#ProDucks Athletes Unlimited Wrap-Up
The inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited Softball is in the books, and all four #ProDucks made solid contributions to their teams throughout the five weeks. The league took a brand new approach to professional sports, using an individual points system and re-drafting teams each week, rewarding players as individuals based on performance and for playing on winning teams.
Three of the former Oregon standouts finished in the top 20 on the overall leaderboard with Gwen Svekis leading the way in fifth place. Additionally, Janie Reed and DJ Sanders each earned captain's roles after finishing a weekend in the top four of the standings, with Reed being a captain twice and Sanders once.
Gwen Svekis, Final AU Rank: 5th (1,710 points)
Final Stats: .262 avg., 11-42, 3 HR, 11 RBIs, 1 2B, 8 BB, .385 OBP
Svekis, who helped spearhead the inaugural season of the new league and served on the player's executive committee, led the group of four former Ducks on the final leaderboard. She remained in the top 10 for most of the season, and was the first pick in the league's weekly re-draft of players twice thanks to her solid play behind the dish catching for eventual points champion, Cat Osterman. The four-year star at Oregon ended the season strong, homering in the final two games of the year to move into the top five in the final points standings.
"It was so rewarding to be a part of something that I firmly believe has revolutionized professional softball and believe will revolutionize sports as a whole. The group of 57 women were a treat to play with and against. I couldn't have imagined a better inaugural season to launch Athletes Unlimited and I look forward to what the future has in store."
DJ Sanders, Final AU Rank: 14th (1,520 points)
Final Stats: .333 avg., 14-42, 4 HR, 14 RBIs, 5 2B, 1 3B, .404 OBP
Sanders was an extra-base hit machine all season, finishing second in the league in both doubles (5) and total extra-base hits (10). She held a spot in the top 10 of the overall leaderboard for most of the season, and was a captain for week three after moving into third place following the second week. Sanders, who helped the Ducks to the 2018 Women's College World Series, delivered in clutch spots all season including a pair of homers on the second weekend.
"Athletes Unlimited was one of the first experiences for softball players post-college to truly be recognized, respected and valued as the professional athletes that we are. Softball at the highest level was played on national television where the world could finally see the impeccable talent and entertainment that softball provides. AU's revolutionary format redefined the way viewers consume and also engage with this sport which is only going to continue to grow over time. I'm excited for the future of this sport."
Janie Takeda Reed, Final AU Rank: 18th (1,420 points)
Final Stats: .300 avg., 15-50, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 1 2B, 1 3B, .327 OBP
Takeda Reed turned in a strong season, hovering near the top of the leaderboard for the majority of the five weeks, reaching as a high as No. 2 following week three. She was a two-time captain, sitting in the top four after the second and third weeks of the season, while her teams went #-#. The Team USA member and future Tokyo 2021 Olympian hit .300 with a double, triple and an electric inside-the-park home run in the final game of the opening week of the season.
"Athletes Unlimited was an incredible experience to say the least. Playing and forming relationships with women from all across the game was my favorite part by far. I can't thank the founders enough for seeing the value in professional softball and innovating a new and exciting way to experience the game. I can't wait for the future."
Karissa Hovinga, Final AU Rank: 48th (830 points)
Final Stats: 8 appearances, 15.2 IP, 6 K, 2 BB, 8.40 ERA
Hovinga appeared in eight games, all in relief, throwing 15.2 innings and striking out six while walking just two. She turned in a solid performance in week three of the season racking up 260 points, highlighted by a five-inning relief appearance to pick up the win.
"My experience was awesome. I truly felt like we were treated like professional athletes. It was awesome for us women who have worked so hard and so long at this sport to see that work be recognized. I'm honored to have been a part of history and the inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited and I look forward to seeing the success of these leagues across many other sports."