Bella Dayton’s left arm features a striking tattoo that spans the entire inside of her bicep. The cursive Italian lettering, adorned in black with green trim, honors her family heritage. It bears a quote from the explorer Christopher Columbus: "You can't cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

This sentiment resonates deeply with Dayton, especially as she embarks on her professional journey with the Athletes Unlimited Softball League. Although her team, the Bandits, faced a tough championship series and were swept 2-0 by the Talons, Dayton's performance exemplified her courage to chase new horizons and take risks in a competitive arena. 

While pursuing new athletic heights, Dayton also continues to cultivate her passion for nutrition through her Mambos.kitchen Instagram account, sharing insights on healthy eating that empower her and other athletes to optimize their performance as they navigate their athletic journeys.

The AUSL, Explained

The AUSL has marked a significant advancement in women’s professional sports, expanding on the groundwork established by other Athletes Unlimited leagues. In its inaugural season, the league consisted of four teams—the Bandits, Blaze, Talons, and Volts—competing across ten cities. Each team participated in 24 games during the season, which culminated in the top two teams playing a best-of-three championship series hosted in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Rising Star: Dayton's Impact on the Bandits

Dayton is an outfielder from Wylie, Texas, and graduated from the University of Texas in 2024. She made her mark in collegiate softball by helping the Longhorns reach the NCAA Women's College World Series three times and earning a spot on the 2022 All-Tournament Team. On the international stage, she represented Italy in the 2024 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Finals, where she impressed with her hitting skills.  

With the 46th overall pick (Round 12, Pick 2), the Bandits drafted Dayton to their inaugural squad. Dayton was a key piece of the Bandits’ championship run this season. She started 21 of their 24 games, posted an overall batting average of 0.397 and helped lead the Bandits to a 15-9 record. According to Bandits general manager Jenny Dalton-Hill, they drafted Dayton for her speed, left hand, and hard-nosed playing style. She covers lots of ground in the outfield and plays with something to prove. 

“One thing I’ve realized is that everything ends up working out. Sometimes even better than you imagine. Always believe in where you are headed,” Dayton said on her Instagram. “This season, I’ve been surrounded by women who empower me, support me, believe in me, and motivate me.”

“Whether you’re an aspiring athlete aiming for the next level or someone looking to live a healthier, more energized life, this space is for you. I’m here to share the simple nutrition tips, meal ideas, and mindset shifts that helped me to get to where I am—and can help you thrive, too.”

VIS Mentor Bella Dayton

Fueling Performance with Mambos.Kitchen 

Mambos.kitchen is Dayton's Instagram page dedicated to athletic performance and nutrition. Launched in April 2025, Dayton uses the platform to share insights on healthy eating and recovery strategies for athletes. The content includes "What I eat in a day" videos, grocery shopping advice, and a variety of recipes that emphasize high-protein meals, such as Philly cheesesteak bowls, peanut butter banana muffins, and protein pancake bowls. 

“As a former collegiate and now pro athlete, I’ve learned firsthand how the right nutrition can fuel performance, recovery, and overall well-being,” Dayton said in her Instagram post introducing Mambos.kitchen. “Whether you’re an aspiring athlete aiming for the next level or someone looking to live a healthier, more energized life, this space is for you. I’m here to share the simple nutrition tips, meal ideas, and mindset shifts that helped me to get to where I am—and can help you thrive, too.”

Dayton also promotes a mindset of balance over perfection through her series titled "This is my 20%" that showcases fun meals at restaurants.  

“This is my 20%. A reminder that one treat, one night out, or one lazy Sunday doesn’t undo a week of nourishment,” Dayton said. “Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about peace with your choices.”

In the future, Dayton will be releasing meal plans that will help show female athletes what to eat before and after games and how to fuel without feeling heavy or tired. She wants to help athletes of all ages feel energized and strong, address common nutrition mistakes that can lead to poor recovery, and help athletes build a simple, effective routine around food so they do not have to guess what to eat. 

“No matter your sport, your grind, or your goals—what you eat matters,” Dayton said. “These meal plans [will be] built to fuel every type of athlete. Get ready to fuel better, train harder, and show up stronger.”

Dayton will next be taking her talents to the AUSL All-Star Cup. This four series season will run from Aug. 2-Aug. 31, in which 60 professional softball players will compete to become the individual champion. Along the way, she will continue to grow Mambos.kitchen and emphasize the importance of good fuel in optimizing athletic performance and overall well-being.