- Team Fernandez and Team Watley to Meet Aug. 5 on ESPN2 as Part of Expanded Week of Engagement Between AUSL Athletes and Little League Softball Participants
Greenville, N.C. – The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) today announced the rosters for the 2026 AUSL Pro Game at the Little League® Softball World Series Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods, an exhibition featuring 24 AUSL players that will take place Wednesday, Aug. 5, at 7 p.m. ET in Greenville, N.C., and air live on ESPN2.
The exhibition game serves as the centerpiece of an expanded week-long collaboration, and an ongoing partnership, between AUSL and Little League, designed to give Little League Softball participants unprecedented opportunities to interact with the world’s best professional softball players while further establishing the AUSL as the pinnacle of the sport for the next generation of athletes.
The teams, coached by softball legends Lisa Fernandez and Natasha Watley, will compete wearing their regular-season AUSL uniforms.
“The Little League Softball World Series is one of the most special events in our sport because it brings together young athletes from around the world who dream of playing at the highest level,” said AUSL Commissioner Kim Ng. “The AUSL Pro Game gives those players the opportunity not only to watch professional softball, but to spend meaningful time with our athletes throughout the week. That’s what makes this partnership so valuable.”
In addition to the Pro Game, AUSL players and coaches will participate in a variety of events throughout the week, creating “see her, be her” moments for Little League Softball participants and local youth players.
Among the highlights:
- Girls With Game Celebration (Friday, July 31): AUSL standouts Kinzie Hansen and Sami Williams will arrive ahead of the full roster to participate in a Chalk Talk, meet-and-greet and other activities with Little League Softball players.
- Little League Softball World Series Opening Ceremonies (Saturday, Aug. 1): Hansen and Williams will also participate in Opening Ceremonies and throw out the ceremonial first pitch to kick off the weeklong event.
- Managers & Coaches Briefing (Saturday, Aug. 1): Chicago Bandits Head Coach Shonda Stanton will address tournament managers and coaches, sharing an inspirational message before competition begins.
- Player Engagement (Tuesday, Aug. 4): AUSL athletes will attend Little League Softball World Series games throughout the day, participating in first pitches, meet-and-greets, broadcast interviews and other fan experiences.
- Community Clinic (Wednesday, Aug. 5): AUSL players will host a youth T-Ball clinic for two local Little League programs before taking the field that evening.
The AUSL Pro Game is part of the league’s strategic partnership with Little League and reflects a shared commitment to inspiring the next generation of softball players by connecting them directly with the sport’s professional stars.
The full rosters are as follows:
Team Fernandez
- Head Coach: Lisa Fernandez
- Assistant Coach: Marissa Young
- Billie Andrews (INF)
- Mia Davidson (C)
- Caroline Jacobsen (OF)
- Devyn Netz (INF)
- Haley Lee (INF)
- Jenna Laird (INF)
- Jocelyn Erickson (C)
- Kelly Torres (OF)
- Maya Johnson (P)
- Alana Vawter (P)
- Payton Gottshall (P)
- KK Madrey (OF)
Team Watley
- Head Coach: Natasha Watley
- Assistant Coach: Lindsay Leftwich
- Ali Newland (OF)
- Jailyn Ford (P)
- Kailey Wyckoff (C)
- Keirstin Roose (INF)
- Kyleigh Sand (INF)
- Mac Barbara (INF)
- Maddie Penta (P)
- McKenzie Clark (OF)
- Odicci Alexander-Bennett (P)
- Sahvanna Jaquish (INF)
- Sarah Gordon (C)
- Sierra Sacco-Ferrie (OF)
The 2026 AUSL Pro Game at the Little League Softball World Series Presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods will begin at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 5, airing live on ESPN2.
