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Texas Softball Stars Atwood and Goode Earn AUSL 'Golden Tickets'
The duo were selected in the AUSL's 2026 college player draft after leading the Longhorns to a series win over Texas A&M.
Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:54am
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Texas catcher Reese Atwood and infielder Leighann Goode have earned 'Golden Tickets' from the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) following the Longhorns' 3-2 win over Texas A&M. The tickets signify that Atwood and Goode were selected in the AUSL's 2026 college player draft, though they won't know which of the six AUSL teams drafted them until the league's draft show airs on May 4.
Why it matters
The AUSL's 'Golden Ticket' program is a way for the league to create buzz and celebrate the journeys of top college softball players as they transition to the professional ranks. Atwood and Goode's selections highlight the continued success of the Texas softball program and the growing popularity of the AUSL.
The details
Atwood clubbed a solo home run in the third inning to give Texas the lead in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Aggies. The Longhorns also won the series opener 9-8 on a walk-off single by Hannah Wells. Texas has now won a program-record 29 consecutive games.
- The AUSL draft was held privately by general managers, with all selections to be announced during the league's draft show on May 4.
- Texas and Texas A&M played the series on March 27-29, 2026.
The players
Reese Atwood
A catcher for the Texas Longhorns softball team who hit a solo home run to help lead the team to a 3-2 win over Texas A&M.
Leighann Goode
An infielder for the Texas Longhorns softball team who also received a 'Golden Ticket' from the AUSL after the series win over Texas A&M.
Kim Ng
The commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, who presented the 'Golden Tickets' to Atwood and Goode in Austin.
Hannah Wells
A Texas Longhorns softball player who hit a walk-off single in the series opener against Texas A&M.
NiJaree Canady
The Texas Tech pitcher who received the first 'Golden Ticket' of the season, announced by former Red Raider quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
What they’re saying
“The Golden Ticket serves as a bridge between the college and professional game, celebrating each athlete's journey while engaging the communities that have supported them.”
— Kim Ng, AUSL Commissioner
What’s next
Atwood and Goode, along with the other 'Golden Ticket' recipients, will find out which of the six AUSL teams drafted them during the league's draft show on May 4 on ESPN2.
The takeaway
The AUSL's 'Golden Ticket' program is a unique way to celebrate the transition of top college softball players to the professional ranks, generating excitement and engagement around the league's future stars. Atwood and Goode's selections highlight the continued success of the Texas Longhorns softball program and the growing popularity of the AUSL.
