Infielder | Stanford University | AUSL Golden Ticket Recipient
About Taryn Kern
Taryn Kern is an infielder who played her rookie season in 2026 with the Chicago Bandits of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. The Bandits drafted her in the second round, No. 11 overall in the 2026 AUSL College Draft, and released her on Oct. 13, 2026. She can join the Reserve Player Pool and is eligible for the AUSL Allocation Draft this winter.
Taryn Kern was a senior infielder at Stanford University and the eighth player to receive an AUSL Golden Ticket for the 2026 College Draft. Announced on April 10, 2026 by broadcaster Amanda Scarborough, her selection came following Stanford’s dramatic 9-8 walkoff victory over No. 6 Florida State.
A transfer from Indiana, Kern delivered a three-run home run in the game that earned her the Golden Ticket. At Stanford she tied the program’s single-season home run record with 19 in 2025.
Career Highlights
- AUSL Golden Ticket recipient (April 10, 2026)
- 2023 Big Ten Freshman of the Year (Indiana)
- 2023 season at Indiana: .404 AVG, 23 HR, 68 RBI, 1.505 OPS
- 2024 Big Ten Player of the Year (Indiana)
- 2024 season: .414 AVG, 25 HR, 74 RBI, 1.534 OPS
- Transferred to Stanford for 2025-2026 seasons
- Multiple NFCA All-American selections
AUSL Draft Result
- Golden Ticket: April 10, 2026
- Draft: May 4, 2026 on ESPN2
- AUSL Team: Chicago Bandits (Round 2, Pick #11)
2026 AUSL Season
2026 season, including postseason with the Chicago Bandits:
- Games: 23
- Batting average: .216
- Home runs: 1
- RBI: 9
- On-base / slugging: .349 / .373
She doubled in the bottom of the 11th of the July 23 play-in game and scored the winning run on Ailana Agbayani’s walk-off single. Utah swept the Bandits in the best-of-three Championship Series.
Source: AUSL official stats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Taryn Kern?
Taryn Kern is an AUSL infielder who played the 2026 season with the Chicago Bandits after they drafted her in the second round, No. 11 overall in the 2026 AUSL College Draft. The Bandits released her on Oct. 13, 2026. She played college softball at Stanford University and was the eighth AUSL Golden Ticket recipient. She transferred to Stanford after a record-setting career at Indiana, where she won Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Player of the Year in consecutive seasons.
What AUSL team did Taryn Kern get drafted to?
Taryn Kern was selected by the Chicago Bandits in Round 2 (Pick #11) of the 2026 AUSL College Draft on May 4, 2026.
What awards has Taryn Kern won?
Taryn Kern’s honors include 2023 Big Ten Freshman of the Year, 2024 Big Ten Player of the Year, and multiple NFCA All-American selections. At Indiana she posted back-to-back seasons with an OPS above 1.500.
When was Taryn Kern’s Golden Ticket announced?
Taryn Kern received her AUSL Golden Ticket on April 10, 2026, making her the eighth player selected for the 2026 AUSL College Draft.
Connect with Taryn Kern
- Instagram: @tarynkernn
- Official School Bio: Stanford Athletics
- NIL Profile: Opendorse
Other Golden Ticket Recipients
- NiJaree Canady — Texas Tech, Pitcher
- Reese Atwood — University of Texas, Catcher
- Leighann Goode — University of Texas, Shortstop / Second Base
- Sydney Stewart — University of Arizona, Catcher
- Karlyn Pickens — University of Tennessee, Pitcher
- Dakota Kennedy — University of Arkansas, Outfielder
- Kenzie Brown — Arizona State University, Pitcher
- Maya Johnson — Belmont University, Pitcher
- Jocelyn Erickson — University of Florida, Catcher
- Kenleigh Cahalan — University of Florida, Shortstop
- Megan Grant — UCLA, Utility
- Taylor Tinsley — UCLA, Pitcher
- Jordan Woolery — UCLA, Infielder
- Amari Harper — University of Oregon, Utility
- Ailana Agbayani — University of Oklahoma, Second Baseman
- Peja Goold — Mississippi State, Pitcher