Jocelyn Erikson walks to the dugout upset after strikeout during the game against Auburn at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Riley Beiswenger/WRUF)

Florida’s Erickson, Cahalan Earn Spots in AUSL Draft

Florida softball stood on its home field following a 4-0 loss to Auburn, the sun beaming onto the players’ heads. Nobody expected to see AJ Andrews step onto the dirt.

Andrews is a former LSU player who was the first woman to win the Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2016. She’s also known for hosting “Play Ball,” an MLB Network show. That day, she was going to change the lives of two Florida players.

Senior catcher Jocelyn Erickson and senior infielder Kenleigh Cahalan had their tickets secured for the upcoming AUSL draft. Literally. Each player held a physical ticket in their hand as they posed with Andrews for a photo.

Erickson was the first player to receive a Golden Ticket, solidifying her selection for the draft.

“The University of Florida changed my life forever,” Erickson said through tears. “I would not be the person, leader or friend I am today without them.”

Following Erickson’s ticket, Andrews announced there was still one more ticket to give out. This time, it went to Cahalan.

“I didn’t think we were going to get two,” Cahalan said. “I thought it was one-and-done.”

Cahalan praised Erickson’s competitive nature and love for the game, and said sharing the moment of being drafted together was special. The two embraced after Cahalan’s name was called, and the sounds of their teammates’ cheers filled the field.

Gators softball team gathers around Jocelyn Erikson (8) and Kenleigh Calahan (31) after they received their golden tickets to be drafted to the Athletes Unlimited Softball League at Katie Seashole Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, Fla., on Saturday. (Riley Beiswenger/WRUF)

The AUSL, or Athletes Unlimited Softball League, was officially launched just under a year ago in June 2025. Since the first season, the number of teams in the league has grown from four to six.

Each AUSL team has drafts made behind the scenes. Once a player receives a Golden Ticket, they’re confirmed to be a part of a team’s pick.

Erickson and Cahalan will join former Florida players Skylar Wallace and Kendra Falby in the AUSL. Wallace currently plays for the Chicago Bandits and Falby for the Portland Cascade.

Erickson played for Oklahoma for her first year of college softball. After transferring to Florida, she established her place on the team by earning numerous recognitions, including SEC Player of the Year during her 2024 sophomore season. During her 2025 junior season, she caught nine runners stealing, placing her second in the SEC in the “caught stealing by category.”

Erickson is currently batting .424, the second-highest on Florida’s team out of players who have at least two plate appearances and have played in 75% of games. She has 64 hits for the season — which is also second-highest on the team for hits — and 19 home runs, the highest on the team.

Cahalan spent her first two collegiate years playing for Alabama. During her junior 2025 season, she had 121 assists, the fourth highest in the SEC for that year. She currently trails Erickson for batting average (.385), hits (62) and home runs (15).

Erickson is currently tied for the third-most home runs in the SEC, and Cahalan is tied for twelfth. Erickson is also tied for third for hits, with Cahalan sitting at fifth.

On May 4, during the AUSL College Draft Show, the selecting team for each athlete will be revealed. Opening Day for the AUSL will be June 9. Erickson and Cahalan will finish the remainder of their collegiate seasons with the Gators before beginning their professional careers.

Category: College Softball, Gators Softball, Softball