Texas Stars Reese Atwood and Leighann Goode Receive AUSL Golden Tickets

AUSTIN, Texas — University of Texas catcher Reese Atwood and shortstop Leighann Goode received AUSL golden tickets on March 29, 2026, becoming the second and third players to secure spots in the league’s college draft. The announcements make the Longhorns the first program with two golden ticket recipients in the same cycle.

Atwood, the 2025 NFCA Catcher of the Year and Johnny Bench Award winner, holds the Texas career home run record with 59 longballs. She led the nation with 89 RBIs in 2025 and is batting .395 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs through the 2026 season. Atwood also competed with the U.S. Women’s National Team in Australia.

Goode has been on a tear in 2026, batting .471 with 33 hits and 21 RBIs through 30 games. Her sharp improvement from .295 in 2025 to .471 in 2026 stands out heading into the AUSL draft. In 2025, she posted a .530 slugging percentage with 10 home runs and 43 RBIs.

Four of the 17 total golden tickets have now been announced, with NiJaree Canady of Texas Tech receiving the first on March 27. The AUSL College Draft Show airs May 4 on ESPN2.

Two Longhorns, One Night

The dual announcement underscored the depth of talent on the No. 1-ranked Texas roster. Atwood and Goode have been cornerstones of a Longhorns lineup that has dominated college softball in 2026, and their simultaneous Golden Ticket presentations created one of the most memorable moments of the pre-draft buildup.

Atwood, the 2025 NFCA Catcher of the Year and Johnny Bench Award winner, holds the Texas career home run record and is considered the top catching prospect in the draft class. Her combination of elite offensive production and defensive leadership has made her a consensus top-three pick.

Goode has been one of the most dynamic offensive players in the SEC, providing power and speed from the shortstop position. Her ability to impact games from multiple areas of the lineup gives her significant draft value across all six AUSL teams.

Texas Pipeline to the AUSL

The Golden Ticket presentations continued a growing connection between the University of Texas and the AUSL. With two of the first four Golden Tickets going to Longhorns, Texas has established itself as a premier pipeline for professional softball talent in the league’s early years.

The 2026 AUSL College Draft is scheduled for May 4 on ESPN2, with 17 college players expected to be selected. The Carolina Blaze hold the No. 1 overall pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Reese Atwood get an AUSL golden ticket?

Yes, Reese Atwood received an AUSL golden ticket on March 29, 2026, securing her spot in the 2026 AUSL College Draft.

What are Reese Atwood’s stats?

Through the 2026 season, Reese Atwood is batting .395 with 11 home runs and 40 RBIs. She holds the Texas career home run record with 59.

When is the AUSL draft?

The 2026 AUSL College Draft Show airs Monday, May 4, 2026, at 7 PM ET on ESPN2.

---