While the attendees for the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Annual Salute wore their formal attire, players from the Athletes Unlimited Softball League dressed in full uniform (and catcher’s gear) to stun the audience with a live bullpen.
Volts pitcher Sam Landry and Talons catcher Sharlize Palacios represented the AUSL at the 2025 Salute to Women in Sports. In the center of the ballroom – amongst top athletes, coaches, business leaders, and executives – Landry pumped fastballs to Palacios.
It stunned the audience to see and experience the speed of a pro pitcher up close. It even brought NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to his feet.
Landry throws in the upper 60s and lower 70s. The pop in Palacios’ glove and the gasp of the audience could be heard across the room.
WSF’s Annual Salute honors those who inspire and lead through the power of sport. Athletes within the AUSL have played for the WSF as a part of the Athlete Causes Program, and fellow Volts pitcher Rachel Garcia sits on their board of trustees.
Savanna Collins is the Senior Reporter for the AUSL. You can follow her on X @savannaecollins.
