Blaze Picks Gold as First Selection in Exciting Inaugural AUSL Draft – Duke University Shines!

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke softball star Ana Gold has made waves in the sports world after securing a coveted spot in the newly launched Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). She was the ninth overall pick in the 2025 AUSL Draft, marking a significant milestone in her athletic career.

Gold, hailing from Ballston Spa, New York, has been a standout for the Blue Devils throughout her four years. She has played 225 games, starting in 223, with an impressive batting average of .311. In her final season, she achieved personal bests with 58 hits, 55 runs, and 19 stolen bases. Notably, she led her team in both stolen bases and home runs, hitting 13 long balls.

Her skill on the field has rewritten the Duke record books. Gold made history as the first Blue Devil to hit two grand slams in one game and set a single-game record with eight RBIs against North Dakota State. She also played a crucial role in Duke’s historic run to the Women’s College World Series in 2024, scoring the only run against No. 14 Alabama with a memorable solo home run.

As a sophomore, Gold set a new standard with 19 home runs in a season. She’s currently the record holder for the most career home runs at Duke, with 51 and counting.

Her achievements extend beyond the field. Gold has received multiple accolades, including two All-ACC selections and a spot on the NFCA All-Region Third Team in 2023. Academic success is also part of her story, with recognition on the All-ACC Academic Team and the ACC Honor Roll.

In total, the 2025 AUSL Draft featured 12 athletes from 10 schools across three conferences: seven from the SEC, four from the ACC, and one from the Big 12. Gold was joined by fellow ACC players Emma Lemley, Cori McMillan, and Michaela Edenfield.

Launching in June, the AUSL features four teams: the Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts. They will engage in a 24-game season from June 7 to July 23, culminating in a championship series at the University of Alabama’s Rhoads Stadium.

Following the championship, an individual competition will take place, allowing 60 players to compete in the AUSL All-Star Cup, which employs an innovative scoring system.

2025 Draft Results
Round 1

1. Volts | Sam Landry, Pitcher, Oklahoma
2. Talons | Bri Ellis, Corner Infielder, Arkansas
3. Blaze | Emma Lemley, Pitcher, Virginia Tech
4. Bandits | Cori McMillan, Utility, Virginia Tech

Round 2

1. Talons | Sierra Sacco, Outfielder, Mississippi State
2. Blaze | Korbe Otis, Outfielder, Florida
3. Bandits | Emiley Kennedy, Pitcher, Texas A&M
4. Volts | Michaela Edenfield, Catcher, FSU

Round 3

1. Blaze | Ana Gold, Middle Infielder, Duke
2. Bandits | Devyn Netz, Pitcher, Arizona
3. Volts | Danieca Coffey, Utility, LSU
4. Talons | Raelin Chaffin, Pitcher, Mississippi State

Ana Gold’s journey reflects hard work, determination, and skill, inspiring athletes everywhere. To keep up with Duke softball, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

#GoDuke

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