**Maya Brady Makes History as No. 1 Pick in Softball Draft**
Maya Brady, the niece of NFL legend Tom Brady, has achieved a remarkable milestone by being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League’s expansion and allocation drafts. The Oklahoma City Spark chose the former UCLA Bruins star shortstop on Monday, marking a significant accomplishment that her uncle never achieved in his professional career.
Brady, whose mother is Maureen Brady—Tom Brady’s sister and a former standout softball player for the Fresno State Bulldogs—has made a name for herself in the world of collegiate softball. During her time with the UCLA Bruins, she earned accolades as a two-time Pac-12 Player of the Year and was a finalist for the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award twice. Additionally, she was recognized as a three-time First Team All-American by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
Concluding her collegiate career in 2024, Brady left an indelible mark on the program, ranking second all-time in home runs (71), runs batted in (246), and slugging percentage (.757). Despite the pressures that come with being part of the Brady family, she has embraced the challenge, stating in a 2021 interview with The Athletic that the expectations serve as “good pressure” rather than a burden. “I love bearing the last name. I’m just really proud of it,” she expressed.
In the same draft, the Cascade selected former Oklahoma Sooners pitcher Sam Landry as the No. 2 pick, followed by former Oklahoma State Cowgirls pitcher Kelly Maxwell. Notably, former Sooner slugger Jocelyn Alo was picked by the Bandits at No. 10 in the allocation draft.
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League, founded in 2024, has quickly gained traction, with the Talons defeating the Bandits in the 2025 championship earlier this year. The league currently features six teams, showcasing some of the best talent in women’s softball.
As Maya Brady embarks on this new chapter in her athletic career, her achievements continue to inspire young athletes, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to extraordinary success.
**FAQ**
**Q: Who is Maya Brady?**
A: Maya Brady is a professional softball player and the niece of NFL quarterback Tom Brady. She was recently selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League draft.
