Check out Michaela Edenfield’s Instagram and TikTok and you will see depictions of her elaborate eye makeup styling. With her second season in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) concluded, the Florida State University alumna relishes her unique expression. “I do the razzle dazzle typically for game days,” said Edenfield, a catcher. “It became something throughout college that I’ve been able to connect with fans over. It’s allowed me to really be myself.”
The AUSL launched in 2025 as a touring league. This season it has six teams with a city-based format. “You can kind of see a shift in the league as we’ve created our home bases and our fans; it’s giving the culture of softball that community,” said Edenfield, who played for the Texas Volts. “Every team in the league has really leveled up this year. … The ESPN contract and the exposure that we’ve been able to get as a league has been amazing.”
Edenfield had an illustrious student-athlete career at Florida State, receiving numerous accolades, including Second Team All-ACC her senior year. Having a professional career in softball often feels beyond her wildest dreams. She comes from a family of softball players and grew up thinking it wasn’t a way to earn a living. Being part of this next chapter of the sport has been fulfilling.
“I lost my mom going into this summer,” said Edenfield, whose late mother and late grandfather both played huge roles in her softball journey. “I think about what the sport of softball has done for me and my family and allowed me to grow into the confident version of myself.”
Among the VIP guests this summer was former softball player turned Olympic bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor, who was inspiring. Edenfield comes from a small town and said she was bullied growing up. She dreamed of being on a big stage.
“The opportunity to put on the uniform and play with Olympians and people that have brought the sport so much good has been incredible,” she said. “I think of all the things that happened this year. I caught a pitch in Times Square. There are so many things I will continue to talk about for the rest of my life. It’s a pivotal moment to be a part of.”
The Volts finished the season 7–18. The AUSL 2026 Championship will be decided on Monday.
