Over the next week, the Blaze will be unveiling their protected players ahead of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) Draft.
Five members of the roster will be protected for the league’s Expansion Draft, during which the league’s newest teams — the Oklahoma City Spark and Cascade — may select unprotected players for their rosters.
Tune in to the AUSL Draft on Monday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. ET on ESPNU. More details on the AUSL Draft structure can be found here.
Nov. 18: Ana Gold
General Manager Dana Sorensen on Gold: “Ana Gold was a breakout rookie star in the 2025 season. She is one of the best defensive players on the field, and made plays at third base in her first pro game. She is one of the top third basemen in the league, but has the defensive skill set to play shortstop as well, giving a lot of versatility on the field. At the plate, she quietly carried a .427 OBP and 1.094 OPS and tied for 3rd in HR’s, all while playing her first full season in the pro league.”
Nov. 19 Baylee Klingler
GM Dana Sorensen on Klingler: “Baylee Klingler is a true versatile player, with capabilities of playing both infield corner positions as well as both outfield corner positions. Offensively, she was one of the hardest hitters at the plate to strike out, with a four percent strikeout rate and a .571 slugging percentage. Baylee is a glue player in the clubhouse and always brings an infectious love of the game.”
Nov. 20: Aubrey Leach
GM Dana Sorensen on Leach: “Aubrey is a true leader and captain on the field. One of the brightest softball minds on the dirt, she brings leadership to the infield and is the epitome of a professional player. Leach finished in the top 10 in both average and on-base percentage. She can both beat you at the plate with the short game as well as drive the ball in the gap. We are looking forward to Aubrey’s growth in year two of the AUSL.”