Mississippi State University’s Kiarra Sells was selected as a provisional pick in the 2026 American United Softball League (AUSL) College Draft and has been added to the league’s reserve athlete pool, according to an April 26 announcement.
This recognition is significant for both Sells and Mississippi State softball. Only 17 collegiate athletes nationwide were drafted directly into the league, with another 21—including Sells—joining through provisional picks. The AUSL, which enters its second season in 2026 and has expanded to six teams, will reveal team assignments during the College Draft Show on Monday, May 4 at 6 p.m. Central Time on ESPN2.
Head coach Samantha Ricketts said, “I’m just really proud of Ki and all of these seniors. They’ve done a great job of leading this team. You look at what Kiarra has done over the course of four years, and she’s just grown so much. Ki came in as a walk-on. She wanted to be here. She wanted to earn her way, and she did exactly that. She’s gotten better and better, and I think her best softball is still in front of her. I think she’s going to continue to grow and get better. I’m very proud of her and excited for the opportunity for her to be considered to be a pro at the highest level.” Associate head coach Tyler Bratton added, “I’m so extremely proud of Ki and how far she has come in her time at Mississippi State… Her combination of speed, power, arm strength and ability to hit both for a high average and power make her a prototypical pro player. I can’t wait to follow along in her journey at the next level.”
Sells’ progression with Mississippi State includes ranking fifth in school history for slugging percentage (.658) and on-base percentage (.476), as well as sixth in OPS (1.134). This year alone she leads the team with 41 runs scored, 13 home runs, 12 doubles, while maintaining a .366 batting average.
If called up during this summer’s AUSL season beginning June 9—which will feature teams playing in their home cities for the first time—Sells would become Mississippi State’s thirtieth professional softball player overall and eighteenth under Ricketts’ leadership since she became head coach seven years ago.
The Bulldogs could have up to four active players represented within AUSL ranks this summer: current players Sierra Sacco (Portland Cascade), Mia Davidson (Portland Cascade), Peja Goold—who received the final Golden Ticket—and potentially Sells if promoted from reserve status.
