Ahead of the Carolina Blaze’s debut at Duke University’s Smith Family Stadium, players and leaders share their vision for professional softball in Durham and the future of women’s sports in North Carolina
Photo by John Michael Simpson
As told to Lauren Rouse
Expect a major heat wave to hit the Bull City this summer – and we’re not just talking about the temperature. The Carolina Blaze, part of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, opens its inaugural home series versus the Portland Cascade at Duke University’s Smith Family Stadium June 9. The moment marks more than a new franchise – for head coach Kara Dill, general manager Dana Sorensen and players Ana Gold and Jala Wright, it’s an opportunity to further ignite the region’s growing enthusiasm for women’s sports.
Jala was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has played softball for 18 years. The former Duke pitcher now splits her time between the Blaze roster and her role as an assistant coach for Duke softball.
Photo by John-Michael Simpson
Tell me about your career path leading up to your current role.
Jala Growing up, softball shaped my work ethic, taught me resilience and gave me a strong sense of community and leadership. As I advanced in my playing career, I realized I didn’t just love competing, I also loved helping others develop their skills and confidence. That naturally led me toward coaching. Fortunately, I am now able to do both.
Dana I played at Stanford and then got my graduate degree in exercise sport science at UNC while playing professionally with National Pro Fastpitch and Team USA. After coaching at UC Davis and Oregon State, I founded Sorensen Elite Softball and later worked as a consultant with college programs specializing in analytics before joining the AUSL as general manager of the Carolina Blaze.
Ana grew up in Schenectady, New York, and has played softball for 17 years. The former Duke infielder now returns to Durham with the Carolina Blaze.
Photo courtesy Athletes Unlimited
What is a philosophy you live by or the best piece of advice you’ve received? Who gave it to you?
Ana The way you do one thing is the way you do everything. My parents instilled that mindset in me early on, and it’s something I try to carry into everything I do – both on and off the field.
Kara Everyone has value. As coaches, our job is to see that value in our athletes and staff and maximize it. I learned it from Rachel Lawson, head coach at University of Kentucky.
What does it mean personally to you to help launch North Carolina’s newest professional women’s sports team in this moment for women’s sports?
Jala I am incredibly grateful to be a trailblazer. To step into this space right now feels bigger than me. It’s about showing young girls that their dreams don’t have to stop at college, and there is a professional future right here at home.
Kara Launching this league in North Carolina is both an exciting and meaningful opportunity. The Durham community has already demonstrated strong support for women’s sports, making it an ideal place to build something lasting. This is a powerful combination – a sport on the rise and a city that understands how to invest in its teams. We have the opportunity to lay a strong foundation not only for today’s athletes to pursue softball as a career, but also for future generations.
Dana grew up in San Diego, California, and built a decades long career that spans nearly every level of the game. After playing at Stanford University, she competed professionally, coached at the collegiate level and worked in athlete development before stepping into her role with the Carolina Blaze.
Photo courtesy Athletes Unlimited
What does Carolina Blaze represent – what identity do you hope to build and/or contribute to for this franchise?
Ana Carolina Blaze represents hardworking, strong and talented women who push themselves to be better every day.
Dana I hope we can build a competitive, committed, team-driven identity and a family feel in our clubhouse that becomes infectious to our fan base.
What are you most looking forward to when it comes to home games in Durham?
Ana I’m especially excited that my family will be able to come to a lot of games. It’s a quick flight from New York, so having them in the stands often will make the experience even more meaningful.
Jala I’m most looking forward to stepping back on to my alma mater’s field. Duke is home. When I graduated, I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to take that field again.
What does success look like in year one?
Kara Success in the first year means building a strong base of season ticket holders, competing for a championship and being a positive influence on younger generations in the community.
Kara was born in LaGrange, Ohio, and has spent nearly two decades in the sport as a player and 13 years as a coach. She played at the University of Kentucky before launching a coaching career that included stops at Kentucky, Louisiana State University and Texas A&M. She now leads the Carolina Blaze while also serving as head coach for the University of Texas at Arlington’s softball team.
Photo courtesy Athletes Unlimited
3 Burning Questions
One word to describe the Blaze?
Ana Fierce
Dana Fire
Jala Spicy
Kara Versatile
Female athlete who inspires you most?
Ana The Romero sisters – Sierra and Sydney
Dana My whole Blaze team!
Jala Mo’ne Davis
Kara Billie Jean King
If you could describe the 2026 season in one headline, what would it be?
Ana Coming in Hot
Dana New Frontier
Jala Rising From the Ashes
Kara AUSL and Carolina Blaze Breaking Records
How does it feel to build a professional career in the same city where you built your college legacy? How has your game evolved since your time at Duke?
Ana It’s a privilege to continue my professional career in the same city where I went to college. My game has grown a lot since my time at Duke. I used to get a little too mechanical, but now I focus on trusting my instincts and letting my athleticism take over.
Jala Building a professional career in the same city where I built my college legacy feels surreal. It’s where I grew up, where I was challenged, and where I became the woman and competitor I am today. To still be here, still chasing dreams in the same place that shaped me, feels like a full-circle blessing. As for my game, it’s evolved in every way. At Duke, I played with passion and hunger – I was proving myself. Now, I play with purpose. The game has slowed down for me. I understand situations better. I trust my preparation more. I’ve grown mentally stronger, more resilient when things don’t go my way, more confident when the pressure rises. I’m not just relying on talent anymore; I’m relying on experience, discipline and maturity. Most of all, I’ve learned to truly enjoy it. … Being able to build a professional career here, in the same city that built me, feels like grace. It feels like alignment. And it makes me more motivated than ever to give everything I have, not just for myself, but also for the place that poured so much into me.
The AUSL is transitioning from a touring model to city-based teams. What are the biggest opportunities – and challenges – in establishing long-term roots here?
Dana Our biggest opportunity is to show how fun pro softball is to watch and follow, and to build a longstanding, committed fan base that is dialed in year after year. Our biggest challenge is to keep the fans interested in our offseason while other sports are happening – having fans keep track of the Blaze roster moves and draft choices during college basketball season.
2026 CAROLINA BLAZE ROSTER
Alyssa Brito
Valerie Cagle
McKenzie Clark
Ana Gold
Baylee Klingler
Kayla Kowalik
Jenna Laird
Aubrey Leach
Emma Lemley
Devyn Netz
Aleshia Ocasio
Keilani Ricketts
Jala Wright
