Maya Brady Picked First by Oklahoma City Spark in AUSL Draft

Maya Brady, the niece of NFL legend Tom Brady, was selected first overall by the Oklahoma City Spark in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League expansion draft on Monday, marking a key addition to the league's growing roster ahead of its 2026 season.

The 24-year-old shortstop, known for her defensive versatility and offensive power, joins the Spark as one of two new teams expanding the AUSL from four to six franchises. The league, which launched its inaugural season in 2025 with the Bandits, Blaze, Talons and Volts, added the Spark and Cascade following an investment from Major League Baseball. The 2026 campaign is set to begin in June, building on the success of the first year, where the Talons claimed the championship.

Brady, who played college softball at UCLA from 2020 to 2024, brings a decorated resume to the professional ranks. She earned Pac-12 Player of the Year honors in both 2023 and 2024, won the conference batting title with a .456 average in 2023 and was named a three-time NFCA First-Team All-American. Additionally, she finished as a two-time finalist for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year and received the Softball America Freshman of the Year award in 2020....