Outfielder Sierra Sacco and pitcher Raelin Chaffin are embarking on one of the most unique experiences this season as the only pair of rookies to join an Athletes Unlimited Softball League team from the same college. Both Louisiana natives, both transfers that found their way to Mississippi State, both AUSL Golden Ticket recipients, and now, both Talons.
They first met last year, when LSU transfer Chaffin joined the Bulldogs. Sacco had already transferred in her junior year from Louisiana Tech, and while the two hadn’t met yet, they knew of each other.
“One of my best friends played with her at Louisiana Tech. So we always heard about Sierra Sacco, this Sierra Sacco that. We would scout [them] when I was at LSU, we played Louisiana Tech a lot,” Chaffin said. “We would scout, and it was like, ‘You don’t let Sierra Sacco beat you. She’s the best hitter they have. You don’t let her beat you.’ So I knew of her. I had never met her until I went to Mississippi State.”
Chaffin joining forces with Sacco and the rest of the Bulldogs made for a dominant year. As the spring season continued to unravel, their friendship began to grow.
We would always go get crawfish together. It was just such a good time, especially to share that with someone from Louisiana.” Sacco said.
In her final season, Sacco embraced swinging away, primarily hitting as a slapper before. This adjustment propelled her game, making her one of the country’s best hitters. Chaffin, owning her role as the ace at her newfound home, became the eighth pitcher in school history to record at least 20 strikeouts in a season. Chaffin and Sacco each earned NFCA First Team All-South Region honors in their senior season, recognizing the potential to play at the next level.
On April 29, both Sacco and Chaffin’s hard work was honored with an AUSL Golden Ticket, making them the 14th and 15th additions to the inaugural College Draft. First, Sacco was announced, and fifteen minutes later, Chaffin heard her name.
“We would always just root for each other. So, the fact that we did end up getting a ticket and getting to the same exact team was just awesome. You have someone that you know coming in here and a best friend; she is one of my best friends.” Sacco said.
Now, Sacco and Chaffin are heading into the tail end of their first pro season, with the postseason quickly approaching. The rookies have been major components of the Talons’ success. Chaffin leads the league alongside teammate Georgina Corrick with five wins on the season. Sacco has started in every game but one and stands with a .300 batting average and three home runs.
“She’s a huge presence in the batter’s box. She had two home runs off one of the best pitchers in the league. So just proves that she is a force to be reckoned with. It’s super, super cool to see it carry over from the college level to the professional level,” Chaffin said.
Meanwhile, Chaffin is one of the top arms on the Talons’ pitching staff and Sacco has had a front row seat watching her evolve.
“Her time at LSU, she was kind of overlooked,” Sacco said. “Coming to State and being that ace, being that rock that we would go to every single game whenever we needed her to pitch… I think having that experience translates to the pros.”
“She’s used to the big moment; she’s used to the pressure. It’s just so exciting for me to see, because I know that confidence for her hasn’t always been there. Seeing that fully come out and fully explode everywhere… it’s just awesome,” Sacco said.
The two have only gotten closer as they have adjusted to their new life as teammates. Both are engaged now, so conversations have evolved into wedding planning with off days spent exploring cities instead of studying. The friendship serves as a reminder of life outside of softball, allowing them to navigate the intricate balance of life as a professional athlete.
“We’re able to talk about a lot more that’s not just softball. It’s exciting to get away from the game, especially whenever you are off the field. I think we just share a lot of common interests, common beliefs,” Sacco said.
Having already clinched their spot in the playoffs, the top team in the league is preparing for a championship series later this month. These two rookies will be important factors in the Talons getting the job done. While softball may be how they met, their friendship continues to grow past the diamond.
Cayla Sweazie is a former collegiate softball player turned sports reporter with a passion for telling the stories of athletes. She is serving as a correspondent for the Talons of the AUSL. You can follow her on Instagram @caysweazie.
