The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) is set to present its inaugural Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2026, spotlighting outstanding defensive performances across the league. This week, Rawlings announced the three finalists vying for this prestigious honor.
Leading the nominees is Jadelyn Allchin, an outfielder for the Utah Talons. She is accompanied by Alyssa Brito, an infielder from the Carolina Blaze, and Sydney Romero, the shortstop representing the Oklahoma City Spark.
Top AUSL Defenders Named 2026 Rawlings Gold Glove Finalists
Allchin’s defensive skills were instrumental in the Talons’ back-to-back AUSL championships this year. The second-year player capped the 2026 season by earning the Championship MVP title after Utah swept Chicago in the finals, underscoring her impact on both sides of the game. Meanwhile, Brito, who was the top selection in the 2026 AUSL Allocation Draft, anchored Carolina’s infield with remarkable consistency, recording 27 putouts and 37 assists while committing just two errors throughout the season.
On the other hand, Romero demonstrated durability and excellence by starting every game at shortstop for Oklahoma City. She led all AUSL shortstops with 45 assists, contributed to five double plays, and maintained an impressive .974 fielding percentage, highlighting her defensive reliability.
The final decision will come from votes cast by each team’s general manager, head coach, and associate head coach. The winner of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award will be unveiled on Sunday, August 16th, just before the All-Star Cup game at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois.
Since its launch in 2025, the AUSL has expanded to six clubs, and the introduction of this award emphasizes the league’s commitment to recognizing defensive excellence as part of its growing professional softball landscape.