Overview
- Seventeen preselected “Golden Ticket” seniors learned their pro destinations Monday during the ESPN2‑aired AUSL College Draft, which assigned players to six city‑based teams.
- The Carolina Blaze chose Tennessee ace Karlyn Pickens first overall, the Texas Volts took Texas Tech star NiJaree Canady at No. 2, and Belmont pitcher Maya Johnson went No. 3 to the Oklahoma City Spark.
- Pitching set the tone at the top, while UCLA led all programs with three draftees, including Megan Grant at No. 4 to the Portland Cascade as the first non‑pitcher selected, plus Jordan Woolery and Taylor Tinsley later in the draft.
- The draft followed a two‑plus‑round format that required each team to make at least two picks before passing, and teams now hold exclusive rights as draftees finish their college seasons before signing, with compensation picks available if a player delays joining.
- AUSL expands from a touring setup to six home markets in 2026 with the additions of the Oklahoma City Spark and Portland Cascade, and the 25‑game season opens June 9 with a championship series set to begin July 25 at Texas A&M’s Davis Diamond.