Sam Landry, a pitcher from Oklahoma, is selected first overall by the Vols in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League Draft.

In the world of professional softball, few moments are as exciting or as momentous as being selected first overall in a draft. The spotlight shines brighter, the expectations grow higher, and the player now carries the weight of representing their new team with distinction. For Sam Landry, a standout pitcher from the University of Oklahoma, that moment came in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) Draft. Selected first overall by the Tennessee Vols, Landry’s selection marks the beginning of a new chapter in both her career and the future of women’s softball.

Early Life and the Path to Greatness

Sam Landry’s rise to the top of the softball world has been marked by hard work, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Growing up in the small town of Mont Belvieu, Texas, Landry’s love for sports was apparent early on. From a young age, she exhibited a natural talent for pitching, and by the time she reached high school, it was clear that she was destined for greatness. Her ability to throw with speed and precision set her apart from her peers, and her mental toughness on the mound made her an even more formidable opponent.

Landry’s high school years were the start of her ascent. She played for Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, where she quickly made a name for herself as one of the top pitchers in the state of Texas. Her performances on the field earned her numerous accolades, and by the time she graduated, she was one of the most highly recruited softball players in the country.

After considering multiple programs, Landry chose to play at the University of Oklahoma, a decision that would shape the trajectory of her career. Under the guidance of legendary head coach Patty Gasso, Landry would go on to not only establish herself as one of the best pitchers in college softball but also become a key figure in the Sooners’ continued dominance on the national stage.

Dominating at Oklahoma

From the moment Sam Landry stepped onto the University of Oklahoma’s campus, it was clear that she was destined to make an immediate impact. The Sooners’ softball program, under the leadership of Patty Gasso, was already one of the most successful in the country, and Landry’s arrival only strengthened their position as a national powerhouse.

Landry quickly became one of the team’s top pitchers, known for her electric fastball, pinpoint control, and ability to perform in clutch moments. Her pitching style was a mix of power and finesse, often keeping batters off-balance with a devastating combination of speed and movement. In her first season with the Sooners, Landry made an immediate impact, earning a spot in the starting rotation and becoming one of the team’s most reliable pitchers.

Throughout her college career, Landry helped lead the Sooners to multiple NCAA tournaments and Women’s College World Series (WCWS) appearances. She was not just a pitcher but also a leader on the field, demonstrating resilience and a strong work ethic that would come to define her legacy. Her performances in the postseason were particularly impressive, often rising to the occasion when the stakes were at their highest.

One of Landry’s defining moments at Oklahoma came in the 2021 WCWS, where she delivered a standout performance in the championship series. Her ability to pitch under pressure, combined with her consistency throughout the tournament, made her one of the most formidable pitchers in the country. Her performance in the final game helped secure Oklahoma’s second national championship under Gasso’s leadership and further solidified her reputation as one of the best pitchers in college softball.

The Athletes Unlimited Softball League and Its Rise

The Athletes Unlimited Softball League, established in 2020, represents a new frontier for professional women’s softball. With a unique structure that allows athletes to play for a variety of teams throughout the season, AU Softball has quickly gained traction as a premier league for women’s professional softball. The league features some of the best softball players in the world, and its popularity continues to rise with each passing season.

The Athletes Unlimited model is different from traditional leagues in that it emphasizes individual performance within a team-based framework. Players earn points for their performance, whether it be pitching, hitting, or fielding, and these points contribute to their team’s overall standing. This format offers a fresh and dynamic approach to the sport, allowing fans to follow individual players’ journeys while still rooting for their favorite teams.

As the league continues to grow, its importance in providing opportunities for professional softball players has become more evident. Athletes Unlimited has given players like Sam Landry the chance to continue their careers at the highest level after college, offering them not only competitive softball but also exposure, sponsorship opportunities, and the ability to make a living from their passion.

The First Overall Pick

Being selected first overall in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League Draft is a monumental achievement for any player, but for Sam Landry, it was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. When her name was called by the Tennessee Vols as the top pick in the 2025 draft, it signified more than just individual recognition. It was a reflection of her abilities as a pitcher, her leadership qualities, and her impact on the sport as a whole.

For Landry, this selection also marks the beginning of a new chapter in her career. After a storied college career, she now has the opportunity to continue her growth as a professional athlete, facing some of the best players in the world. The pressure that comes with being the first overall pick is considerable, but Landry is no stranger to high expectations. Throughout her time at Oklahoma, she proved time and time again that she thrives under pressure and can perform when it matters most.

The Tennessee Vols, a team with a strong reputation in Athletes Unlimited, now have a pitcher who can anchor their rotation and lead them to victory. Landry’s ability to strike out batters with her fastball, control the game with her changeup, and perform in the most intense moments makes her an ideal fit for the Vols, who are aiming to build a championship-contending team. With her on the mound, Tennessee will have a player capable of dominating at the highest level.

What Landry Brings to Athletes Unlimited and the Vols

Sam Landry’s impact on the Vols and the Athletes Unlimited Softball League will be profound. As a pitcher, she brings a unique combination of power and precision to the mound. Her fastball, which can reach speeds upwards of 70 mph, is one of the most feared pitches in the game, and her ability to locate it in any part of the strike zone makes her even more dangerous.

But it’s not just her physical tools that make Landry such an asset. Her mental approach to the game is one of the things that sets her apart. Landry’s ability to stay calm under pressure, read hitters, and make adjustments throughout the game makes her a pitcher who can consistently perform at the highest level. She understands the intricacies of pitching, from setting up batters to knowing when to challenge them and when to work around them.

Landry is also known for her leadership and her ability to inspire her teammates. Throughout her time at Oklahoma, she was a player who led by example, working tirelessly to improve her skills while encouraging her teammates to do the same. This leadership will translate well into the professional ranks, where the competition is fierce, and maintaining a positive team culture is just as important as individual performance.

For the Vols, having a player like Landry in the rotation will be invaluable. She will be able to anchor the pitching staff and provide a level of stability and consistency that every championship-contending team needs. Landry’s presence will also inspire the younger players on the team, showing them what it takes to reach the highest level of the sport and reminding them that with dedication, anything is possible.

A Bright Future Ahead

As Sam Landry begins her professional career in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, the future looks incredibly bright. Her selection as the first overall pick in the 2025 draft is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and successful journey.

Landry’s experience at the University of Oklahoma, combined with her natural talent and leadership skills, makes her one of the most exciting young pitchers in women’s professional softball today. Her presence in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League will not only raise the level of competition but will also help to continue growing the sport and bringing more attention to the incredible athletes who play it.

For the Tennessee Vols, Landry’s addition is a game-changer. With her on the roster, the team has a legitimate shot at winning a championship, and her leadership will be crucial to their success. For Landry herself, the opportunity to compete at the highest level of softball is the next step in a career that has already been filled with remarkable achievements.

In the coming years, Sam Landry’s name will become synonymous with success in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, and her legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of her generation is already being written. The journey ahead is filled with opportunity, and Landry is more than ready to seize it.