the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Kim Ng, a trailblazer in the world of sports, continues to make history. A 1986 graduate of Ridgewood High School in New Jersey, Ng’s journey from a student-athlete to a groundbreaking figure in professional sports has inspired countless individuals. After making waves as Major League Baseball’s first female general manager with the Miami Marlins, she is now set to leave her mark on professional softball.
Ng has taken on a new role as senior advisor for the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), a groundbreaking initiative designed to elevate softball to the same prominence as Major League Baseball.
A New Era for Professional Softball
Athletes Unlimited (AU), known for its innovative approach to women’s sports, is launching its first traditional team-based league after years of hosting unique, player-focused competitions in softball, basketball, volleyball, and lacrosse. Unlike AU’s previous seasons, which crowned individual champions based on a points system, the AUSL will feature four teams competing in a structured 30-game schedule.
Key Details of the AUSL:
- Launch Date: June 2025
- Game Format: Touring cities across the U.S. to gauge interest and identify future home cities for teams.
- City-Based Model: Starting in 2026, the league plans to establish up to six city-based teams.
- Television Contract: At least 30 games will air exclusively on ESPN platforms, including ESPN2 and ESPNU.
Ng believes this league is long overdue and sees it as a vital step in the growth of professional women’s sports. “The establishment of a premier softball league has been a long time coming,” Ng remarked, highlighting the surge in popularity for women’s college basketball and the WNBA as evidence of a shifting cultural landscape.
A Star-Studded Team of Advisors and Players
Ng isn’t alone in her mission. She is joined by legendary softball figures like Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch, along with a team of advisors and experienced coaches.
The league recently announced its first wave of players, a lineup packed with rising stars, including:
- Dejah Mulipola
- Carley Hoover
- Jessi Warren
- Anissa Urtez
- Kayla Kowalik, among others.
This group represents a new generation of talent poised to captivate audiences and bring professional softball to the forefront of American sports.
The Vision: “Major League Baseball for Softball”
Ng and her team have ambitious goals for AUSL, aiming to build a league that mirrors the structure and prestige of Major League Baseball. “Being a woman who has fought for other women in sports, and now having the opportunity to fight for women’s sports on the inside—that’s really cool,” Ng shared.
The league’s momentum aligns with the growing excitement around softball’s return to the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. With support from ESPN and an expanding roster of star players and coaches, AUSL is well-positioned to establish softball as a major professional sport in the United States.
The Road Ahead
The AUSL is more than just a league—it’s a movement to redefine women’s professional sports. By combining Ng’s leadership, a strong television presence, and a talented player pool, the league has all the ingredients for success.
As Ng puts it, the AUSL aims to not only provide top-tier competition but also inspire future generations of athletes. With its debut season in 2025 and a city-based model in 2026, the future of professional softball has never looked brighter.
Stay tuned as this exciting chapter unfolds and Athletes Unlimited Softball League brings a long-awaited dream to life.
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wow!
Did Jeter have a problem with her ?