DURHAM, N.C. — Virginia Tech right-handed pitcher Emma Lemley made AUSL history on April 13, 2025, when she became the first player ever to receive a golden ticket to the Athletes Unlimited Softball League.
Blaze General Manager Jenny Dalton-Hill presented Lemley with the golden ticket during Virginia Tech’s Senior Night, securing her as the No. 3 overall pick in the inaugural AUSL College Draft.
College Career
Lemley was a four-year letter winner at Virginia Tech, compiling a 65-win career with a 2.75 ERA and 849 strikeouts over 640.1 innings pitched — the third-highest total in program history. She recorded 19 solo shutouts and set the Virginia Tech record with 12 career saves.
During her senior season in 2025, Lemley posted an 18-8 record with a 2.65 ERA and 196 strikeouts to lead the ACC. She also became the first pitcher in Virginia Tech history to throw back-to-back perfect games, blanking College of Charleston on Feb. 9 and No. 21 Northwestern on Feb. 14.
Lemley finished the 2025 season with four no-hitters, tying for the most in Division I that year.
Awards and Honors
- 2022 ACC Freshman of the Year
- Three-time All-ACC selection
- Seven-time ACC Pitcher of the Week
- 2025 USA Softball Top 50 Player of the Year Watchlist
With the Blaze
Lemley joins the Carolina Blaze, who play their home games at Smith Family Stadium at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first AUSL Golden Ticket recipient?
Emma Lemley of Virginia Tech was the first player to receive an AUSL Golden Ticket on April 13, 2025. She was selected No. 3 overall by the Carolina Blaze in the inaugural AUSL Draft.
What team does Emma Lemley play for?
Emma Lemley plays for the Carolina Blaze in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. She was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 AUSL Draft.
What are Emma Lemley’s career stats at Virginia Tech?
Lemley compiled a 65-win career with a 2.75 ERA and 849 strikeouts over 640.1 innings pitched. She recorded 19 solo shutouts and set the Virginia Tech record with 12 career saves.
About Emma Lemley
Emma Lemley is a right-handed pitcher for the Carolina Blaze in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. The former Virginia Tech standout became the first player to receive an AUSL Golden Ticket in April 2025 and was selected No. 3 overall in the inaugural draft. A four-year letter winner and three-time All-ACC selection, Lemley recorded 849 career strikeouts at Virginia Tech.
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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