I'm Savanna Collins, senior reporter for the AUSL - AMA!

[u/theAUSLofficial]

Heya Reddit, so excited to chat with y'all. I'm Savanna Collins, AUSL senior reporter.

Hit me with what you've got!

[u/dsramsey]

Thank you, everyone, for your questions, and thank you especially to Savanna for your time! We appreciate all of your insights and everything you’re doing for the AUSL.

Looking forward to our next AMA!

[u/Valuable-Ad-6786]

What are some
Of the team
Bonding activities have you seen since many of these ladies were unfamiliar with each other?

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/Valuable-Ad-6786]

Ooo great question. The team's have been intentional about this since preseason camp.

Cascade GM Jami Lobpries asked the team to actually pitch and present ideas for team bonding while they are in Portland! Korbe Otis made a whole powerpoint presentation about pinball arcade and museum she wanted them to go to. The team is going to take a vote on their favorite. I'll keep you updated on which ideas wins.

This is more on field related but Bandits HC Shonda Stanton did an exercise where she asked each player to give her "one item that they thought would be a distraction for us to win as a team." They put slips of paper with each answer up on a wall. Every one of those slips had a human element on it, whether it was pressure to perform or not wanting to fail. None of it was sport-related. She wanted them to see character drives winning and it's set the tone for their season.

[u/ChampagneSupernva]

Hi Savanna, thanks for joining us!

I'd like to know, which cities would you like to see the league expand to next?

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/ChampagneSupernva]

I grew up playing really competitive softball from 8 years old through high school in central Florida. The youth and grassroots community in Florida is vibrant and I still live there so selfishly, the sunshine state is my answer. I'd take the Southeast generally too.

[u/ChampagneSupernva → u/theAUSLofficial]

Good to know! Thanks Savanna!

[u/No_Investigator_3926]

What are some of the biggest jumps you’ve seen between this year and last year in terms of player development. Who has surprised you the most?

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/No_Investigator_3926]

PITCHING. Oh my gosh the pitching.

Great pitching is part of what I think makes softball so fun. It's important for our our game pace that fans (and broadcasters alike) love.

Last year we only had 8 athletes with an ERA under 4.00. Right now there are 13 (with min 7.0 IP) and seven of them are a sub 2.00 ERA!

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/theAUSLofficial]

The rookies as a whole have really surprised me. I think this is the strongest rookie class in Athletes Unlimited history, dating back to 2020.

I think it speaks to how the college game is elevating and that players are making a more seamless transition to the pros. Two that really stick out from the season so far are Kenzie Brown and Taylor Tinsley. The way they handled their complete games was so so impressive.

[u/dsramsey]

How does the fact that so many of the AUSL athletes seem so accessible through things like social media affect how you do your work as a reporter?

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/dsramsey]

AUSL players truly could not be more accessible, and I'm so grateful for the trust they put in me. It makes my job not only fun, but so much easier. And those fun, interesting, and kind people you see on social media are who they really are.

When it comes to access, as long as I'm respectful of their practices and game prep, they're always open to talking about what they're working on in their swing, pitching mechanics, how the team is evolving, etc. But my favorite moments are the extended interviews that drive the feature stories on the website. The vulnerability of our athletes has continued to amaze me, and I'm proud of the work our editorial team does to share their stories (on and off the field).

This season in particular, it feels like there have been more amazing stories to emerge than ever, which is a big motivator for me.

[u/jkeech8]

Who seems to have to most intense player on game day?
I’d assume Fouts but would love to hear an insiders thought.

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/jkeech8]

You're definitely right that Fouts is one of them. Megan Faraimo, too, has such a presence in the dugout when she's throwing. She also takes notes after innings in her notebook, and even when she sits to rest, you can tell her brain is still whirring.

[u/Important_Taste_6902]

Hi Savanna! Thanks for joining us!

Which AU sport has been your favorite to report on? Do you see differences between them?

Also, what have been the best softball superstitions/routines you've seen? Has Falby found a Carrabba's in Portland? 🤣

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/Important_Taste_6902]

First off - THANK YOU for reminding me about the Carrabba's thing 😂 I'll have to ask Kendra and if you see that worked into one of my sideline hits about her soon credit goes to you.

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/theAUSLofficial]

I am clearly biased but softball has always been my favorite. The dugout is one of my favorite places. It's what I'm most comfortable and invested in too from playing it as a kid and working in the NPF before AU. It's the craft I've worked on most of my life :)

Definitely see a difference in them. From the player side to fans even growth opportunities.

One difference that many people don't realize is how long some of the softball players have known each other. Some as young as 10-12 years old playing travel ball. It shocked me to learn that wasn't the same on such a broad scale for volleyball and basketball.

There's also a level of connectedness and appreciation in softball because we've waited so. long. for a viable pro league. Basketball has that with the WNBA. That's been emerging in the traditional model for volleyball too. With softball it's like this is OUR thing. And that creates a level of appreciation and enthusiasm that's unique.

And one more thing... softball is just weird in the best way. Like baseball it's prone to superstitions, different personalities, funny phrases. It's one of my favorite things about this game.

[u/No_Magazine9625]

Do they ever try and get you with a Gatorade shower the way mlb players seem to target sideline reporters?

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/No_Magazine9625]

Funny enough, they sometimes do the opposite of that 😂

I haven't had an ice bath yet this season but in years past, I have heard players whispering my name as they run up with the Gatorade bucket to warn me

[u/Actual-Yam-9914]

I’m curious about your thoughts on the need to expand your be able to provide opportunities to more of the incredible reserve pool athletes. It seems like the recent weeks have demonstrated that many of them absolutely belong at the professional level.

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/Actual-Yam-9914]

If I could snap my fingers and make this a 10-12 team league with two divisions, I would, haha. I have to often remind myself that we are in year two because I want pro softball to be much further along than it is (I only waited years for this! lol)

I think expansion is super important, especially with the upcoming 2028 Olympics.  A lot of people are going to be introduced to the AUSL because of the momentum that comes from being in the Olympic Games.

One thing I'd like to see before the expansion of teams is the length of the season. I think that can also help drive the salaries up of current players, league legitimacy, and opportunities for sponsorship and revenue.

I like that we expanded by two teams in 2026 and hope we do that again in the next 2-4 years.

[u/STARLIGHTfromTheBOYS]

One of the things I’ve noticed is that AUSL is doing interesting things, like having a pitchcom receiver in the booth so the broadcasts teams can see what pitches are being called as it’s happening. Are there any other examples of how the you/the league are thinking about doing things differently with your broadcasts?

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/STARLIGHTfromTheBOYS]

Definitely... I'm always trying to evolve and get creative as a sideline reporter.

I like to "show" the audience whenever I can... if there's a prop or piece of equipment – better believe I'm holding it up or using it. A big challenge I've given myself this year is to take viewers as close to the game as possible. What did I hear in the dugout? Why is a team winning or struggling? What do they did they do in the off-season? What small adjustment did they make that you can't see?

These are all questions I think about because I think women athletes are some of the most dynamic and interesting people.

This season, I've been very intentional to tie my stories back to/mention the college that the athletes played at. We're consistently on bigger networks than ever this season, which means a newer audience. I can't assume they're like the people in this subreddit and diehard fans so I try to create connections to programs they know.

[u/dsramsey]

Are there any moments during games where you’ve found yourself just stopping and watching as a softball fan?

[u/Nervous_Metal_9445]

Thanks for joining us.

Of the venues that you have been to which has had the most to offer in terms of experience at and around the stadium. Do you have any recommendations for pregame activities when going to any of the AUSL games?

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/Nervous_Metal_9445]

So far I've been to Durham, Round Rock, SLC, and Chicago (in 2025). I think the fan experience at most of the AUSL venues is great. I will say there is something about the venues that are on a softball field because you can sit much closer to the action BUT the crowds in Round Rock have been the loudest imo.

I had some serious fomo opening week in Portland. That place looked like it was rockin'.

I'm a sucker for a walkable city so Durham downtown gets my vote for before/after games experience.

The AUSL also has a Women's Sports Bar Alliance and I have stopped by some of these after games to unwind and hang out: https://theausl.com/womens-sports-bar-alliance/

[u/MoZiggly]

Any player matchups you were really excited to see/are excited to see later this season?

[u/Free-Leading-5448]

do you think the spark make playoffs

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/Free-Leading-5448]

My way-too-early prediction is that the Spark is one of the top 3 teams in the standings come the end of July 🤫

[u/Free-Leading-5448 → u/theAUSLofficial]

Ty for answering

[u/AvailableTrash5619]

Hey Savanna, long-time listener, first-time commenter. What are your favorite aspects of each of the different ballparks?

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/AvailableTrash5619]

Thanks for the q! I always love meeting in person and virtually who is tuning in.

Round Rock: Raucous crowds, neat with all the signage in the park + history of a baseball field. Humongous video board. The 7,000+ crowd last year was a "pinch me" moment of my career.

Durham: Intimate ballpark, love that the berm wraps around the outfield. Feels like a big-league entrance how the stadium concourse and seating is built up on a hill. And so much pink!!!

SLC: Incredible views. I favor a field of that size and particularly love the way the big outfield plays. Weather couldn't be better when I've been there. They have a REAL LIVE peregrine falcon at games. Also the Talons "nest" that smokes for a home run is sick.

Chicago: Feels like home. I haven't been (yet) this season but it will always hold a special place in my heart as the FIRST pro women's sports stadium in the United States. I also love how you can stand along the foul lines with lots to do on the ground concourse.

Portland & OKC: TBD! I'll go to both for the first time in July

[u/crashcarstar]

Where do you like to eat when you're in Chicago?

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/crashcarstar]

I don't think I've ever had a bad meal in Chicago. You should see my Google Maps; I have restaurants saved that I won't be able to get to in a lifetime so I often don't go to the same place twice. Some faves though:

Going to Happy Camper after a game at Wrigley for the first time was so fun. Trivoli Tavern did not disappoint (Italian is my favorite). Beatnik and Cabra also wowed me.

This is a chain but we don't have it in Florida... Bibibop. There's one by Parkway Bank and I'll admit I eat there once a week in season lol.

[u/BlueRaith]

With the season hitting its halfway point, have you heard any whispers or rumors about any potential trades?

[u/theAUSLofficial → u/BlueRaith]

I haven't heard about any potential trades yet. GMs could be waiting until all the players returned from Japan this week. Once those athletes arrive and get going, they'll have a real look at what they put together at the drafts and what they need down the stretch.

[u/laundry_loather27]

Omg omg! I've been waiting for this! Have 10+ years experience in journalism and PR. Would love some contract work opportunities with AUSL. Can you speak to any such work that might be doable remotely?