DURHAM, N.C. — Duke infielder Ana Gold was selected by the Carolina Blaze as the No. 9 overall pick in the inaugural AUSL College Draft after receiving a golden ticket following a Duke home game against Notre Dame in April 2025.
Gold wasted no time making an impact at the professional level, earning AUSL Rookie of the Year honors after her first season with the Blaze.
AUSL Rookie Season
In her debut professional season, Gold hit .394 — fifth among all AUSL players and first among rookies — with 28 hits (fourth in the league). She was also named to the 2025 AUSL All-Defensive Team as a corner infielder.
College Career
Gold was a four-year letter winner at Duke, starting 230 of 232 career games. She became the program’s all-time home run leader with 54 career home runs and was the first player in Duke history to hit two grand slams in a single game (vs. North Dakota State, Feb. 14, 2024).
Gold helped lead Duke to its first-ever NCAA Women’s College World Series appearance in 2024. In her 2025 senior season, she hit .333 with 16 home runs and 63 RBI.
Awards and Honors
- 2025 AUSL Rookie of the Year
- 2025 AUSL All-Defensive Team (corner infielder)
- Three-time All-ACC selection
- Two-time NFCA All-Region selection
- 2025 NFCA Second-Team All-East Region
With the Blaze
Gold joins the Carolina Blaze alongside fellow golden ticket recipient Emma Lemley. The Blaze play at Smith Family Stadium at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina — Gold’s former home turf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2025 AUSL Rookie of the Year?
Ana Gold of the Carolina Blaze won the 2025 AUSL Rookie of the Year award after a standout inaugural professional season.
What team does Ana Gold play for?
Ana Gold plays for the Carolina Blaze in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. She was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2025 AUSL Draft.
Was Ana Gold named to the USA Softball national team?
Yes. Ana Gold was named to the 2026 USA Softball Women’s National Team athlete pool announced in April 2026.
About Ana Gold
Ana Gold is an infielder for the Carolina Blaze in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. The former Duke record-setter received a 2025 AUSL Golden Ticket and was selected No. 9 overall in the inaugural draft. Gold won the 2025 AUSL Rookie of the Year award and was named to the 2026 USA Softball Women’s National Team pool.
About Aspen Eighty
Aspen Eighty is a female-founded, independent digital publication covering the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. We publish breaking news, scores, draft analysis, and player profiles for all six AUSL teams. Our mission is to amplify women’s professional softball and inspire the next generation of athletes.
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