Rising Star Maya Brady Becomes Premier Pick In League’s First Expansion Draft

In contrast to her uncle's experience in 2000 when he awaited the announcement of 198 names before hearing his own, Maya Brady found herself embraced as the immediate top selection on Monday! The expansion draft for the Athletes Unlimited Softball League aimed to broaden its reach to six teams, with the Oklahoma City Spark claiming the coveted first pick among a selection of unprotected athletes from the initial four teams.Brady, formerly a Talons player who was drafted 19th overall earlier this year, boasted an impressive .647 batting average along with one home run and five RBIs across six games, significantly contributing to her team’s championship triumph. This remarkable performance secured her the Spark's inaugural choice in the draft.While her uncle faced a sixth-round selection yet ascended to NFL greatness, Maya Brady, a kin to former Red Sox icon Kevin Youkilis, has forged her own path, shining at UCLA as a two-time Pac-12 Player of the Year and a three-time First Team All-American. She also proudly represented the U.S., earning a gold medal at the 2025 World Games.