Nashville, Tenn. — Belmont University softball star Maya Johnson has made history. She was picked third overall by the Oklahoma City Spark in the 2026 Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) College Draft. This is a big achievement for Johnson, who has been a top performer in college softball.
Born in Columbia Station, Ohio, Johnson has impressive stats. She leads the NCAA in career strikeouts with 1,133. This shows just how dominant she’s been on the mound, excelling in key areas like strikeout-to-walk ratio and earned run average.
This season, she played a key role in leading Belmont to significant victories against ranked teams like Mississippi State and Georgia. Her performance helped the Bruins secure the Missouri Valley Conference title and gain recognition in national polls.
Johnson isn’t just a gifted athlete; she is also an advocate for those battling lupus, an autoimmune disease she has been living with. This past year, she has worked with the Lupus Foundation of America and spoke at the “End Lupus Now” event in Nashville, inspiring many with her journey.
In addition to her athletic prowess, she graduated with honors in nursing last May. She has been recognized as a two-time Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year and is a candidate for Academic All-America honors, showcasing her commitment to both sports and academics.
Johnson’s draft selection is significant for Belmont. It marks the highest pick in the university’s history across all sports. She joins other notable Bruins in professional leagues, like NBA player Ben Sheppard and World Series champion Matt Beaty.
Her fellow draft classmates, Mississippi State’s Peja Goold and Oregon’s Amari Harper, will also compete with her on the Oklahoma City Spark roster. Johnson’s journey illustrates the impact of hard work, resilience, and dedication, setting a powerful example for athletes in every field.
For those interested in more about the AUSL and its draft results, you can check out the AUSL website.
