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IMG Academy and AUSL Partner to Empower the Next Generation of Female Student-Athletes

Screenshot 2024-07-31 at 7.46.34 PMby: Brady Vernon07/15/25BradyVernon
Screenshot 2025-07-15 at 6.55.41 AM
Photo courtesy of AUSL

Press Release via Athletes Unlimited

IMG Academy and the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) announced on Tuesday a dynamic partnership aimed at inspiring and empowering the next generation of female student-athletes. As two industry leaders committed to long-term student-athlete development in softball, the partnership will bring the elite performance culture of IMG Academy directly to the fans and communities served by the AUSL.

At the heart of the collaboration will be several themed IMG Academy Youth Nights at AUSL games — a high-energy, family-friendly activation taking place in four top-tier softball markets throughout the AUSL Regular Season and the AUSL All-Star Cup:

  • Round Rock, TX on July 18
  • Tuscaloosa, AL on July 23
  • Raleigh, NC on Aug. 2
  • Rosemont, IL on Aug. 29

“This partnership with IMG Academy represents another important step in our mission to grow the game of softball and inspire the next generation,” said Kim Ng, Commissioner of the AUSL. “By creating opportunities for young athletes to interact with our players and experience the excitement of professional softball firsthand, we’re building a stronger, more connected future for the sport.”

These theme nights will feature custom game-day experiences, branded giveaways, live activations, and hitting clinics hosted by Olympian and former Athletes Unlimited professional athlete Joey Lye, now serving as Softball Director at IMG Academy. The events are designed to introduce student-athletes and their families to IMG Academy’s unique approach to sport, education, and personal development.

“This partnership is all about showing student-athletes what’s possible and meeting them where they are within the sport of softball,” saidLye, Softball Director at IMG Academy. “We’re excited to bring the expertise, energy, and purpose of IMG Academy to passionate softball communities across the country. Whether it’s a student-athlete working to elevate their game, exploring opportunities to play at the next level, or dreaming of competing in college softball, we want to help her take that next step.”

In addition to on-site activations, the partnership includes:

  • Social media integrations, with collaborative content and highlights from each event
  • National media exposure, including commercials and in-game features across ESPN platforms
  • Email and digital presence, driving awareness and engagement among student-athletes and families to both AUSL games and IMG Academy offerings. 
  • Brand visibility, with signage placements and promotional codes for IMG Academy offerings distributed through the AUSL network and ticket discounts for AUSL events going through IMG Academy’s network. 

“This collaboration brings together two organizations that believe deeply in the power of sport to shape lives,” said Vanessa Taveras, Chief Partnerships Officer, Athletes Unlimited. “Through on-site activations, digital content, and national exposure, we’re creating meaningful, memorable experiences for student-athletes and their families – while introducing them to both the excellence of IMG Academy and the energy of the AUSL.” 

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