The Spark lock in familiar faces, land Maya Brady at number one, and assemble a versatile foundation
Oklahoma City Spark: Foundation is Set
Last night, the AUSL Expansion and Allocation Drafts took place as all six teams began the process of shaping their rosters for the 2026 season. While the Spark and Cascade selected two to three times as many players as anyone else, that was simply due to their expansion portion of the draft.
One team that drew heavy attention entering the night was the Oklahoma City Spark. I wondered early who they would be able to retain, and who might slip away. OKC answered that question quickly. The Spark delivered a tremendous draft and positioned themselves with room to add another major piece or two in the college draft later on.
The Maya Brady sweepstakes ended immediately. She went at pick number one, a move many expected despite the surprise that the Talons did not protect her. Those decisions were difficult across the league, but the Spark wasted no time securing a franchise-level player.
OKC also brought home several familiar faces. Kinzie Hansen, Maddie Penta, Sydney Sherrill, and Haley Lee all returned, forming a core that understands what it means to represent the Spark and a city that has embraced them.
Earlier, Kinzie Hansen spoke on what this opportunity means to her as she remains in Oklahoma City for this next AUSL chapter.
“I think it’s really gonna be super fun to welcome all the new girls to Oklahoma. I’ve obviously lived here for about seven years now, so this is definitely my stomping grounds, and being able to stay with the Spark and Coach Flores, and welcoming Kirk Walker, it’s gonna be a lot of fun,” Hansen said in response to Cliff Brunt of the Associated Press.
Oklahoma City followed its first overall pick of Brady by adding Sydney McKinney, Sydney Romero, Jessi Warren, and others before selecting Hansen.
“They did a great job picking for the Spark even before they chose me, so I’m really excited to see what kind of team we can put together, and we’re gonna have some dang good competition, so it’s gonna be really fun,” Hansen stated.
Spark GM Kirk Walker and Head Coach Amber Flores built a new roster right in front of the world’s eyes last night, and they still have room to grow in the college draft. One thing that stands out about this group is its versatility. There will be opportunities to see players move around the field in ways we are not accustomed to. For example, we have been used to seeing Jessi Warren and Sydney Sherrill at third throughout the years.
That versatility speaks to the belief and highlights the caliber of athletes they selected. Looking at someone like Sydney McKinney and Delanie Wisz, they can play just about anywhere.
I asked Kinzie how special it is to not only be part of the Spark, but also remain in the Oklahoma community she has called home for nearly a decade. Hansen is a fan favorite due to her Sooner ties, but her connection to the area runs deeper than that.
“I have a lot of pride playing for the Spark. Obviously, last year was one of my first years in pro, or I played with them for two seasons now. But just being able, like I said, these have been my stomping grounds for seven years, and being able to kind of, I guess, stay at home, so to speak. I was born and raised in California, but Oklahoma really has become home for me,” Hansen said.
Kinzie expanded her perspective even further. This is not only about loyalty or familiarity. She sees an opportunity to help shape the growth of professional softball in Oklahoma, the AUSL as a whole, and even the future Olympic impact on the state.
“And so not only is it about the fans, but kind of the connections that I’ve created here, not only at the university, but across the state of Oklahoma is really special. I hope that being able to bring all of them out to watch some pro softball is not only gonna grow the game for AU, but the Olympics as well,” she stated.
“Being in Oklahoma City coming up here in the next few years is gonna be huge for not only the sport, but the state of Oklahoma as well, for the growth of the state, because we need that as well. So I think that’s definitely a big aspect to think about.”
Hansen’s perspective is a reminder that there is always a bigger picture. Sports bring people together. They help grow communities. They create impact that goes well beyond wins and losses. Oklahoma City is building something meaningful, and last night’s draft felt like the next big step.
