But it was more than the color of Alexanders skin or the black and white numbers on the scoresheet that drew fans in. Login here. Senior pitcher Odicci Alexander helped lead the James Madison University softball team to an unexpected semifinal run at the Women's College World Series. She was the starting pitcher for James Madison University from 2017 to 2021, leading the team to their first-ever Women's College World Series in 2021 and making it to the semi-finals. It was her third straight year being named an All-American. Johnson was a five-star. WASHINGTON (August 15, 2022) - Odicci Alexander shot to softball stardom with dominant pitching and defensive web gem during the 2021 Women's College World Series. Advertisement. Alexander finished the 2021 season with an 18-3 record and a 1.71 ERA. As the World Series unfolded, Major League Baseball teams, the Washington Nationals and the Washington Commanders raved on social media about the JMU team. At 23 years old, the 5-foot-7 Alexander stands as a . Softball star Odicci Alexander has officially inked a deal to become an assistant coach of the Howard University softball team for the 2022-2023 season. Softball star Odicci Alexander has officially inked a deal to become an assistant coach of the Howard University softball team for the 2022-2023 season. Odicci studied Sport and Recreation Management at JMU. Athletes Unlimited's Media-Centric Focus Fits AJ Andrews, Recap: Sims, Hull combine for 52 points in 90-84 win, Athletes Unlimited Softball set to return to Rosemont, Illinois for second season in 2021. Since then, she has become one of the most popular players in the sport . We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Watch all 19 strikeout pitches here. All three former Dukes share the distinction of being pitchers who also hit as part of the regular batting order. Odicci Alexander had a Women's College World Series (WCWS) to remember. Got more love for the game? Alexander will join the Bison in late October at the conclusion of her professional season in Japan. This year, they added a condensed two-week version that strategically followed right on the heels of the WCWS. She also signed to play in Athletes Unlimited Softball second season beginning in August 2021. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. In her final season with JMU, Alexander finished 22nd in the league standings, accumulating 1,300 leaderboard points. Alexander joins the Howard University squad after their historic NCAA tournament appearance. Need help? She is the fourth JMU player to sign a professional contract, the most recent being pitcher Megan Good in 2019. [12] Alexander was again named an NFCA Third Team All-American, NFCA First Team All-Northeast, CAA Player of the Year, and ECAC Player of the year. [18] The next day, James Madison defeated Oklahoma State 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals and become the first unseeded team in Women's College World Series history to win two games in the tournament. She was named D1 Softballs Woman of the Year and Softball America NCAA Pitcher of the Year, and she was nominated for the Best Female College Athlete ESPY Award. Her 66 WCWS strikeouts were the second most in the tournament. #TheNewBlackView. Stewart is back for a second year. (AP . Alexander was the 2021 Women's College World Series "Cinderella story" and . [7], Alexander chose to return for her fifth year of eligibility in 2021, and finished off her college career with her most successful season, despite not playing for a month, from March 12 to April 17, due to a hamstring injury. She has four siblings: Isiah, Jameel, Imileigh, and Kaylin. CHARLOTTESVILLE After Saturdays road loss at North Carolina, Virginia basketball coach Tony Bennett praised his teams defensive tenacity. Now, the former James Madison (JMU) standout is joining the Howard University coaching staff. Alexander will be joining the Howard University team after their historic success this past season. Alexander's college career ended on the field at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, where head coach Loren LaPorte pulled her after the Sooners jumped ahead 6-1 in the fifth. Alexander signed a contract with the USSSA Pride, an independent softball team. NCAA Footer Navigation Menu She made us better. Alexander joins a UNC softball program which is 4-0 this season, its best start since 2012. I am so excited to have Odicci join our Bison family. [21], Following the 2021 season, Alexander was named an NFCA Second-Team All American, Softball America Pitcher of the Year, D1 Softball Woman of the Year, CAA Pitcher of the Year, and was nominated for an ESPY award. Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CliffBruntAP. I now have a voice and Ive impacted and inspired so many girls that look like me or who dont look like me, or who play the same sport as me, Alexander told Sports Illustrated. She felt alone. In her debut against Team Mexico last Thursday, she allowed three earned runs in six innings and struck out eight. houston social media influencer After that win, Alexander and James Madison became social media sensations, as coaches, teams and players across all sports sent out tweets and other social media posts, including one from UMBC . Each time Alexander took the mound in the Oklahoma City heat that June, she gained thousands of new followers on social media. For her career, Alexander posted a 2.18 ERA and 712 strikeouts in 640 innings of work. But shell be quick to point out that being a pitcher is not her identity. She pitched every single inning for her team at the WCWS until the fifth inning of their final game. But the public frenzy and massive followings that both Alo and Alexander have garnered also bolster the vision of how rich the future could be for pro softball in the U.S. [7] During the week of May 4, Alexander was named D1Softball's player of the week after recording 25 strikeouts and allowing only one hit in two games, with one of them being a perfect game. Taking her out was a sign that James Madison's run through the tournament was drawing . I am super excited and grateful for this opportunity, and to be a part of this Howard community with Coach Tyson. It really opened my eyes at the World Series when I was the only Black girl pitching on that platform.. She tied for ninth with 1,050 win points, appeared in nine games with five starts, posted a 2-1 record in 26.0 innings, ranked fifth in the league with 22 strikeouts and went 2-for-5 from behind the plate with two runs scored and a double. Alexander propelled JMU during the Dukes' first WCWS appearance. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Shes the third JMU player to be drafted by USSSA Pride, joining fellow pitchersJailyn Ford and Megan Good. Who she is, and what she represents is much deeper than softball, Coach Tori Tyson said. I cant wait for our athletes to learn from her, Tyson said. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Alexander took the sports world by storm at the Women's College. Alexander started playing softball at the age of 7 and taught herself how to pitch. Softball Alexander was a difference maker on both sides of the ball for JMU. She was the starting pitcher for James Madison University from 2017 to 2021, leading the team to their first-ever Women's College World Series in 2021 and making it to the semi-finals. Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre is suing Shannon Sharpe, Pat McAfee, and Mississippi auditor Shad White for defamation of character. Alexander is known for her success as the pitcher of The James Madison Dukes softball team. [4][5], Alexander made her debut for James Madison on February 10, 2017 against Charleston Southern where she recorded 8 strikeouts and led the team to a 13-3 victory. Now, the former James Madison (JMU) standout is joining the Howard University coaching staff. She recounts thinking that Lauren never had a bad day. Watching Alo leave the field to her own standing ovation and emotional farewell interview with ESPNs Holly Rowe a year after Alexanders similar exit from the college scene serves as a reminder of the limited options for world-class softball athletes beyond the NCAA. Alexander says she is excited to get to work. Bernett was a sophomore at James Madison University and starting catcher of the softball team. She is a former Southside District pitcher of the year award winner and was an all-district and all-conference performer in volleyball. Womens sports should feel exciting, dramatic, fun. Savanna Collins is the Digital Media Reporter at Athletes Unlimited. One of the biggest reasons for James Madison's. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Alexander finished the 2021 season with an 18-3 record and a 1.71 ERA. There was a problem saving your notification. She just knows and she was that person who could always make me laugh in those moments, you know? She threw every inning of the Super Regionals and during the Dukes semifinal run in the WCWS, and earned Womens College World Series All-Tournament Team honors for her efforts. She currently plays as a Pitcher or Infield and is 5ft 7in tall. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Major League Baseball, the Washington Nationals, the Washington Commanders and USA Softball legends Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman all tweeted about the JMU squad during the tournament. I try to instill that in these younger girls: Be true to you, be who you are, be the best person.. As a kid, she often wondered why her mom gave her such a unique name but shes learned that what lies in the significance of Odicci has immense value to her. [1] After the 2021 season, Alexander was named Softball America Pitcher of the Year and was also nominated for an ESPY Award for best female college athlete. Former James Madison pitcher and Women's College World Series breakout star Odicci Alexander has signed a professional contract with the USSSA Pride, JWOS has confirmed. [15] On May 21, she threw a career-high and a JMU single-game record of 19 strikeouts against Liberty in the NCAA Regionals. The Virginia native started her collegiate softball career at James Madison University (JMU). The mantra, If you build it, they will come, has been touted by many in the womens sports industry, as viewership records are repeatedly broken and athletes like Alexander garner unprecedented fame and attention. [20] Alexander ended her college career after JMU was eliminated in the semi-finals after losing twice in rematches against Oklahoma 3-6 and 1-7 respectively. Head Coach Tori Tyson is excited about adding Alexander to the team, and is eager to witness what she can bring to the field. The NCAAs new NIL legislation allowing student-athletes to profit off of their name, image and likeness while in college didnt go into effect until several weeks after Alexander threw her last pitch. An emotional postgame interview from your 2022 #WCWS MVP Anything is possible if you work hard. She ranks highly on many of JMUs record books, including her being third in program history in complete games, shutouts, strikeouts, and innings pitched, fourth in career home runs with a total of 3, and 10th in JMU history with .428 career on-base percentage. Copyright 2020 L & Company. She hired a manager, signed a contract with the USSSA Pride pro softball team and released her own apparel merchandise. The USSSA Pride are an independent professional softball team based in Viera, Florida. After playing in Athletes Unlimiteds second season in 2021, Alexander opted to take her skills abroad this summer to Japans Diamond League as a member of Toda Medics. You have permission to edit this article. I am extremely thankful for the opportunities this sport has brought me, Alexander said. Carolina is looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament after missing out in 2021. Tori Tyson, the head coach of the softball program says she is excited to welcome Alexander to the Bison family. The Pride, based in Florida, plays exhibition games against national teams and other all-star teams. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Odicci will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. Opponents hit .190 against her in five years, and she assembled an 81-18 overall record. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images) During the 2021 Women's College World Series, Odicci Alexander (pronounced "odyssey") exploded onto the national stage when she led unranked James Madison University to the semifinals. A standing O is still deserved a year later pic.twitter.com/oLNlW72OLG. James Madison's Odicci Alexander received a standing ovation from the crowd in OKC @JMUSoftball | #WCWS pic.twitter.com/rrxB9dNpMS. Journaling has been a longtime habit of Alexanders that helped her throughout the months she was away. Odicci Alexander made a stunning game-saving tag out at home in the seventh inning to send James Madison to the WCWS Semifinals on Friday. Decades later, the fruits of that groundbreaking legislation are personified in athletes like Alexander, whose scholarship would not have existed without it. Both of them bought into one another. 5 seed Oklahoma State. [7], In a 2020 season that was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Alexander went 3-1 with 31 strikeouts, and batted .308 with 6 hits and 4 RBIs. 1 ranking in country. This a big deal for not just our team, but the entire DMV community, the MEAC and all HBCUs.. In her redshirt senior season at JMU, Odicci Alexander led the Dukes on an unprecedented run as they became the first unseeded team in NCAA softball history to reach the WCWS semifinals. VCU basketball took the most rewarding Tuesday night at the Siegel Center. Alexander received media attention for her defensive web gem that shot her to softball stardomduring the 2021 College World Series. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Man died Wednesday. [16], Starting in all three games against Missouri and winning two out of three, Alexander helped James Madison advance to their program's first Women's College World Series. Go for the gold. Please subscribe to keep reading. WASHINGTON (August 15, 2022) Odicci Alexander shot to softball stardom with dominant pitching and defensive web gem during the 2021 Womens College World Series. Alexander is currently majoring in sport and recreation management. All rights reserved. With Alexander leading the way, the Dukes became first unseeded team in NCAA softball history to reach the Womens College World Series semifinals. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. She ranks highly on many of JMU's record books, [] It was her poise, her passion and her heart of the ultimate underdog all of which were distilled into one of the most spectacular plays ever seen at home plate, when she charged a bunt, scooped it mid-stride and laid out into the air, tagging the base runner out by inches to maintain the Dukes 2-1 lead over Oklahoma State and earn her team a spot in the semifinals. Credit: JMU Sports. 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Alexander led the Dukes to their first World Series appearance, and logged the upset of the season when JMU defeated eventual national champion Oklahoma in the tournaments opening game. She was named the CAA Pitcher of the Year in 2021 after being named CAA Player of the Year in 2018 . "What a competitor. As Alexander continues her own she emphasizes that while she plays this game, it is about more than a bat and ball. The organization crowns an individual champion from a 60-player roster of the sports top players. TRENDING NOW:NCAA TRANSFER TRACKER/COLLEGE COACHING TRACKER. People couldnt get enough of her. More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports. Alexander propelled JMU during. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. She pitched to a 2.92 ERA with 66 strikeouts and only 28 walks during the NCAA Tournament run. [14] On May 12, Alexander set a CAA tournament record for single-game strikeouts, recording 16 of them in a no-hitter against Delaware. You can be the best athlete, but being a good person makes you an even better athlete. Smash It Sports is proud to present tonight's game on USSSALive.com for FREE. They look to return to postseason play in the 2023 season with Alexander in their dugout. [10] After shutting out Elon in the final round of the CAA Championship on May 10, Alexander was named the most outstanding player of the tournament. Today, she has tens of thousands of followers on Twitter and TikTok and nearly 100,000 on Instagram, and she takes her newfound influence to heart. Copyright 2021 The Hilltop: The Student Voice of Howard University. Former James Madison pitcher and Womens College World Series breakout star Odicci Alexander has signed a professional contract with the USSSA Pride, JWOS has confirmed. Captured o. Alexander helped the Dukes in their historic 2021 Women's College World Series run, throwing 94 strikeouts in 75.5 innings and finishing with a record of 8-3 in the circle during the run . If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. 1 seed Oklahoma and No. During their time together, Alexander cant remember a single day that Bernett didnt make her smile. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Athletes Unlimited, LLC 2022 / Credit: Jade Hewitt Media, Everybodys going through something. Named to Softball America's Preseason Top 100 (#69) CAA Commissioner Academic Honor Roll (Fall '20) As a Senior ('20): VaSID All-State Second Team. Odicci Alexander signs to play for Athletes Unlimited AP 0:05 1:00 Odicci Alexander, the energetic pitcher who led James Madison's storybook run to the Women's College World Series. James Madison's Odicci Alexander set a school record with 19 strikeouts over 10 innings in its regional win over Liberty. Shes smiling at me and I honestly just wanna make her proud. You always have someone you can talk to. Andrea Adelson. The tragic loss of Bernett, affectionately known as LB to her friends and family, rocked everyone who knew her as well as the entire collegiate athletics community. According to YardBaker, In her five-year career at James Madison, Alexander posted a 81-18 record with a 2.18 ERA. 13 Virginia tops Clemson, snaps losing streak and clinches ACC tournament double-bye, Dan Snyder is under investigation over line of credit taken out by Commanders, Mike Rhoades after VCU clinched A-10 regular-season title, Lionel Messi named men's Player of the Year at the 2022 Best FIFA Awards. During the 2021 Womens College World Series, Odicci Alexander (pronounced odyssey) exploded onto the national stage when she led unranked James Madison University to the semifinals. It was the freshman. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. They became quick friends, sparking a connection through the distinct relationship developed in a pitcher-catcher pair. Her brother, Isaiah played basketball at Kansas State. Courtesy of Amelia Jarecke. This a big deal for not just our team, but the entire DMV community, the MEAC and all HBCUs.. She is now the third former Duke who's signed with this league, including Jailyn Ford (2013-16) and Megan Good (2015-19). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Alexander's college career ended on the field at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, where head coach Loren LaPorte pulled her after the Sooners jumped ahead 6-1 in the fifth. Now, the former James Madison (JMU) standout is joining the Howard University coaching staff. Just wow," Gasso said later. The summer Alexander graduated, National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) which had been the main professional softball league in the U.S. since its inception in 2004, albeit with dismal salaries announced it was suspending operations. But the long-term result of Title IX is blossoming into much more than equal access. For her achievements, she was named Softball Americas NCAA Pitcher of the Year, D1 Softballs Woman of the Year, and a member of the Womens College World Series All-Tournament team. Softball has given me so much, and it is a dream come true to compete on the same field with so many other talented athletes that I have idolized for years.. Odicci Alexander went from striking out her great uncle as a 9-year-old to pitching on the biggest stage in college softball. Copy it to easily share with friends. Seeing Bernett and #22 on her jersey hanging in her locker is another step in healing. She was also strong at the plate, with a career .337 batting average. Odicci Alexander led James Madison to the semifinals of the Women's College World Series in 2021. The James Madison University (JMU) pitcher threw 64.2 innings as the underdog Dukes made a dream run through college . They've won five National ProFastpitch Cowles Cups and sevenNPF regular season championships. . Although they are starting with a condensed, exhibition-style schedule, WPFs goal is to grow into a sustainable pro league. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The two-time USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year signed with the Vipers shortly after leading Oklahoma to its second consecutive WCWS Championship earlier this month. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Odicci Alexander, the energetic pitcher who led James Madisons storybook run to the Womens College World Series semifinals, has signed a contract to play professional softball for Athletes Unlimited. Over her five-year JMU career, she posted an 81-18 record with a 2.18 earned run average. Name: Odicci Alexander Age: 23 Profession: Pro softball player Hometown: Palmer Springs, Va. Guilty pleasure: Reading James Patterson novels Odicci Alexander grew up in Palmer Springs, Va.,. Justin McLeod Hired to Be Full-Time Extra Inning Softball National College Editor, The Best of College Softballs Halloween Costumes, Five Players Who Impressed at the Top Tier Exposure Tournament, Marshall officially joins Sun Belt: The softball implications, Loves Travel Stops pledges $9 million toward Oklahoma stadium project, Softball returns to Puerto Vallarta; field announced for 2022 tournament. "I am so excited to have Odicci join our Bison family. Alexander was a three-time All-American and two-time Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year. Redshirt senior pitcher Odicci Alexander has been named a finalist for an Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award (ESPY) in the category of Best College Athlete, Women's Sports. From 2017-2021, Alexander started in 207 of 208 games. Follow along as we walk through JMU sensation Odicci Alexander's rookie campaign with Athletes UnlimitedOdicci Alexander - On the RosterCastOdicci AlexanderC. She has a real passion for developing pitchers and sharing the game and our bullpen and entire team and staff will benefit greatly from having her in our dugout.. She started all but one of JMUs 10 NCAA tournament games in the circle and posted a 6-3 record. On Monday, it was announced that Alexander was named Softball America's 2021 NCAA Pitcher of the Year. In the 2022 collegiate season, she was a volunteer assistant coach for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels. Im very excited and will be forever grateful for the opportunity to continue my professional softball career and show my passion and love for the game, Alexander said in a statement. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Odicci Alexander, the energetic pitcher who led James Madison's storybook run to the Women's College World Series semifinals, has signed a contract to play professional softball for Athletes Unlimited. In addition, she batted .388 with 65 hits, 13 homeruns, and a team-best 47 RBIs. WCWS: Odicci Alexander makes incredible diving tag. The. Since 2003, NCAA softball revenue has increased by 339.6 percent, according to Department of Education data. "Wow. In her debut against Team . While Im on this huge platform, my motivation is to continue to grow the game in a positive way.. Her play was among the main reasons ESPN garnered record ratings for the event. Isaiah, her brother, was a basketball player at Kanas State. Scroll to continue reading. She died on April 25 and her death was later classified as an apparent suicide by Rockingham County Sheriffs Office. When Title IX was passed in 1972, exactly 50 years ago this month, the underlying goal was equal opportunity. The Virginia native started her collegiate softball career at James Madison University (JMU). No player was more integral to the team's success than star pitcher Odicci Alexander, who threw 88.6% of the Dukes' innings throughout the tournament. Press Esc to cancel. JMU softball star Odicci Alexander signs pro contract with USSSA Pride Michael Phillips Jun 14, 2021 0 Odicci Alexander became a national star at this year's Women's College World Series, and. She was named the 2021 CAA Pitcher of the Year. 1 seed Oklahoma and No. Thats a large part of why changing the name and number on her jersey this Athletes Unlimited season is how she wanted to honor her late teammate and friend Lauren Bernett. She fashioned a .337 career batting average, and her career total of 39 home runs stands as fourth most in program history. Team USA members Ali Aguilar and Kelsey Stewart also have signed. I cant wait for our athletes to learn from her, Tyson said. Odicci Alexander's incredible summer will include her debut in the Athletes Unlimited professional softball league on Saturday. Alexander finishes her career as one of the most decorated softball players in program history. Thank you for following me. This will be Athletes Unlimiteds second softball season. From 2017-2021, Alexander started in 207 of 208 games. She felt alone. However, as soon as Alexander walked off that field on June 7 to a standing ovation from a crowd of 12,000-plus, most of whom were Sooners fans, her college career officially ended, and she could sign any deals she pleased.
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