The UCLA Bruins continue to make waves in professional sports, this time on the softball diamond. Following a strong showing in last month's WNBA Draft—where six Bruins were selected—the university's softball program saw three of its own stars chosen in the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) draft on Monday. This marks another proud moment for UCLA athletics, showcasing the depth of talent cultivated in Westwood.
The AUSL, founded in 2024, features six teams competing in a 30-game regular season. The three Bruins selected were pitcher Taylor Tinsley and sluggers Megan Grant and Jordan Woolery. While the news might not come as a surprise—given that the league had already distributed "Golden Tickets" to draft picks last month—it's still a testament to their hard work and skill. Grant and Woolery were first-round selections, while Tinsley was taken with the final pick of the second round.
Let's break down what each player brings to the table. Tinsley has been a reliable force in the circle, amassing 65 wins in 126 appearances with an impressive 2.33 career earned run average. Her consistency and poise under pressure make her a valuable asset for any team.
At the plate, Grant and Woolery have been nothing short of phenomenal. Woolery is enjoying a stellar season, batting .513, and boasts a .411 career average with 76 home runs in a Bruins uniform. Grant, meanwhile, has been even more prolific, crushing 84 career homers with a .375 lifetime batting average. Their power and precision have made them fan favorites and nightmares for opposing pitchers.
In the draft, Grant was the first Bruin off the board, going No. 4 overall to the Portland Cascade. Woolery followed as the final pick of the first round, selected sixth overall by the defending champion Utah Talons. Tinsley will join her fellow Bruin in Utah, as the Talons used their very next pick to bring her aboard. It's a homecoming of sorts for UCLA fans, who will now have two Bruins to cheer for on the same professional squad.
UCLA wasn't alone in this achievement; the Florida Gators were the only other school with three players selected in this year's draft. But for Bruins faithful, seeing their stars transition to the professional level is a source of pride—and a reminder of the program's enduring legacy. Whether you're a fan of Tinsley's pitching or Grant and Woolery's explosive hitting, these three are poised to make an immediate impact in the AUSL.