Pro News: Aleshia Ocasio Takes Indefinite Leave of Absence from Athletes Unlimited Due to Family Emergency

Team captain Aleshia Ocasio has informed Athletes Unlimited that she will be taking an indefinite leave of absence for the league’s inaugural softball competition to deal with a family emergency.

Ocasio, currently the second ranked player on the Athletes Unlimited Leaderboard after two weeks, will be replaced by catcher Erika Piancastelli as Captain for week three play as decided by the softball Player Executive Committee.

Piancastelli was the highest ranked player on the team Ocasio assembled in Tuesday’s draft and is currently ranked fifth overall.

“Our thoughts are with Aleshia and her family and we respect their privacy during this very difficult time,” said Athletes Unlimited CEO Jon Patricof. “Her Athletes Unlimited family is here to support her in any way we can.”

Ocasio will retain her current 976 points and the league is exploring a potential replacement for the week four draft.

Following the departure of Aleshia Ocasio who left the league due to a non-COVID family emergency, Team Piancastelli traded outfielder Emily Crane to Team Sanders in exchange for pitcher Karissa Hovinga.

The trade marks the first transaction in Athletes Unlimited history.

Team Sanders will square off against Team Piancastelli to kick off week three action of Athletes Unlimited Softball play on Saturday, September 12 on ESPN3 at 1PM ET.