AUSL Draft Report Cards: Each Team Analyzed
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League wrapped its Inaugural Draft on Wednesday night, with the coaches and general managers building the foundation for their 2025 teams. It’s time to hand out each team’s AUSL Inaugural Draft report card.
The event was underway when the Bandits selected pitcher Lexi Kilfoyl with the No. 1 pick. The four teams – the Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts – each made 12 selections for their 16-player rosters.
Below, we’ve taken a swing at grading each team’s draft while highlighting where each team excelled and could improve.
Bandits | General Manager Jenny Dalton-Hill, Head Coach Stacey Nuveman-Deniz
The pressure was on for the Bandits having the first overall pick and head coach Stacey Nuveman-Deniz said they were going for a “franchise pitcher” in Lexi Kilfoyl. I particularly like that they came back in the second round and selected one of the few lefty pitchers Taylor McQuillin. She’s a mentorship-minded player who can lead a bullpen. They waited until later rounds to pick two more arms in Odicci Alexander and Sarah Willis, both of who didn’t throw extensive innings last summer. Offensively, this team is the only one with both speed and power.
Where they excelled: The Bandits are truly up the middle and are surrounded by reliable defensive pieces.
Where they could improve: This bullpen has star power but needs to develop more stability to balance the load.
Grade: B
Every Bandits Draft Pick from the AUSL Inaugural Draft
Blaze | General Manage Dana Sorensen, Head Coach Alisa Goler
Locking in pitchers Carley Hoover and Aleshia Ocasio in the first two rounds was the strongest start to the draft by any team. The two have completely different repertoires in the circle and excel in fielding. Plus, Hoover is the dark horse that hitters aren’t familiar with. This team is exceptionally speedy, with small ball experts like Aliyah Andrews and Aubrey Leach. There isn’t a standout slugger for me in this group but some hitters with potential. How Kalei Harding and Ciara Briggs develop in the outfield as pros will be something to watch on this team.
Where they excelled: The Blaze have the least unknowns in their bullpen filling four spots with three veteran arms. Overall this group has athletes who are established pros reaching their prime.
Where they could improve: It’s not all about the home runs but I have a question mark for who will be clutch offensively for the Blaze.
Grade: B+
Every Blaze Draft Pick from the AUSL Inaugural Draft
Talons | General Manager Lisa Fernandez, Head Coach Howard Dobson
Lisa Fernandez and Howard Dobson went for the players they knew and that created some incredible built-in chemistry for the Talons. Going with Megan Faraimo, Georgina Corrick, and Sharlize Palacios in the first three picks was synergy from the jump. Palacios and Faraimo were together at UCLA and thrived on the same team with Corrick in the 2024 AU Championship Season. With Montana Fouts in that mix, this bullpen will improve as the season progresses. Defensively, this team isn’t flashy but it is definitely solid.
Where they excelled: The Talons have a young bullpen with a ton of potential plus the offense seems to have a balance of contact and power hitters.
Where they could improve: They need to lock down solid defenders to complete the corner infield and outfield positions that can also boost the four-five-six hole in a lineup.
Grade: A-
Every Talons Draft Pick from the AUSL Inaugural Draft
Volts | General Manager Cat Osterman, Head Coach Kelly Kretschman
Big bats. That’s what I see when I imagine a Volts lineup this summer. It’s shocking general manager Cat Osterman got away with snagging Amanda Lorenz and Dejah Mulipola, two of the best hitters in professional softball. Plus, they didn’t trade defense for offense; this team has a sound infield and walking web gems in Jessi Warren and Sis Bates. I envision Lorenz in left field, Clark in center, and Piancastelli in right field to complete the outfield and that core feels balanced. Selecting Rachel Garcia in the first round shouldn’t surprise many, but she’s had rocky Championship Seasons. The Volts will need her to be the ace she’s proven to be and the most consistent starter for the pitching staff.
Where they excelled: The Volts nailed it when gathering the hitters they’d need to scare any opposing pitcher.
Where they could improve: They have arms that have had big ups but also shaky seasons. They will need to settle in within the Volts bullpen and a 24-game season.
Grade: A
Every Volts Draft Pick from the AUSL Inaugural Draft
The AUSL is a professional women’s softball league featuring four teams playing in a traditional format. The league will begin play this summer.
Savanna Collins is the Senior Reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Twitter @savannaecollins.
