The background
AUX Softball is a part of the broader Athletes Unlimited (AU) network, which encompasses softball, lacrosse, volleyball, and basketball events. AU was launched in 2020 with softball as its inaugural sport, introducing a player-centric format where athletes compete fantasy-style to earn individual points.
That’s right, AU (prior to the launch of AUSL) operates outside the traditional city-based team format. There are no fixed squads (teams change weekly), top-performing players become captains who draft their teammates weekly, and the winner is an individual based on their performance. AU has played a significant role in the women’s sports landscape, providing athletes with professional opportunities that were previously unavailable. Game-changing, quite literally.
Regarding softball, AU has been at the forefront of a surge in momentum within the game. The past few years have seen record-breaking attendance at the WCWS and impressive viewership numbers.
Now, with the sport set to return to the Olympics at LA 2028, AU’s softball action will be crucial to the continued growth of the game.
How AUX works
While typical AU seasons last about a month, AUX is shorter but sweet. Forty-two athletes will compete, playing 18 games from tomorrow night through Tuesday, June 25th in Wichita, Kansas.
These 18 games are divided into three six-game series, with players being re-drafted after each series by the three team captains. The top three point earners from each series earn the captain honor and the right to select their team for the following week. Major middle school kickball vibes.
Players can earn points in three ways: when their team wins a game or an inning, when they make a positive play in the field, and if they are voted one of the top 3 game MVPs by players and fans. Every moment counts.
At the end of the season, the athlete at the top of the leaderboard is crowned champion.
The starpower
Source: Athletes Unlimited
Jocelyn Alo, designated player/outfielder: The NCAA’s all-time home run leader, a two-time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, and a Savannah Banana — Alo does it all. Already excelling at the pro level, she is set to make her AU debut, bringing her powerful skills to the Wichita diamond. Going, going…gone.
Odicci Alexander, pitcher: The 2023 AU Pro Softball champion, Alexander gained fame during the 2021 WCWS for her exceptional plays and top-notch pitching. An AU veteran since 2021, it’s time to see if she can lead the leaderboard on the AUX stage.
Montana Fouts, pitcher: Fouts is known for her fastball and strikeout prowess, which will translate into AUX scoring as she debuts professionally. She has already demonstrated her ability to perform at crucial moments by pitching a perfect game on her birthday during the 2021 WCWS. Take that, Hannah.
Haylie McCleney, outfielder: A pioneer AU softball competitor, McCleney is recognized as one of the game’s elite players. While excelling at Alabama in college, McCleney truly shined in the red, white, and blue, winning two world titles and a silver medal with Team USA at the 2020 Olympics.
How to tune in
Source: Athletes Unlimited
The action kicks off from Wichita, Kansas with an Opening Day doubleheader starting tomorrow at 6 p.m. ET. If you’re in the U.S., you can catch all the excitement on ESPN networks, and if you’re in Canada, TSN has you covered with all the diamond action. Let the games begin!
