AUSL Reveals General Managers and Coaches for 2026 Expansion Season

NEW YORK — The Athletes Unlimited Softball League announced general managers and head coaches for all six teams ahead of the 2026 season. The original four GMs return, with Kirk Walker named general manager of the expansion Oklahoma City Spark and Amber Flores as head coach.

Cat Osterman continues as Texas Volts GM with Ricci Woodard as head coach. Lisa Fernandez remains with the Utah Talons, Jenny Dalton-Hill with the Chicago Bandits, and Dana Sorensen with the Carolina Blaze. The Portland Cascade GM and coaching staff were also confirmed.

The leadership group brings a mix of Olympic pedigree, coaching experience, and front-office expertise as the AUSL expands to six teams for the first time.

Continuity and New Additions

The 2026 coaching and front-office announcements reflected a mix of continuity from the inaugural season and new hires for the two expansion franchises. Returning general managers and coaches from the four charter teams provided stability and institutional knowledge, while the OKC Spark and Portland Cascade introduced fresh leadership to the expanded league.

The retention of successful staff from 2025 signaled that the league valued the competitive product built during the inaugural season. The Utah Talons, who won the 2025 championship, returned key members of their coaching staff, while other teams made targeted adjustments to improve on their first-year performance.

Managing Expansion Rosters

General managers faced a new challenge in 2026: building competitive rosters in a six-team league where talent is spread across two additional franchises. The expansion draft, free agency and the 2026 AUSL College Draft on May 4 all required strategic roster management from front offices balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term franchise building.

The increased competition for roster spots benefits the league’s overall quality of play, as more teams competing for the same talent pool drives up the standard of performance across the board.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Oklahoma City Spark GM?

Kirk Walker serves as general manager of the Oklahoma City Spark, with Amber Flores as head coach.

Who is the Texas Volts head coach?

Ricci Woodard serves as head coach of the Texas Volts, with Cat Osterman as general manager.