COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M left-handed pitcher Emiley Kennedy was selected by the Chicago Bandits as the No. 7 overall pick in the inaugural AUSL College Draft after receiving a golden ticket during a home stand in April 2025.
Kennedy made history in 2024 when she became the first left-handed pitcher in 41 years to earn NFCA All-America honors.
College Career
Kennedy was a four-year letter winner at Texas A&M, making 153 appearances with 84 starts over 620.0 innings pitched. She compiled a career record of 70-33 with a 2.59 ERA, 568 strikeouts, 18 shutouts, 13 saves, and 52 complete games.
She ranks in Texas A&M all-time top 10 in strikeouts (No. 6 with 568), wins (No. 9 with 70), and innings pitched (No. 10 with 620.0).
Her junior season in 2024 was her most dominant: a 24-11 record with a 1.93 ERA, 200 strikeouts in 202.2 innings, 24 complete games, and 10 shutouts. She was named a 2025 Preseason First-Team All-American entering her senior year.
Awards and Honors
- 2024 NFCA All-America Second Team — first left-handed pitcher in 41 years to earn the honor
- 2024 D1 Softball All-America First Team
- 2024 Softball America All-America Second Team
- All-SEC First Team
- D1 Softball National Pitcher of the Week (2024) — only the second Aggie to receive it
- 2025 Preseason First-Team All-America
With the Bandits
Kennedy joins the Chicago Bandits alongside fellow golden ticket recipient Cori McMillan. The Bandits play at The Stadium at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois.
Frequently Asked Questions
What team drafted Emiley Kennedy?
Emiley Kennedy was selected by the Chicago Bandits with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 AUSL Draft.
Why is Emiley Kennedy considered historic?
Kennedy was the first left-handed pitcher in 41 years to earn NFCA All-America honors, breaking a decades-long streak in which only right-handed pitchers received the recognition.
Where did Emiley Kennedy play in college?
Kennedy pitched for the Texas A&M Aggies, where she established herself as one of the top left-handed pitchers in NCAA Division I softball.
About Emiley Kennedy
Emiley Kennedy is a left-handed pitcher for the Chicago Bandits in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. The former Texas A&M standout made history as the first lefty in 41 years to earn NFCA All-America honors. She received a 2025 AUSL Golden Ticket and was selected No. 7 overall in the inaugural draft.
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.
Share This Story
The Eighty
AUSL highlights delivered to your inbox.
Golden tickets, draft picks, game recaps, and analysis. Free. No spam.