NiJaree Canady, Karlyn Pickens lead influx of new talent: Previewing the 2026 AUSL season

Fear not, softball fans. While the college season has wrapped up with Texas standing above the rest, there’s no need to wait until next February to see some thrilling action on the diamond. In fact, many stars of this prolific senior class — such as Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood, Texas Tech star NiJaree Canady and No. 1 pick Karlyn Pickens, to name just a few — will transition to the next chapter of their careers by participating in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL).

>“Pitchers just don’t catch a breather in these pro lineups, so it’ll be interesting to see, but I think these women are incredibly, immensely talented, and expect nothing short of greatness,” AUSL commissioner Kim Ng said. “The athletes are really starting to understand that this is big time, and that we are now on a different level.”

> Karlyn Pickens becomes the fifth player to receive a Golden Ticket to the 2026 AUSL College Draft. pic.twitter.com/PtsuBRzPf4

>— John Sartori (@JohnSartoriTV) April 3, 2026

>This will be the first time the four original teams (Carolina Blaze, Chicago Bandits, Texas Volts and reigning champion Utah Talons), along with the two new expansion teams (Portland Cascade and Oklahoma City Spark), will have permanent bases in cities to call home. In AUSL’s inaugural season, the four teams toured the country while also spending some time in Athletes Unlimited’s former home base in Rosemont, Ill.

>There is also a reserve pool of players who can fill spots on different teams, depending on injuries or if current players need to step away for any time (for example, Volts star Amanda Lorenz announced she will not play this season because she is pregnant). In that case, teams can select any player from the pool, including those who were in the pool last year as well as 2026 college seniors who did not get drafted, such as Oregon pitcher Lyndsey Grein, Duke infielder Aminah Vega and Oklahoma State pitcher Ruby Meylan.

>With training camp wrapped up from Vero Beach, Fla., and opening day set for Tuesday, here’s what you can expect from each of the squads, in the words of Ng herself. The season’s full schedule is here.

>Carolina Blaze

>2025 finish: Fourth place

>Key returners: INF Ana Gold (2025 Rookie of the Year), OF McKenzie Clark, P Emma Lemley

>Newcomers: P/UT Valerie Cagle, INF Alyssa Brito, P Karlyn Pickens (No. 1 overall pick, Tennessee), C Reese Atwood (No. 7 pick, Texas), OF Dakota Kennedy (No. 16 pick, Arkansas)

>Thoughts from Kim Ng: “Karlyn Pickens is going to be the story there, especially with Reese Atwood coming into the league as well and what that battery is going to be able to do for the Blaze. They didn’t perform the way they wanted to last year, so we’re going to see some of those additions and how much they can help.”

>Chicago Bandits

>2025 finish: Second place

>Key returners: P Odicci Alexander-Bennett, INF Erin Coffel (2025 MVP and Hitter of the Year), INF Skylar Wallace

>Newcomers: OF Jocelyn Alo, P Kat Sandercock, C Jocelyn Erickson (No. 5 pick, Florida), INF Taryn Kern (No. 11 pick, Stanford), INF Ailana Agbayani (No. 13 pick, Oklahoma)

>Thoughts from Ng: “I have been really impressed with their coach, Shonda Stanton. With Indiana, she made it to the NCAA Tournament this year. With the energy that she brings to this team, she definitely, from what I’m seeing, holds them accountable. I believe she’s a tremendous add to the Bandits and to Athletes Unlimited. They also have a veteran presence, for sure.”

>Portland Cascade

>2025 finish: n/a

>Key additions: INF Sis Bates (previously on the Volts), P Sam Landry (Volts), OF Korby Otis (Blaze; 2025 All-Defensive Team)

>Draftees: UTIL Megan Grant (No. 4 pick, UCLA), C Sydney Stewart (No. 9 pick, Arizona), P Kenzie Brown (No. 15 pick, Arizona State), UTIL Kenleigh Cahalan (No. 17 pick, Florida)

>Thoughts from Ng: “Portland stands out to me. The reception from the Portland fans was just tremendous when we announced, and then there was just this large outpouring of support. I’m loving the culture and vibe coming from the Cascade.”

>Oklahoma City Spark

>2025 finish: n/a

>Key additions: UTIL Maya Brady (No. 1 overall expansion draft pick, Talons), INF Sydney Romero (Talons), INF Jessi Warren (Volts; 2025 All-Defensive Team)

>Draftees: P Maya Johnson (No. 3 pick, Belmont), P Peja Goold (No. 10 pick, Mississippi State), UTIL Amari Harper (No. 14, Oregon)

>Thoughts from Ng: “Maya Brady is obviously the headliner there, and I think (she) is gonna tear that place up. She is someone to watch on both sides of the ball. Maya Johnson is another one. She’s come into camp, and she has won the hearts of many of our staff. Just a tremendous personality.”

>Texas Volts

>2025 finish: Third place

>Key returners: P Rachel Garcia, C Michaela Edenfield, INF Tiare Jennings, UTIL Mia Scott

>Newcomers: P NiJaree Canady (No. 2 pick, Texas Tech), INF Leighann Goode (No. 8 pick, Texas), P Ally Carda

>Thoughts from Ng: “Star power, for sure. In the Women’s College World Series, you saw Texas Tech and Texas battling in the finals, and we know Texas is a great softball stronghold, but being able to see that play out for the Volts is going to be fun. Of course, I cannot forget Rachel Garcia. She had an absolutely killer year last year, but I also saw her in the All-Star Cup, and it was like there was a fire lit under her. Watching her through the last week of the competition there, she was on a mission, and so seeing that fire from her was really exciting.”

>Utah Talons

>2025 finish: First place, reigning champions

>Key returners: P Georgina Corrick (2025 Pitcher of the Year), P Montana Fouts, INF Hannah Flippen (2025 Defensive Player of the Year)

>Newcomers: INF Jordan Woolery (No. 6 pick, UCLA), P Taylor Tinsley (No. 12 pick, UCLA), OF Jayda Coleman

>Thoughts from Ng: “With Lisa Fernandez being the general manager, the Talons understand the value of pitching. She protected the core three pitchers, sneaking Dallas Escobedo Magee in there, and adding Taylor Tinsley. They’re the ones to watch on the pitching side, for sure.”

>This article originally appeared in The Athletic.

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