Maya Brady, the niece of NFL legend Tom Brady, is proving once again why the Brady genes are synonymous with athletic excellence. Fresh off her remarkable collegiate softball career at UCLA, where she became one of the standout players, Maya is gearing up for her next big challenge: the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL). The first draft is set for January 31, 2025, and Brady's enthusiasm suggests she’s more than ready to show what she's made of.
With impressive statistics, Maya has carved out her name at UCLA, accumulating 71 home runs and 246 RBIs throughout her 249 games with the Bruins. She also achieved notable metrics this past academic year, recording a batting average of .384, which puts her among the elite performers of her time. Her accomplishments don’t stop there; she has been recognized multiple times as the Pac-12 Player of the Week, earned Softball America All-American honors three times, and was named the Pac-12 Batting Champion just last year. If there was ever any doubt about her skill, her records speak for themselves.
Upon announcing her signing with the AUSL, Maya took to social media, saying, "Couldn't walk away just yet. Let's get it." This quote encapsulates her passion for the game and reflects her determination to continue excelling on the field. The AUSL confirmed her participation with the bold statement, "BIG TIME! Maya Brady has signed with the AUSL for the 2025 season." The excitement surrounding her entry is palpable, as fans eagerly anticipate watching her transition to professional softball.
Maya’s background undoubtedly plays a role in her success. Being part of the Brady family, known for its sporting prowess, has fueled her passion and drive. Tom Brady himself acknowledged her incredible talent, declaring her "the most dominant athlete in the Brady family…by far." This familial endorsement is significant, especially coming from one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game.
Reflecting on their shared athletic legacy, Tom recently celebrated one of her milestones, posting on Instagram after she hit her 62nd home run: "Sorry peeps, it just runs in the family. LFG!!!" This blend of family pride and competitive spirit resonates throughout their family, where both Tom's sisters and their children have demonstrated impressive achievements across various sports.
Outside Maya, the Brady family has produced other outstanding athletes. Notably, her aunt Maureen also played softball, and she has previously completed the Boston Marathon, showcasing another level of athleticism. Julie Brady, another of Tom’s sisters, excelled on the soccer field and is married to former MLB first-baseman Kevin Youkilis. Even Tom's son, Benny, is making waves on the football field, aspiring to follow his father’s footsteps, underscoring the family tradition of sports excellence.
With the AUSL draft approaching, anticipation builds around Maya's future. It is not just her stats at UCLA or the impressive accolades she has garnered — such as multiple All-American selections and being named the 2023 and 2024 Pac-12 Player of the Year — which set her apart, but also her unwavering dedication to the sport she loves. Her decision to participate also shows her commitment to growth, development, and convergence on her path as she enters the professional league.
The depth of Maya's talent and her familial legacy significantly amplify interest among both fans and fellow athletes. Her participation signifies much more than her career progression; it highlights the strong bonds of family support and the legacy of excellence she aims to continue within the sporting world.
For now, Maya Brady stands on the brink of what could be yet another thrilling chapter of her athletic career. With what she has accomplished so far, expectations remain high as she steps onto the field for the AUSL, carrying not only her last name but also the weight of family pride and the desire to blaze her own trail as one of the brightest stars in softball today.