Celebrating Excellence: 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Award® Finalists in Softball League

Announcing the First-Ever Rawlings Gold Glove Award Finalists for Athletes Unlimited Softball League

In a groundbreaking development for women's professional softball, Rawlings Sporting Goods Company has revealed the inaugural finalists for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award® from the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). This prestigious award is dedicated to showcasing outstanding individual defensive skills within this elite league, marking a significant moment in sports history.

Established back in 1957 by Rawlings, the Gold Glove Award originally recognized the top defenders in Major League Baseball. Following its expansion to collegiate softball in 2022, this will be the first time players in the AUSL will receive this honor, signifying a bold move towards recognizing the burgeoning talent in women's softball. It is only the second occasion the Gold Glove Award has been presented in professional softball, the previous instance being from 2016 to 2019 during the National Pro Fastpitch league era.

Mike Thompson, the Chief Marketing Officer of Rawlings, stated, "At Rawlings, we've always believed in supporting the athletes and leagues that help propel the game forward, and bringing the Gold Glove Award to the AUSL achieves that vision. Partnering with the AUSL provides an exciting opportunity to promote the incredible skill level present in women's professional softball while bolstering the growth of the sport."

As a leading figure in baseball and softball equipment, Rawlings plays a vital role in the AUSL as the official bat, glove, and base provider. They also supply the official game ball, helmet, face guard, base, and equipment bag for Major League Baseball.

The first-ever AUSL Rawlings Gold Glove Award will be presented just before the AUSL All-Star Cup event, taking place in Rosemont, Illinois, on August 16. The finalists for the award have been determined through a collective voting process involving general managers, head coaches, and associate head coaches from each team in the AUSL.

Meet the Finalists

The three finalists for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award exemplify exceptional defensive prowess:

1. Jadelyn Allchin, Outfielder, Utah Talons
The driving force behind Utah's back-to-back AUSL championship wins, Allchin has combined instinctive playing with impressive speed. Her contributions were crucial during the championship run in 2026, earning her MVP honors along with a championship ring.

2. Alyssa Brito, Infielder, Carolina Blaze
As a first-round draft pick from the University of Oklahoma, Brito quickly made her mark as a defensive stalwart for the Blaze. Demonstrating remarkable fielding skills, she recorded 27 putouts and 37 assists while committing only two errors throughout the season, enhancing the team's defensive reliability.

3. Sydney Romero, Infielder, Oklahoma City Spark
Known for her highlight-worthy plays, Romero's shortstop contributions have been pivotal for the Spark. Leading all shortstops with 45 assists, five double plays, and a .974 fielding percentage, her remarkable defensive plays have left fans eager for more. A standout moment was her game-saving glove-flipping diving stop, which became iconic during the season.

To stay updated on the award presentations, follow AUSL and Rawlings on Instagram (@theauslofficial and @rawlingssb). Anticipation builds as the first-ever winner of the AUSL Rawlings Gold Glove Award prepares to be unveiled on August 16.

About Rawlings Gold Glove Award®

The Rawlings Gold Glove Award® is a registered trademark owned by Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, ensuring recognition of top players and preserving the award's integrity. For further information about Rawlings and their products, visit Rawlings.com.

About AUSL

The Athletes Unlimited Softball League, which premiered in 2025, is America’s top professional softball league that brings together the best players. With strategic backing from Major League Baseball and notable advisory roles from softball legends, the league has expanded to six teams for the 2026 season and is poised to further develop the sport of women's softball.