The Athletes Unlimited Softball League held expansion and allocation drafts on Dec. 1 that saw Maya Brady, Tom Brady’s niece and former UCLA shortstop, selected by the Oklahoma City Spark with the top pick of the expansion draft.
The expansion draft focused on players already in the AUSL. This draft aimed to help the two new teams, the Oklahoma City Spark and the Cascade, establish a competitive foundation ahead of their debut in 2026. The new teams selected players from the unprotected rosters of the four existing teams: the AUSL champion Talons, the Bandits, the Blaze, and the Volts. Each of the new teams chose five players to build their rosters.
After selecting Brady as their top pick, Spark also chose former Oklahoma Sooner Kinzie Hansen with the second overall pick of the allocation draft.
‘We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built as an independent team, and now, becoming part of the AUSL represents the next chapter in our journey,’ said Destinee McElroy, Chief Operating Officer, Spark Softball. ‘This league is full of talent, energy and vision, and we’re excited to compete at the highest level while continuing to inspire the next generation of softball players.’
The allocation draft permitted all six teams to select players who have opted in for AUSL consideration. This group included athletes from the 2025 Reserve Pool, professional players from other independent teams, and players from leagues worldwide. Following these selections, each team will have the chance to fill any remaining positions with NCAA athletes who complete their eligibility in May 2026.
OKC Spark’s AUSL Expansion Draft results
Round 1, Pick No. 1: Maya Brady, Utility
Round 2, Pick No. 4: Sydney McKinney, Middle Infielder
Round 3, Pick No. 5: Sydney Romero, Middle Infielder
Round 4, Pick No. 8: Jessi Warren, Corner Infielder
Round 5, Pick No. 9: Alana Vawter, Left-handed Pitcher
Round 6, Pick No. 12: Bubba Nickles-Camarena, Outfielder
Round 7, Pick No. 13: Delanie Wisz, Corner Infielder
OKC Spark’s AUSL Allocation Draft results
Round 1, Pick No. 2: Kinzie Hansen, Catcher
Round 2, Pick No. 7: Maddie Penta, Right-handed Pitcher
Round 3, Pick No. 14: Jailyn Ford, Left-handed Pitcher
Round 4, Pick No. 19: Billie Andrews, Middle Infielder
Round 5, Pick No. 26: Sydney Sherrill, Corner Infielder
Round 6, Pick No. 31: Haley Lee, Utility