In a stunning debut for the Portland Cascade, Megan Grant, the former UCLA softball sensation, blasted a historic 313-foot home run, setting a new record for the longest homer in the American United Softball League (AUSL). This milestone came just days after she transitioned from collegiate to professional play.
Grant’s record-breaking shot occurred during the June 10th game against the Carolina Blaze, marking her first professional home run and immediately placing her name in the AUSL record books. The timing was impeccable, as it followed closely on the heels of UCLA’s exit from the Women’s College World Series, where they fell to Texas Tech.
Only five days after UCLA’s season concluded, Grant signed her first professional contract with the Portland Cascade, who are among the new expansion teams debuting in the 2026 AUSL season. Selected fourth overall, her arrival signals a formidable presence for the Cascade as they embark on their inaugural campaign.
Megan Grant Leads UCLA Softball’s AUSL Roster Takeover
Grant is not alone in her transition to the AUSL; she is part of a significant influx of former UCLA players now competing in the league. This season, 12 former Bruins grace the rosters of the AUSL’s six teams, highlighting UCLA’s continued influence in professional softball.
Portland Cascade’s connection to UCLA runs even deeper through their head coach, Tairia Flowers. Flowers, a 2003 NCAA champion with UCLA, earned two All-American honors and three All-Conference selections during her collegiate career. Her leadership is expected to be instrumental as the Cascade navigate their first professional season.