523113940 1156530559847521 8298807858732424712 N E1753722781864 — Montana Fouts got a big ovation in her return to Tuscaloosa. (University of Alabama Athletics)

There are few names that hold as much prestige among Alabama fans as Montana Fouts.

The former Crimson Tide softball pitcher returned to Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa but instead of donning the crimson and white, she was wearing some new colors. But the support of the Alabama fans in attendance remained the same.

Fouts led the Talons in the inaugural AUSL Championship, pitching a complete game shutout Sunday to clinch the title for her team.

This is home to me. This is the place that’s helped shape who I am.
Montana Fouts

The weekend wrapped up the first season of the new professional softball league backed by Major League Baseball. Keep reading to learn more about Fouts’ return to Tuscaloosa + what comes next in her pro career.

Montana Fouts

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Fouts struck out seven and allowed just five hits in a complete game shutout during Game 2 of the championship series, helping the Talons finish off a sweep of the Bandits. The two teams had the best records during the 24-game regular season to earn a spot in the finals.

During her first season at the professional level, Fouts posted a 2.21 ERA across 38 innings while striking out 33 batters. She was injured midway through the season, returning to the field just two weeks before the championship.

Fouts, who was selected 35th overall during the AUSL draft in January, will also compete in the AUSL All-Star Cup which begins this Saturday.

During her time in Tuscaloosa, Fouts won 100 games including a perfect game performance against UCLA at the Women’s College World Series. Her accolades included:

4x All-American
2019 SEC Freshman of the Year
2019 SEC regular season champion
2021 SEC Tournament champion
2021 SEC + NFCA Pitcher of the Year
2023 Softball America Pitcher of the Year
2023 Honda Sport Award

Rhoads Stadium

521294864 1156530556514188 4853900918499721649 N — A packed Rhoads Stadium for the AUSL games. (University of Alabama Athletics)

Tuscaloosa hosted four total games for the league over the last week of the season including the two in the championship series.

While the heat and rain played a factor, fans continued to show up, filling up the stadium for each game. The official attendance numbers have not been reported yet but the University of Alabama said all four games were close to selling out prior to first pitch.

“Fans continue to come out. I’ve seen people that I haven’t seen in the last five years that were in this crowd. I’m very appreciative of that.”
Montana Fouts

While Rhoads Stadium has proven itself to be one of the best softball atmospheres for any level around the country, it’s currently unclear whether the league will return to play future games in Tuscaloosa.

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