Outfielder | University of Arkansas (transfer from Arizona) | AUSL Golden Ticket Recipient
About Dakota Kennedy
Dakota Kennedy is one of the most decorated outfielders in recent college softball history and the sixth player to receive an AUSL golden ticket for the 2026 College Draft. Announced on April 6, 2026, her selection recognizes a career defined by elite defense and consistent offensive production across two Power 4 programs.
A two-time NFCA All-American and 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner in left field, Kennedy transferred from the University of Arizona to the University of Arkansas in June 2025. In her final season at Arizona, she posted career highs across the board with a .444 batting average, .539 on-base percentage, and 1.228 OPS while recording 60 hits, 10 doubles, four triples, five home runs, and 48 runs scored.
Career Highlights
- AUSL golden ticket recipient (April 6, 2026)
- Two-time NFCA All-American (Third Team, 2024 and 2025)
- 2024 NFCA/Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner (left field)
- Three-time first-team all-conference selection
- Three-time NFCA All-West Region selection
- 2025 season at Arizona: .444 BA, .689 SLG, 60 H, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 48 R, 7 SB
- Softball America preseason top 100 (2026)
AUSL Draft Status
- Golden Ticket: April 6, 2026
- Draft Show: May 4, 2026 on ESPN2, 7 PM ET
- AUSL Team: TBD
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dakota Kennedy?
Dakota Kennedy is an outfielder at the University of Arkansas and the sixth AUSL Golden Ticket recipient for the 2026 College Draft. A transfer from Arizona, she is a two-time NFCA All-American and the 2024 NFCA Gold Glove Award winner, recognizing her as the top defensive outfielder in Division I softball.
What AUSL team will Dakota Kennedy play for?
Dakota Kennedy’s AUSL team will be announced during the 2026 AUSL College Draft on May 4, 2026, live on ESPN2 at 7:00 PM ET. Follow Aspen Eighty’s Draft Watch for live coverage.
Did Dakota Kennedy transfer to Arkansas?
Yes, Dakota Kennedy transferred from Arizona to Arkansas, where she has continued to perform at an All-American level. Her combination of elite defense and consistent offensive production has made her one of the top outfield prospects entering the AUSL.
When was Dakota Kennedy’s Golden Ticket announced?
Dakota Kennedy received her AUSL Golden Ticket on April 6, 2026, making her the sixth player selected for the 2026 AUSL College Draft.
Connect with Dakota Kennedy
- Instagram: @_dakotakennedy
- Official School Bio: Arkansas Razorbacks Athletics
Other Golden Ticket Recipients
- NiJaree Canady — Texas Tech, Pitcher
- Reese Atwood — University of Texas, Catcher
- Leighann Goode — University of Texas, Shortstop / Second Base
- Sydney Stewart — University of Arizona, Catcher
- Karlyn Pickens — University of Tennessee, Pitcher
- Kenzie Brown — Arizona State University, Pitcher