17 college softball players receive AUSL Golden Tickets

From Belmont to Arizona State, there's been some excitement on the diamond lately.

Prior to the 2026 AUSL College Draft on Monday, May 4, collegiate softball players across the nation have begun receiving Golden Tickets, signaling their selection to one of the league's six teams.

But there is a twist. The athletes won't find out which team they have been selected to until draft day. 

👀 LOOK AHEAD: 2026 NCAA softball tournament: Bracket, schedule for the WCWS

All 17 tickets have been handed out. Last year, only 12 were distributed, but with two new teams added, the number increased this season.

With the AUSL's second inaugural season launching on Tuesday, June 9, the league revamped its ticket presentation, using sideline reporters, all-time softball greats and family members to present the players with their next opportunity. 

Here are some of the names and best moments from the 17 athletes chosen. 

NiJaree Canady receives the first Golden Ticket of 2026 from Patrick Mahomes

Dual-threat phenom NiJaree Canady started things off with a bang. The first AUSL Golden Ticket of 2026 was awarded to Canady by Commissioner King Ng after the Red Raiders' victory over Iowa State on March 27.  

As Ng presented the honor, former Texas Tech star Patrick Mahomes announced Nijaree's selection on a video played at the stadium.

FIRST GOLDEN TICKET OF 2026 ✨

NiJaree Canady receives the first golden ticket of 2026 to be drafted into the AUSL!

— AUSL (@theAUSLofficial)

Jennie Finch surprises Karlyn Pickens

After the Lady Vols took the series opener over South Carolina, one of the greatest players to ever grace the diamond arrived to Sherri Parker Stadium on April 2. 

Walking through the right field gates, Arizona legend Jennie Finch awarded Pickens with her ticket to the draft as Vols fans stood on their feet. 

reminiscing karlyn's golden moment ✨

— Tennessee Softball (@Vol_Softball)

Pickens has been vocal about Finch serving as her childhood idol and softball inspiration. But that night, two trailblazers across different generations of the sport met.

Holly Rowe gifts Kenzie Brown with ticket

Holly Rowe stood amongst the Sun Devils as they huddled around the third-base line, waiting to hear whose name would be called on April 7.  

 📈 KEEP TRACK: 

The sports broadcaster then revealed that pitcher Kenzie Brown had been selected. Her teammates jumped in celebration before dousing Brown with a Powerade bath. 

UCLA's golden trio

Following UCLA's double-header sweep over Cal on April 18, three Bruins were awarded a Golden Ticket. 

Netflix sports anchor Elle Duncan presented Megan Grant her pass to the draft before UCLA softball alum and AUSL advisor Natasha Watley waltzed through the center-field gate to give Megan Woolery the second. Following suit, Bruin legend Jen Schroder emerged through the left-field gate for Taylor Tinsley.

UCLA's three-ticket extravaganza marks the most awarded at one time. 

NCAA ERA, strikeout leader Maya Johnson receives Golden Ticket

The NCAA leader in strikeouts this season added to her resume Friday night. 

Belmont ace Maya Johnson found herself holding a Golden Ticket from two-time Olympic medalist and broadcaster Jessica Mendoza. Johnson has been a star this season, leading her Bruins to statement wins over Mississippi State and Georgia after battling Lupus during the fall. 

Her career at Belmont has been elite, as she etched her name into the history books. Through April 22, she was 22-2 with a 0.73 ERA and 304 strikeouts in only 163 innings.

accolades keep coming, but this one is GOLDEN ✨✨

Maya Johnson becomes the first-ever mid-major player to receive a golden ticket! 🎫

— AUSL (@theAUSLofficial)

Check out the full list of draftees here