June. Athletes Unlimited softball started in 2020 but played in a format where players were the center of the league, not teams. Players rotated off being captains of teams, with a point system that determined a players' leaderboard. Athletes Unlimited also has professional women's leagues in lacrosse, volleyball and basketball, but debuted with softball. AUSL is launching with four teams – Bandits, Blaze, Talons, Volts – for its inaugural season. Each team has rosters of 16, with players making at least $45,000, according to its website. Players can also earn up to $75,000 with bonuses. The league has already signed some big names as general managers and head coaches. Cat Osterman (Volts), Jenny Dalton-Hill (Bandits), Dana Sorensen (Blaze) and Lisa Fernandez (Talons) are building rosters; Kelly Kretschman (Volts), Stacy Nuveman-Deniz (Bandits), Alisa Goler (Blaze) and Howard Dobson (Talons) are coaching. The AUSL plans to become a city-based league in 2026, but the inaugural 2025 season will be played on a touring basis, with the four teams traveling to 10 different cities in the 24-game season. The league is also signed by ESPN, with games airing on its family of networks. Some of the biggest names in softball are serving in advisor roles for the league — Jennie Finch, Osterman, Jessica Mendoza and Natasha Watley will all help with strategic direction, according to the AUSL. The old points-based system that revolves around player performance will stick around, with that play starting after the AUSL's season is completed. That league will be renamed the AUSL All-Star Cup, which takes place in Rosemont, Illinois; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Greenville, North Carolina. AUSL draft 2025 The AUSL had an inaugural 12-round draft in January, supplemented by a three-round college draft in April. Here's the full draft order for both the inaugural and college drafts for the AUSL: Inaugural 1. Bandits | Lexi Kilfoyl, Pitcher, Oklahoma State 2. Blaze | Carley Hoover, Pitcher, LSU 3. Talons | Megan Faraimo, Pitcher, UCLA 4. Volts | Rachel Garcia, Pitcher, UCLA Round 2 5. Blaze | Aleshia Ocasio, Pitcher, Florida 6. Talons | Georgina Corrick, Pitcher, USF 7. Volts | Amanda Lorenz, Outfielder, Florida 8. Bandits | Taylor McQuillin, Pitcher, Arizona Round 3 9. Talons | Sharlize Palacios, Catcher, UCLA 10. Volts | Dejah Mulipola, Catcher, Arizona 11. Bandits | Skylar Wallace, Middle Infielder, Florida 12. Blaze | Aubrey Leach, Middle Infielder, Tennessee Round 4 13. Volts | Jessi Warren, Corner Infielder, Florida State 14. Bandits | Bubba Nickles, Outfielder, UCLA 15. Blaze | Aliyah Andrews, Outfielder, LSU 16. Talons | Hannah Flippen, Middle Infielder, Utah Round 5 17. Bandits | Mia Davidson, Catcher, 18. Blaze | Anissa Urtez, Middle Infielder, Utah 19. Talons | Maya Brady, Utility, UCLA 20. Volts | Tiare Jennings, Middle Infielder, Oklahoma Round 6 21. Blaze | Keilani Ricketts, Pitcher, Oklahoma 22. Talons | Sahvanna Jaquish, Utility, LSU 23. Volts | Payton Gottshall, Pitcher, Tennessee 24. Bandits | Erin Coffel, Middle Infielder, Kentucky Round 7 25. Talons | Ali Aguilar, Middle Infielder, Washington 26. Volts | Sis Bates, Middle Infielder, Washington 27. Bandits | Morgan Zerkle, Outfielder, Marshall 28. Blaze | Kayla Kowalik, Catcher, Kentucky Round 8 29. Volts | Erika Piancastelli, Outfielder, McNeese 30. Bandits | Delanie Wisz, Corner Infielder, UCLA 31. Blaze | Baylee Klingler, Corner Infielder, Washington 32. Talons | Tori Vidales, Corner Infielder, Texas A&M Round 9 33. Bandits | Sydney McKinney, Middle Infielder, Wichita State 34. Blaze | Alana Vawter, Pitcher, South Carolina 35. Talons | Montana Fouts, Pitcher, Alabama 36. Volts | Kelsey Stewart-Hunter, Corner Infielder, Florida Round 10 37. Blaze: Ciara Briggs, Outfielder, LSU 38. Talons: Caroline Jacobsen, Outfielder, Duke 39. Volts: Mariah Mazon, Pitcher, Oregon State 40. Bandits: Odicci Alexander, Pitcher, James Madison Round 11 41. Talons: Sydney Romero, Middle Infielder, Oklahoma 42. Volts: McKenzie Clark, Outfielder, Clemson 43. Bandits: Sarah Willis, Pitcher, UCF 44. Blaze: Taylor Edwards, Catcher, Nebraska 45. Volts: Sierra Romero, Middle Infielder, Michigan 46. Bandits: Bella Dayton, Outfielder, Texas 47. Blaze: Kalei Harding, Outfielder, Florida State 48. Talons: Victoria Hayward, Outfielder, Washington College Round 1 1. Volts: P Sam Landry, Oklahoma 2. Talons: IF Bri Ellis, Arkansas 3. Blaze: P Emma Lemley, Virginia Tech 4. Bandits: UTIL Cori McMillan, Virginia Tech Round 2 5. Talons: OF Sierra Sacco, Mississippi State 6. Blaze: OF Korbe Otis, Florida 7. Bandits: P Emiley Kennedy, Texas A&M 8. Volts: C Michaela Edenfield, FSU Third round
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Athletes Unlimited Softball League to play in Tuscaloosa
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League plans to play in 10 cities from June 7 to July 23. This will be the first time Athletes Unlimited offers a traditional team-based format for softball. Previously, there have been two seasons each year with individual championships. In the AUSL, the Bandits, Blaze, Talons and Volts will play 24 games each, the league announced in a news release on Monday. On June 7, the Bandits and Talons will open with a three-game series in Rosemont, Illinois, while the Blaze and Volts will start off with a three-game series in Wichita, Kansas. Bruce Pearl, Johni Broome, Mark Sears among recipients of SEC postseason awards In all, there will be 11 regular-season games each in Wichita and Rosemont, four games each in Salt Lake City and Round Rock, Texas, and three in Sulphur, Louisiana; Chattanooga, Tennessee; and Omaha, Nebraska, and two in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Other sites have not been determined. The top two teams will compete in the AUSL Championship, a best-of-three series July 26-28 in Tuscaloosa. The plan is for the league to become city-based in 2026. Following the AUSL Championship, 60 players will compete in the AUSL All-Star Cup, a 24-game competition that will crown an individual champion. There will be 18 games will be played at Rosemont and four games in Raleigh, North Carolina. Two games will be played in Greenville, North Carolina, during the Little League Softball World Series. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
