Two and three years ago, Kenleigh Cahalan and Jocelyn Erickson looked for a fresh start in softball.
The Alabama and Oklahoma players found it in Gainesville for Florida softball. Saturday, they received the final validation for their decision.
On Senior Day, Cahalan and Erickson nabbed Golden Tickets from the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). This means the two will be selected in the AUSL’s Draft — set for 7 p.m. Monday, May 4.
The golden ticket tradition began last season to celebrate those who will be drafted. ESPN personality and former LSU softball player AJ Andrews surprised the two after UF’s 4-0 defeat to Auburn on Saturday.
Last April, Korbe Otis became the first Gator to receive a Golden Ticket following her walk-off vs. Alabama.
The league, which began play in 2025, already features six former Gators that Cahalan and Erickson will join — Skylar Wallace, Amanda Lorenz, Kelsey Stewart-Hunter, Aleshia Ocasio, Kendra Falby and Otis.
Both players said they expected the other to receive the honor, but not both.
“Jocelyn’s been freaking killing it for four years, her entire career, so I didn’t expect it to be me,” Cahalan said.
The Alabama native has generated a career season in 2026 with 15 home runs and 59 RBIs.
“It’s been amazing, and I’ve been trying to tell myself one day at a time because we’re seniors and just take it every step of the way,” Cahalan said.
Erickson, who received a standing ovation during senior day ceremonies and will depart as a program legend, fought back tears talking about the impact the Gators have had on her.
“The University of Florida changed my life forever. I’ve met so many amazing people here, and I would not have changed a thing about my journey,” Erickson said. “They have impacted me in so many different ways.”
The Gators conclude their series with a rubber match vs. the Tigers at 1 p.m. Sunday.
Noah Ram covers Florida Gators athletics and Gainesville-area high school sports for The Gainesville Sun, GatorSports.com and the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at nram@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @Noah_ram1 and on Instagram @Ramreporter.
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Florida softball’s Jocelyn Erickson, Kenleigh Cahalan receive AUSL Golden Tickets
Reporting by Noah Ram, Gainesville Sun / The Gainesville Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
