EUGENE, ORE. — Oregon utility player Amari Harper received a 2026 AUSL Golden Ticket this weekend, guaranteeing her selection in the May 4 College Draft and becoming the 15th player added to this year’s class.
SEC-Tested, Pacific Northwest Bound
Harper, a left-handed hitter who covers both infield and outfield positions, transferred to Oregon from Texas A&M for her senior year. In 2025 with the Aggies, she earned All-SEC Second Team honors after posting a .421 batting average, .536 on-base percentage, eight home runs, 11 doubles and 51 RBIs. She carried that production into her senior season with the Ducks.
What Utility Means at the Pro Level
Harper’s ability to play both infield and outfield positions adds to her profile as a Golden Ticket. AUSL rosters carry 20-plus players across six franchises.
The 2026 Golden Ticket Class
Harper joins a class that spans programs across the country. Previous recipients in the 2026 cycle include NiJaree Canady (Texas Tech), Reese Atwood (Texas), Leighann Goode (Texas), Sydney Stewart (Arizona), Karlyn Pickens (Tennessee), Dakota Kennedy (Arkansas), Kenzie Brown (Arizona State) and Taryn Kern (Stanford), along with Belmont’s Maya Johnson, UCLA’s Megan Grant, Taylor Tinsley and Jordan Woolery, and Florida’s Jocelyn Erickson and Kenleigh Cahalan.
Each Golden Ticket holder is guaranteed a spot in the draft pool. Their franchise assignment is revealed live during the broadcast on ESPN2.
Looking Ahead
The College Draft Show airs at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, May 4, on ESPN2. The six AUSL franchises—the Carolina Blaze, Chicago Bandits, OKC Spark, Portland Cascade, Texas Volts and Utah Talons—will select from the Golden Ticket class before filling out their rosters with additional picks. The AUSL’s 2026 season opens June 9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an AUSL Golden Ticket?
A Golden Ticket is awarded by the AUSL to select college players ahead of the annual College Draft. Recipients are guaranteed a spot in the draft pool but do not learn which team selects them until the draft broadcast. The 2026 College Draft airs on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on May 4, 2026.
Where did Amari Harper play before Oregon?
Harper played at Texas A&M in 2025, where she earned All-SEC Second Team honors with a .421 batting average, .536 on-base percentage, eight home runs and 51 RBIs. She transferred to Oregon for her senior season.
How many players have received Golden Tickets in 2026?
Harper is the 15th player added to the 2026 AUSL Golden Ticket class. Recipients span programs from Texas Tech, Texas, Arizona, Arizona State, Arkansas, Tennessee, Stanford, Belmont, UCLA, Florida and Oregon.
About the AUSL
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League is a professional softball league featuring six teams across major U.S. markets. Commissioner Kim Ng leads the league, which airs 50 games a year on ESPN and ABC. The 2026 season begins June 9.
About Aspen Eighty
Aspen Eighty is a female-founded, independent digital publication covering the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. We publish breaking news, scores, 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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