Rachel Garcia: From College Legend to AUSL Star

Rachel Garcia’s name has long been synonymous with excellence on the softball field, and in 2025, she’s adding yet another chapter to an already remarkable career. As the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) kicks off its inaugural season, Garcia is emerging as the league’s top pitcher.

Garcia’s journey to AUSL stardom began at UCLA, where she pitched for the Bruins from 2017 through 2021. In that span, she cemented herself as one of the greatest to ever wear the blue and gold. Garcia logged an astounding 749 innings, compiled a 99-17 record, and posted a dazzling 1.43 ERA while striking out 996 batters. But her impact wasn’t limited to the circle — Garcia was a force at the plate as well, finishing her UCLA career with a .327 batting average, 214 hits, and 43 home runs. Under her leadership, the Bruins made four trips to the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) and captured the national championship in 2019. And it’s no stretch to believe that if the COVID-19 pandemic hadn’t derailed the 2020 season — a year in which UCLA was ranked No. 1 — Garcia might have added another national title to her résumé.

Garcia’s dominance was not limited to the college ranks.  She was one of three pitchers selected for Team USA at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, joining fellow legends Monica Abbott and Cat Osterman. Together, they helped the U.S. secure a silver medal (though sadly Garcia did not pitch during the games).  

Now, Garcia is making waves in the AUSL, a new professional league that has already begun attracting the sport’s top talent. Pitching for the Volts, Garcia leads the league in appearances (9), innings pitched (35.1), and strikeouts (31). Her 3.17 ERA ranks in the league’s top seven, underscoring her consistency and ability to keep hitters off balance. While her personal win-loss record (2-3) may not fully reflect her performance, Garcia’s steady presence on the mound has kept the Volts competitive. The team currently sits at 4-8, five games behind the Bandits and Talons in the standings. But with Garcia leading the pitching staff, the Volts have the potential to make a serious push as the season progresses.

Whether it’s lifting a college team to a national title, representing her country on the Olympic stage, or anchoring a professional squad, Garcia is a force on the mound.  If she keeps pitching the way she has so far in the AUSL, don’t be surprised when the Volts start climbing the standings — because Rachel Garcia has the ball, anything is possible.