News Summary
Erin Coffel, a former University of Kentucky softball star, has been honored as the MVP of the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball League. Presenting the award at Rhoads Stadium, AUSL Commissioner Kim Ng highlighted Coffel’s exceptional performance during the season, including a .410 batting average and 28 RBIs. Coffel’s achievements also include being named Hitter of the Year and earning a spot on the AUSL All-Defensive Team. The Bandits, her team, finished second in the regular season and will compete in the AUSL Championship Series.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Erin Coffel, a former University of Kentucky softball star, has been named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) for 2025. The announcement was made on Saturday afternoon at Rhoads Stadium, where AUSL Commissioner Kim Ng presented Coffel with the coveted MVP trophy.
This milestone comes soon after Coffel was also awarded the Hitter of the Year title earlier in the week, further underscoring her remarkable performance in the league. She played for the Bandits, who secured a second-place finish in the AUSL regular season standings with a record of 15 wins and 9 losses.
Throughout the season, Coffel distinguished herself by leading the AUSL in several key batting categories. She achieved a .410 batting average, an .869 slugging percentage, a .566 on-base percentage, and 28 runs batted in (RBIs), demonstrating her offensive prowess. Coffel also excelled in speed, registering the highest number of triples in the league with four, and showcasing her resilience by being hit by a pitch 13 times.
Among her remarkable feats, Coffel made history by reaching base safely in 19 consecutive games, the longest streak recorded in the league’s history. During the season, she displayed consistency with two five-game hitting streaks, including a standout performance against the Blaze on July 8, where she recorded a season-high of three hits, including two triples.
Coffel’s talents were not limited to batting; she demonstrated exceptional defensive skills as well, earning a spot on the AUSL All-Defensive Team with a .986 fielding percentage. This achievement highlights her comprehensive skill set both at the plate and in the field, which did not go unnoticed by league officials.
As the inaugural season comes to a close, the AUSL Championship Series is set to feature the Bandits taking on the Talons in a best-of-three series, with the first game scheduled for broadcast on ESPN. This championship opportunity presents another platform for Coffel to further her legacy in the sport.
Coffel’s impressive track record extends beyond her recent AUSL success. During her tenure at the University of Kentucky, she became the all-time leader in home runs (68), slugging percentage (.785), RBIs (212), and walks (155). Her outstanding contributions earned her All-SEC honors in all four years and recognition as a National Fastpitch Coaches’ Association All-American in her final two seasons.
Following the AUSL Championship, Coffel is set to participate in the AUSL All-Star Cup, an upcoming 21-game season where players will compete for points to determine an individual champion. This competition provides another stage for her to shine among top talents.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Coffel is currently serving as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Florida, where she is pursuing her master’s degree. Her dual role as an athlete and coach reflects her commitment to the sport and her ambition to inspire the next generation of players.
As the AUSL navigates its inaugural season, the achievements of players like Erin Coffel set a high standard for future competitors and underscore the growing popularity of softball in the professional arena.
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Additional Resources
- UK Athletics
- Wikipedia: Softball
- Sports Illustrated
- Google Search: Erin Coffel
- Tuscaloosa News
- Google Scholar: softball players
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