Record Number of Bruins Take the Field in AUSL’s Second Season

The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) is showcasing a remarkable presence of former UCLA softball players this season, with twelve alumni participating across its six teams. Additionally, four former Bruins are taking on roles as general managers or coaches within the league, underscoring the university's strong influence in professional softball.

Among the newcomers, three Bruins—Megan Grant, Taylor Tinsley, and Jordan Woolery—are entering their rookie seasons after contributing to UCLA's recent run to the Women’s College World Series. Grant will be the sole former Bruin on the Portland Cascade, where she will link up with head coach Tairia Flowers, another UCLA alum. Meanwhile, Tinsley and Woolery will represent the Utah Talons, which boasts the highest number of former Bruins in the AUSL.

The Talons are coached by notable figures from UCLA, including associate head coach and softball icon Lisa Fernandez, who serves as the team's general manager, while the Director of Player Development & Data Analytics assists as a coach. Alongside Tinsley and Woolery, Jadelyn Allchin, Megan Faraimo, and Sharlize Palacios also don the Talons' colors.

Other Bruins are making their mark with different teams, as the Oklahoma City Sparks feature Maya Brady, Bubba Nickles-Camarena, and Delanie Wisz, with former UCLA associate head coach Kirk Walker as general manager. The Texas Volts have former standout players Ally Carda and Rachel Garcia, while the Chicago Bandits include Jessica Clements as their sole Bruin representative.

The AUSL is aiming for significant growth, with Commissioner Kim Ng expressing her vision to establish the league as the "MLB of softball." Following a successful inaugural season, the AUSL is set to kick off its second season soon, backed by a substantial $10 million investment from Major League Baseball.