Following the Athletes Unlimited Softball League’s expansion and allocation drafts, the first-year Cascade roster has taken shape, and is made up of stars with diverse backgrounds. Still, with two Oklahoma grads, two from Florida, two from LSU, and two from Mississippi State, many of the stars have certain factors in common.
A closer look at the educational backgrounds of Sam Landry, Korbe Otis, and Kelly Maxwell reveals even more. All three forged their academic paths with the goal of entering the medical field.
Landry, the Cascade’s first pick in the Expansion Draft, began her undergraduate work as a biology major focused on pre-med. The former Oklahoma standout started her academic journey with plans to attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist, with aspirations to eventually pursue a doctorate. As the first overall pick in this year’s AUSL Draft, the right-handed pitcher brings both elite pitching ability and impressive academic credentials to the Cascade.
Outfielder Korbe Otis brings both elite on-field production and academic excellence to the Cascade. The former Florida star graduated cum laude with an undergraduate degree in biology, finishing with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Otis set out to become a surgeon specializing in cardiothoracic or orthopedic surgery, with a specific focus on working with athletes.
Left-handed pitcher Kelly Maxwell, who was selected first overall in the Allocation Draft, started her undergraduate career with medical aspirations before shifting her focus to veterinary medicine. The 2024 Women’s College World Series MVP earned a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Oklahoma State and later completed a master’s degree in healthcare law while playing at OU. In March, she announced that she would attend the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Her academic pursuits are centered on eventually running her own veterinary clinic in Texas.
Cascade GM Jami Lobpries declared that her squad “might lead the league in IQ points,” and Landry, Otis, and Maxwell’s academic accomplishments provide further evidence to support that claim.
Through their medical career aspirations, the three stars demonstrate a unique drive and give them a fascinating distinction in professional softball. Their histories of chasing success in the classroom and on the softball diamond only bolster the Cascade’s already impressive roster as the team prepares to make its AUSL debut in 2026.
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.