Going into the 2025 AUSL College Draft, a handful of the game’s brightest stars are guaranteed a spot in the big leagues. With Golden Tickets handed out on campuses across the country, these selections signal which athletes will enter the Athletes Unlimited Softball League as part of its newest class of pro players.
The draft show will air on Saturday, May 3 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPNU.
Emma Lemley, P — Virginia Tech
Tune in tonight for the first college draft 🎫
— Virginia Tech Softball (@HokiesSoftball)
9 p.m. on ESPNU! 🥎
Virginia Tech ace Emma Lemley was honored with her Golden Ticket during the Hokies’ senior weekend, becoming the latest elite pitcher bound for the AUSL. Lemley has been a workhorse since her freshman year, earning All-ACC honors multiple times and surpassing 800 career strikeouts. She helped Virginia Tech to three consecutive Ƶ tournament appearances. In 2024, Lemley went 13-5 with 158 strikeouts and nine complete games. Her rise has been marked by consistency and command. Now, she’s set to bring her swing-and-miss arsenal to the professional ranks, giving AUSL lineups another tough arm to face.
Ana Gold, INF — Duke
Duke’s Ana Gold became the program’s first-ever AUSL Golden Ticket recipient, and for good reason. The veteran slugger has been a staple in the Blue Devils’ lineup, finishing among the team’s leaders in power categories while anchoring the heart of the order during the 2024 season. Gold played a key role in helping Duke secure an ACC title and make deep Ƶ tournament runs, earning All-Region honors in the process. Her plate power, postseason experience and presence as a middle-of-the-order threat made her a standout candidate for the AUSL ranks. With more than 50 career home runs and a career OPS of .413, Gold has proven she can hit at any level and will be one to watch in the pros.
Bri Ellis, INF — Arkansas
A three-time All-Conference honoree and one of the most feared power hitters in the college game, Bri Ellis earned her AUSL Golden Ticket after a standout season at Arkansas. The former SEC Freshman of the Year transferred from Auburn to Fayetteville in 2024 and quickly made her presence known. Ellis led the Razorbacks in slugging, as well as home runs and RBIs for most of the season. In her four-year career across Auburn and Arkansas, Ellis has surpassed 70 career home runs and over 200 RBIs, establishing herself as one of the most consistent offensive threats in the country. Her combination of raw power, experience in the SEC, and leadership makes her a can’t-miss addition to the AUSL.
Korbe Otis, OF — Florida
Thank you, Korbe 🧡💙
— Gators Softball (@GatorsSB)
Grateful for your time in the Orange & Blue. Once a Gator, always a Gator! 🐊
Drop your favorite Korbe memory ⬇️
Florida’s Korbe Otis was awarded her Golden Ticket after delivering a walk-off RBI against Alabama — a fitting capstone for one of the Gators’ most impactful players. A 2024 NFCA First-Team All-American and USA Softball Top 10 Finalist, Otis has built a reputation as one of the most complete hitters in the nation. She led the SEC in batting average (.434), walks (59), and triples (5) in 2024 while also earning SEC All-Tournament Team and Academic All-America honors. Otis began her career at Louisville and hasn’t looked back since transferring to Florida. With elite speed and consistent production, she was the only player in the country in 2024 with 70+ hits and runs, 50+ RBIs and walks — and she’s continued to shine in 2025 with a .325 average and five home runs. The Gators' star brings a pro-ready skill set to the AUSL.
Emiley Kennedy, P — Texas A&M
One of the most dominant pitchers in college softball, Emiley Kennedy added her Golden Ticket to an already stellar resumé. The Texas A&M senior was a 2024 NFCA Second-Team All-American, becoming the first left-handed Aggie pitcher to earn that honor in 41 years. She posted 24 wins, 200 strikeouts and 202.2 innings pitched that season — all top-20 marks nationally. Her 10 shutouts were the most for any Aggie in over a decade. Kennedy was equally dominant in SEC play, setting school records for innings pitched and strikeouts in conference games. She powered Texas A&M to its first Super Regional appearance since 2018 and has continued to shine in 2025 with nearly 20 wins. Known for her durability, Kennedy will bring high-level experience and left-handed dominance to the AUSL.
Devyn Netz, P/INF — Arizona
Complete-game shutout for ✔️
— Arizona Softball (@ArizonaSoftball)
Sixth Big 12 series win ✔️
A reliable two-way contributor, Netz has nearly wrapped her Arizona career with 53 wins, a 3.22 ERA and 333 strikeouts over 454.2 innings. She came up big in moments the Bears needed most, including a shutout to clinch Arizona’s 2022 WCWS berth and a complete game in an upset of UCLA this season. At the plate, she added 30 home runs and a .656 slugging percentage across four seasons. Netz’s versatility and experience will be an asset in the AUSL.
Sam Landry, P — Oklahoma
Landry’s breakout 2024 season helped Oklahoma reload after major pitching departures. The Louisiana transfer posted a 1.45 ERA with 150 strikeouts and held opponents to a .192 average through April. She helped lead Louisiana to back-to-back Ƶ regionals before joining the Sooners, where she quickly became a driving force. Her command and rise ball give her the tools to thrive in the pro ranks.
Danieca Coffey, INF — LSU
Danieca Coffey remains ✨GOLDEN✨
— LSU Softball (@LSUsoftball)
She will officially be playing professional softball this summer in the ! |
Coffey was a steady force at the top of LSU’s lineup across four seasons, finishing her career with 250 hits, 166 runs and a .460 OBP. She led the SEC in hits in 2022 and was named to the All-SEC team twice. Defensively, she handled both middle infield and third base with consistency. Coffey’s contact ability and leadership make her a valuable table-setter in any lineup.
Cori McMillan, OF — Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech’s offensive leader in 2025, Cori McMillan, hit .456 with 27 home runs, 57 RBIs, and a 1.075 slugging percentage. She started all 55 games and led the team in nearly every major offensive category, including hits (67) and total bases (158). McMillan was a consistent power threat in the ACC and came up big in key moments, including multi-hit games against ranked opponents. Her combination of strength, bat speed, and plate discipline makes her one of the top power hitters entering the AUSL.
Sierra Sacco, OF — Mississippi State
Sierra Sacco hates softballs
— Mississippi State Softball (@HailStateSB)
💻 | 🐶
A two-time All-Sun Belt standout at Louisiana Tech before transferring to Mississippi State, Sierra Sacco continues to shine as one of the nation’s top contact hitters and base-stealers. In 2025, she batted .463 with 74 hits, 60 runs, and 16 stolen bases, starting nearly every game in center field. She consistently sparked the Bulldogs’ offense at the top of the order and brought elite range defensively. With a career batting average over .400 and more than 30 steals across two seasons at Mississippi State, Sacco enters the AUSL as a dynamic leadoff threat.
Raelin Chaffin, P — Mississippi State
After transferring from LSU, Raelin Chaffin became a reliable arm for Mississippi State in 2025. She posted a 21-7 record with a 2.40 ERA and 179 strikeouts across 163 innings, helping anchor the Bulldogs’ pitching staff. Chaffin picked up wins over top-25 teams like Florida and Baylor and ranked among the SEC leaders in WHIP. Her ability to limit walks and keep hitters off balance made her a go-to starter throughout the season. With SEC experience and strong command, she brings depth and maturity to the AUSL stage.
Michaela Edenfield, C — Florida State
One of the most powerful and productive catchers in the country, Michaela Edenfield capped her decorated Florida State career with a Golden Ticket to the AUSL. A 2024 NFCA Third Team All-American and three-time All-ACC honoree, Edenfield ranks among FSU’s all-time leaders in home runs, RBI, walks, and putouts. She started 226 games over five seasons and slugged 51 career home runs with a .312 batting average and .650 slugging percentage. Behind the plate, she posted a .988 fielding percentage with fewer than 15 errors in over 1,000 chances. Her big bat and veteran presence make her a prized addition to the professional ranks.
