Arizona State Softball Star Earns 'Golden Ticket' to AUSL

Kenzie Brown's selection in the AUSL draft signals a new era for women's professional softball.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fractured softball game, with overlapping planes of maroon, gold, teal, and orange representing the colors of Arizona State University and the AUSL professional league.A new era of professional opportunities opens up for elite women's softball players like Arizona State's Kenzie Brown.Tempe Today

Kenzie Brown, a standout pitcher for the Arizona State Sun Devils softball team, was recently surprised with a 'Golden Ticket' signaling her selection in the 2026 Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) draft. This milestone moment not only marks a significant achievement for Brown, but also represents the growing opportunities in women's professional sports.

Why it matters

The rise of the AUSL and other women's professional leagues, such as the WNBA and PWHL, demonstrate the increasing demand and support for elite-level women's sports. Brown's selection highlights the expanding pathways for young girls to pursue their athletic dreams beyond the collegiate level.

The details

During Arizona State's 13-0 win over UTEP on April 7, ESPN reporter Holly Rowe surprised Brown with the 'Golden Ticket,' signaling her selection in the AUSL's 2026 college draft. The moment caught Brown off guard, but she had a feeling it was coming, even dreaming the night before that a teammate had taken the ticket from her.

  • On April 7, 2026, Kenzie Brown was surprised with the 'Golden Ticket' during Arizona State's game against UTEP.
  • The AUSL held its inaugural season in 2025, paving the way for the league's continued growth and the inclusion of top college talent like Brown.

The players

Kenzie Brown

A standout pitcher for the Arizona State Sun Devils softball team who was recently selected in the 2026 AUSL college draft.

Holly Rowe

An ESPN reporter and champion of women's sports who presented Brown with the 'Golden Ticket' during the Arizona State game.

Meika Lauppe

A teammate of Kenzie Brown's at Arizona State, who Brown jokingly thought had taken the 'Golden Ticket' in her dream the night before.

Andy Brown

Kenzie Brown's father, who typically only attends his daughter's Big 12 games but was in the stands to witness the surprise 'Golden Ticket' presentation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's crazy. I had a dream last night that Meika Lauppe took my gold ticket and said that I didn't deserve it. So, it is kind of crazy that this happened today. I literally looked at Meika, and I was like,'There's no way.'”

— Kenzie Brown, Arizona State Softball Player

“Well, she throws hard. I think it is worth sticking with it.”

— Softball Instructor

“It was always my dream to be an Olympian. My entire room was Jennie Finch. I read all of her books. I have a signed jersey, ball, everything. I was obsessed. As much as I hate it now, that she went to the school down south, being like Finch was my dream.”

— Kenzie Brown, Arizona State Softball Player

What’s next

The AUSL will hold its 2026 college draft in the coming months, where Kenzie Brown will officially join the league and begin her professional softball career.

The takeaway

Kenzie Brown's selection in the AUSL draft represents the growing opportunities for young women in professional sports. Her journey from a 9-year-old girl with a dream to a collegiate standout and now a professional athlete signals a new era of possibilities for the next generation of female athletes.