The inaugural season of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League has had no shortage of superstars, especially ones emerging onto the scene from the collegiate game.
The rookie class has produced impressive numbers and displayed skills in the box, on the field and in the circle throughout the first part of the 2025 season. As the league heads into the final two weeks of the regular season, these four athletes have made a strong case for Rookie of the Year honors.
1. Ana Gold, Blaze
Ana Gold has been one of the brightest spots for a Blaze team that has struggled to put Ws in the win column this season. The infielder out of Duke has dazzled on defense and should be on the shortlist for that end-of-season award, too. Offensively, she’s crushing. She leads all rookies in batting average (.370) and is tied for the best amongst the group in slugging percentage (.565). Gold’s OPS of .961 in her 46 at-bats has made her one of the most productive hitters not only on her team but in the league. She’s showcased her speed in the basepath with two stolen bases and is the only player aside from Erin Coffel to log more than one triple on the year (2).
2. Korbe Otis, Blaze
Korbe Otis was the Blaze’s second pick in the AUSL College Draft and has continued to produce the numbers she put up at the University of Florida. The former Gator has been a staple in the starting lineup and primarily in the leadoff spot as of late. That’s due to her .426 on-base percentage that leads all first-year players. Otis has scored 11 runs and driven in eight herself. Her .565 SLG% matches Gold’s, and she’s hit two longballs so far in 2025.
3. Raelin Chaffin, Talons
Raelin Chaffin has been quite impressive on the mound for the Talons, fitting into different roles amongst a veteran-heavy staff. The righty’s 3.82 ERA through four starts ranks best among all qualified rookies. Alongside teammate Georgina Corrick, Chaffin is the only pitcher in the league with four victories. Across 22.0 innings pitched, she’s recorded 11 strikeouts and held batters to a .265 average.
4. Sam Landry, Volts
Things haven’t gone the Volts’ way lately in 2025, but Sam Landry’s impact on the pitching staff has been a highlight. Opponents have hit .247 against her, the best mark among rookie arms. She’s pitched to a 3.92 ERA with four starts and 25.0 total innings, carrying the team’s load in the circle behind Rachel Garcia.
Savanna Collins is the Senior Reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Twitter @savannaecollins.
