Belmont’s Maya Johnson Earns Ninth AUSL Golden Ticket, First for a Mid-Major Program

NASHVILLE, TENN. — Belmont pitcher Maya Johnson received an AUSL Golden Ticket on April 17, becoming the ninth player in the class and the first from a mid-major program in the league’s history. Two-time Olympic medalist and ESPN broadcaster Jessica Mendoza presented the ticket to the left-hander following the Bruins’ game against Illinois State.

A Season Built Around Dominance

The AUSL’s announcement cited a 2026 record of 21 wins and one loss, a 0.57 ERA and 286 strikeouts in 148 innings pitched. On February 6, Johnson threw a perfect game against Missouri State. On March 13, she struck out 19 batters against Evansville. In 2025, she finished 24-6 with a 1.52 ERA and 366 strikeouts over 207 innings, earning NFCA First Team All-American honors and the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year award.

First From Outside a Power Conference

The other eight Golden Ticket recipients represent power-conference programs: Karlyn Pickens of Tennessee, NiJaree Canady of Texas Tech, Sydney Stewart of Arizona, Kenzie Brown of Arizona State, Dakota Kennedy of Arkansas, Reese Atwood of Texas, Leighann Goode of Texas, and Taryn Kern of Stanford. Johnson’s selection marks the first time a mid-major pitcher has earned guaranteed entry into the draft, a signal that AUSL scouts are tracking talent beyond the ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC.

Beyond the Mound

She plays while battling an autoimmune condition called lupus and served as a keynote speaker at the End Lupus Now walk in Nashville last fall. Mendoza addressed both dimensions when she presented the ticket.

“It is an honor to be asked to present Maya with her Golden Ticket and share in this once-in-a-lifetime emotional moment.”

— Jessica Mendoza, two-time Olympic medalist and ESPN broadcaster

The left-handed pitcher is a native of Columbia Station, Ohio. She had never played at a professional franchise’s home market; whichever team selects her in May will be her introduction to pro ball in a new city.

Looking Ahead

All nine Golden Ticket recipients are guaranteed selections in the 2026 AUSL College Draft on May 4 at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The six franchises — the Carolina Blaze, Chicago Bandits, Oklahoma City Spark, Portland Cascade, Texas Volts, and Utah Talons — each carry pitching needs at varying depths. Johnson’s left-handed profile gives her a distinct market in a class dominated by right-handed arms. Commissioner Kim Ng’s league now has nine publicly announced draft targets locked in ahead of its second season.