In year one of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, Bandits general manager Jenny Dalton-Hill assembled the most well-rounded team in the league. A 15-9 regular-season record and an AUSL Championship appearance cemented an exciting future for the resurgence of the storied franchise.

Now, the AUSL will add two teams in 2026, with an expansion draft being the first order of business in reshaping the league’s rapidly evolving landscape.

This is who could be protected by the Bandits and locked in for next season.

1. Erin Coffel

The reigning MVP and Offensive Player of the Year is a no-brainer to secure. Erin Coffel’s slash line of .410/.566/.869/ was unmatched with a league-best 1.426 OPS. She reached base safely in 19 consecutive games to start the season and posted a pair of five-game hitting streaks.

Defensively, Coffel gives the Bandits an option at shortstop or second base. She was a member of the All-Defensive Team, recording a .987 fielding percentage.

What stands out most as an upside for Coffel is the improvements she made from year one to year two as a pro. In 2024, while competing in the AU Pro Softball Championship Season (now All-Star Cup), she had a .194 average with just seven hits in 39 at-bats.

Coffel herself credits the major shift in production to simplifying her load by altering her swing. It allowed her to be more on time and see the ball better. Those mechanical changes, paired with work in the lead-up to last season to strengthen and develop the mental side of her game, yielded incredible sophomore results.

As a young, developing middle infielder, Coffel has the kind of proven results with predicted potential to build a team around.

2. Skylar Wallace

One of the big question marks surrounding the first AUSL season was who would emerge as the leaders of their team? Skylar Wallace was the answer for the Bandits.

Wallace’s athleticism, commitment to training, and pedigree as a collegiate athlete were a given. As the Bandits navigated finding their identity and playing a challenging schedule, the shortstop emerged as a vocal leader for the team.

The Bandits’ two-hole hitter was consistently consistent with a .446 on-base percentage (fifth in the AUSL), and she was a productive scorer with six doubles, six home runs, and 20 RBIs.

She also brings speed that threatens, tying for the league lead with eight stolen bases without ever being caught stealing.

3. Lexi Kilfoyl

Right-handed pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl was the first overall pick in the 2025 Allocation Draft by the Bandits and undoubtedly backed her draft stock.

Despite being only a second-year pro, Kilfoyl handled batters and tight game situations with ease. Her 2.31 ERA was good for third-best in the league, and she led all pitchers in total innings thrown with
57.2 on the season.

The AUSL Championship proved that good pitching can beat good hitting in this league, and it’s paramount that the Bandits secure arms to support Kilfoy, as she is expected to be the ace of the team again next season.

4. Morgan Zerkle

While much of the attention was on Erin Coffel in postseason awards, outfielder Morgan Zerkle put up incredible numbers at the plate last season. She was in the top two in the league in the following categories:

What’s noteworthy about the veteran is that while her power numbers significantly jumped, she rarely has a down season. Since 2020, she’s only hit below .300 once.

However, one notable anomaly about her season was the number of defensive miscues. She led the league in errors with five, which could be attributed to playing out of position. Zerkle has been a center fielder for the majority of her career, but played in left for the Bandits last summer. If she’s protected by the Bandits, it could be worth shifting her back to the middle and building around her.

5. Taylor McQuillin

Another player the Bandits could opt to protect is left-handed pitcher Taylor McQuillin. Lefties are rare in the AUSL – McQuillin is one of only two and one of the veteran arms across the league. She authored a 3-1 record with four saves, holding opponents to a .266 average. In addition, McQuillin is a leader within the pitching staff, which bolsters her value, especially to a team that will experience roster changes next season.

On the radar: Sydney McKinney

Many would classify Sydney McKinney as a middle infielder, but she could also be categorized as a utility player who brings one of the most versatile skill sets to any team. McKinney has extensive experience at shortstop and second base, but she can also play third base with ease. It’s the field position she played most often with the Bandits this season.

Offensively, McKinney was the batting champion of the AUSL regular season, with a league-high .457 average. She gave the line-up flexibility, slotting into any part of the order and producing. While McKinney doesn’t hit for power, her consistent contact and speed make her a threatening hitter and baserunner. Her retention on the team will depend on how the Bandits’ front office plans to manage her within the defense.

Savanna Collins is the Senior Reporter for the AUSL. You can follow her on X @savannaecollins.