Durham named home to women’s professional softball team

DURHAM, NC (WWAY) — The Athletes Unlimited Softball League announced Durham as the home of the Carolina Blaze, a professional women’s team.

The Blaze will host their games at Smith Family Stadium at Duke University. Former Duke standouts Ana Gold and Jala Wright are on the roster. Outfielder Baylee Klingler, catcher Kayal Kowalik, and pitcher Keilani Ricketts will also be on the team.

Dana Sorensen will serve as the team’s General Manager and Kara Dill will be their head coach.

This announcement follows a breakout inaugural season for the AUSL fueled by sellout crowds across the country. The AUSL inaugural season in 2025 featured a touring model that brought games to 12 locations across the country but now it’ll transition to a city-based professional softball league.

The Blaze will join the Chicago Bandits, Oklahoma City Spark, Portland Cascade, Texas Volts and Utah Talons in the six-team league, which begins play on June 9.

Single game tickets will be available at a later date, but group tickets and Founding Season Ticket sales are available.

“The Carolinas have produced generations of elite softball talent, and Durham represents the heart of that tradition,” said Kim Ng, Commissioner of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. “Playing at Smith Family Stadium allows us to connect the Blaze to a region that values competition, development, and the continued growth of women’s sports.”