With pitchers Alana Vawter (Denso Bright Pegasus) and Carley Hoover (NSK Brave Bearies) slated to complete the first half of the Japan Diamond Softball League season during the opening stage of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, the Blaze have added a proven pro to their Opening Day roster.

Hope Trautwein, a former NCAA record-setter and 2023 All-WPF Team selection, will join the Blaze from the reserve pool for the opening stretch of the season. The Blaze are expected to add another pitcher ahead of the season to meet the league’s five-pitcher requirement.

This reserve appearance marks Trautwein’s fourth year as a professional. In 2024, she competed in the Athletes Unlimited AUX and the Championship seasons. 

Trautwein brings playing experience with the USSSA Pride, where she posted a 5-3 record with a 2.29 ERA and 47 strikeouts over 55 innings in 2023, good enough to earn a spot on the All-WPF Team.

She also added coaching to her resume, joining the University of Houston staff as an assistant. That blend of high-level playing and coaching experience gives the Blaze a versatile addition to their pitching staff.

Trautwein made national headlines during her college career at North Texas, where in 2021 she became the first NCAA Division I pitcher to throw a seven-inning perfect game with 21 strikeouts. She transferred to Oklahoma for her final season, going 22-1 with a 0.77 ERA and helping the Sooners capture the 2022 national championship. She finished her NCAA career with an 82-25 record, 1.82 ERA, and 850 strikeouts.

With elite experience and a strong presence in the circle, Trautwein gives the Blaze a dependable short-term option as they wait for their international aces to return.

The AUSL is a professional women’s softball league featuring four teams playing in a traditional format. The league will begin play this summer with the Blaze opening the season versus the Volts on June 7 in Wichita, KS. Tickets are on sale now.

Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.