AUSL Profiles Texas Catcher Reese Atwood, Who Signed NIL Deal with League

AUSTIN, Texas — The Athletes Unlimited Softball League published a feature profile of Texas Longhorns catcher Reese Atwood on April 3, 2026, spotlighting the 2025 NFCA Catcher of the Year and revealing that she has signed a name, image, and likeness partnership with the league — making her the second college softball player to do so.

Atwood’s NIL Partnership with the AUSL

Atwood’s NIL partnership with the AUSL follows a similar arrangement signed in February 2026 by Tennessee pitcher Karlyn Pickens, who became the first college athlete to sign an NIL deal with the league. Atwood, who received her AUSL Golden Ticket on March 28, 2026, now holds both a Golden Ticket guaranteeing her selection in the May 4 College Draft and an active sponsorship relationship with the league before playing a single professional game.

The back-to-back NIL signings — Pickens in February and Atwood in the weeks surrounding her Golden Ticket announcement — reflect an intentional AUSL strategy to build fan investment in incoming college talent before draft day, mirroring how established professional leagues engage star players ahead of formal entry.

The Art of Pitch Framing

The AUSL feature centers on Atwood’s value as one of the premier catchers in college softball, particularly her elite pitch-framing ability. “I think that’s actually my favorite part of being a catcher, being able to steal strikes,” Atwood said in the profile.

A four-year starter behind the plate for the Longhorns since 2023, Atwood has accumulated the most RBIs and home runs in University of Texas program history. Her 2025 honors include the NFCA Catcher of the Year award and the prestigious Johnny Bench Award, given annually to the top catcher in college softball.

One of Five Golden Ticket Holders

Atwood is one of five players to hold a 2026 AUSL Golden Ticket, joining NiJaree Canady (Texas Tech, Pitcher), Leighann Goode (Texas, SS/2B), Sydney Stewart (Arizona, Catcher), and Karlyn Pickens (Tennessee, RHP). Texas will send two players — Atwood and Goode — directly into the May 4 draft, a rare double Golden Ticket haul for a single program.

All five Golden Ticket holders are guaranteed selection in the May 4 College Draft but will not know which of the six AUSL teams selects them until draft night. The 2026 AUSL College Draft airs on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET, with the Carolina Blaze holding pick No. 1.

Looking Ahead

Atwood remains active at Texas, where the Longhorns are ranked No. 1 nationally. Her professional AUSL debut is expected in June following the conclusion of the college softball postseason. The AUSL season opens June 9.