Why AUSL Games Have Something for Everyone — From Families to Pro Athletes
On Monday night in Rosemont, Illinois, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League proved once again that it's more than just a league — it’s a movement. And it’s one that truly has something for everyone.
I’ve always said more people should be watching softball. But this time, I set out to show you why.
For Generations
For Jordan Sisco, softball isn’t just a sport — it’s in her DNA. She played collegiately at Cal Baptist, and her sister, Taryne Mowatt-McKinney, is one of the most decorated pitchers in NCAA history, winning two Women’s College World Series titles, capturing two ESPYs, and now coaching in the SEC.
Jordan is married to Chance Sisco, a catcher for the Chicago Dogs who played five seasons in the Major Leagues. Once a top prospect and Futures Game participant, he now suits up in Chicago — a pro who just happens to play across the street from AUSL.
On Monday night, Jordan brought her daughters, Gigi and Jovi, to see the action.
“Softball has given me everything,” Jordan said. “And now it’s just exciting that I have two little girls that get to grow up and look up to these girls on the field.”
Later, she admitted watching her daughters see women play at this level gets emotional: “Even coming to these games makes me so excited to get to watch them look at girls and be like, ‘oh, there’s girls that play sports on a field,’ and I’m like, ‘you can do that some day.’”
For Representation in Real Time
Chance Sisco sees it through another lens.
“She gets to grow up watching me play every night and coming to the field and seeing daddy’s teammates,” he said. “All daddy’s friends are guys... so for her and Jovi to come see girls play is really special — to see that there is an avenue for them if they do choose to play softball.”
He added: “They don’t necessarily know Jordan as a softball player. They know her as a mom. So being able to show up to a place like this and show them, ‘see, look, there’s other girls playing out here,’ it’s just cool for them to get to experience that.”
For The Professional Athletes Across The Street
The crossover stretched beyond the Sisco family. Chicago Dogs third baseman Dusty Stroup threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and AUSL players lined both baselines, cheering him on just like they do for their own teammates in the dugout.
Several more Dogs players sat in the stands — locked in, celebrating every home run, hollering for big plays, even buying AUSL merch. At one point, they joked that there should be fantasy softball because of how competitive and fun the format is.
That format is the All-Star Cup, a unique leaderboard system where players earn points for hits, defensive plays, strikeouts, and team wins. The result is a season-long chase for the crown that’s as easy to follow as fantasy baseball — and just as addictive.
Respect From the Other Dugout
First baseman Jacob Teter admitted he was impressed: “It’s absolutely awesome. They’re more famous than we are... it’s a lot more fast-paced than our sport so it’s fun to watch.”
And on a bigger scale: “Everybody should have the opportunity... there should be a pro version of every sport where you can be at the top of your game and be paid to do it.”
AUSL Hospitality Sets the Tone
From the moment we arrived, the AUSL staff stood out. Smiling, laughing, accommodating every request — the hospitality made it clear that everyone, from fans to players’ families to media, was part of the same goal: growing the game together.
Why AUSL Is Different
Monday night proved that AUSL games can’t be boxed in. They’re not just about the final score. They’re about a mother passing a legacy. About a father recognizing the power of visible role models. About professional baseball players standing, cheering, and respecting their peers across sports.
It was family. It was community. It was representation.
The AUSL is proving that softball belongs in the national conversation. It’s fast, it’s competitive, it’s entertaining — and it brings everyone together.
