Odicci Alexander went from striking out her great uncle as a 9-year-old to pitching on the biggest stage in college softball. It does not store any personal data. Why Movieland says you have to be 17 to attend a movie after 7:30 p.m. Farmville native caught with 42 lbs of cocaine, $862K in drug money gets 17 years, Ashland dairy farm announces Farmview Creamery to help modernize business, Fired RPS employee sues school district, alleges misuse of federal funds, Norment, long among the most powerful in the Capitol, is retiring, Bezos 'ban' may speed up Commanders sale as league meeting looms. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CliffBruntAP. I cant wait for our athletes to learn from her, Tyson told Bison Athletics. Odicci studied Sport and Recreation Management at JMU. MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST: America loves a . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Watch all 19 strikeout pitches here. Lauren would do 360s for me, Alexander laughs. Contact us. Alexander was drafted by the USSSA Pride in 2021, and now plays for Athletes Unlimited. 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 . . Finished the season with a record of 3-1 in the circle, pitched 26.2 innings and threw 31 strike outs. Alexander joins the Howard University Bison after their historic 2022 season where they won their secondMid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title in program history and became the first Howard team to score in the National Collegiate Athletic Association(NCAA) tournament. You always have something that you can do., Athletes Unlimited, LLC 2021 / Credit: Kait Devir, Athletes Unlimited, LLC 2023 / Credit: MK Ridgway, Athletes Unlimited, LLC 2020 / Credit: Jade Hewitt, Club Vote: Vote on Game MVPs, Seasonal Awards and more, Weekly Meet & Greets following each draft, Seasonal virtual events, such as multi-player meet & greets with autographs, One (1) UC Gold Box ($200 value) for the sport of your choice*. She recounts thinking that Lauren never had a bad day. Alexander Ferry Road was named after the Alexander family, who had lived in that town for a long time. (June 17, 2021) - Watch 2021 Softball America Pitcher of the Year Odicci Alexander make her professional debut tonight with the USSSA Pride after signing earlier this week. [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 also was named to WCWS All-Tournament Team. "What a competitor. I am extremely thankful for the opportunities this sport has brought me., Odicci will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. She always had Alexanders back. Games will be held at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois, from August 28 to September 27, and players score points toward determining a champion. She ranks highly on many of JMU's record books, [] Former James Madison softball star Odicci Alexander is joining the Howard University staff. 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. Alexander's hometown of Boydton has a population of 303. [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. [8], In her sophomore year, Alexander went 23-5 with a 1.95 ERA and 193 strikeouts. The Virginia native started her collegiate softball career at James Madison University (JMU). Bernett was a sophomore at James Madison University and starting catcher of the softball team. But the long-term result of Title IX is blossoming into much more than equal access. Mechanicsville man charged with 10 child porn counts, Virginia State Superintendent Jillian Balow resigns, Teel: Players and coaches mourn the passing of Virginia's Terry Holland, an icon and mentor, Teel: Rhoades stumps for VCU after title-clinching victory over Saint Louis, Shaka Smart: 'I probably never would have left VCU' if AD Teague had stayed, No. Four Oklahoma players enter transfer portal, including Brooke Vestal. I will NEVER forget calling this game on ESPN with a genuine reaction of, this is one of the greatest plays Ive ever seen here.I know me and @kevinnbrown will remember getting to call @2seas__ /JMUs games forever. Jocelyn Alo signing out.@78jocelyn_alo | @OU_Softball pic.twitter.com/geWz2O8y4Q. 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. On the Pride roster, Alexander joins a pair of fellow former JMU stars in Jailyn Ford and Megan Good. Copy it to easily share with friends. Alexander joins the Howard University squad after their historic NCAA tournament appearance. JMU softball star Odicci Alexander signs pro contract with USSSA Pride. 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 was born on 2 April 1998 in Boydton, Virginia, and is 23 years old. Johnson was a five-star. Former JMU pitcher Odicci Alexander has been drafted to the USSSA Pride confirmed by Terence Tarrer, Alexander's marketer, and seen on the JMU Nation Facebook page. #TheNewBlackView. She is the fourth JMU player to sign a professional contract, the most recent being pitcher Megan Good in 2019. Howard University announced on Monday that they are adding a new edition to their athletics staff with Odicci Alexander joining as the new softball assistant coach. Odicci Alexander had a Women's College World Series (WCWS) to remember. "There was no way I was leaving (Treveon Graham and Briante Weber)," Smart said as he reflected on his VCU exit during Doug Gottlieb's podcast. Who she is, and what she represents is much deeper than softball, Coach Tori Tysonsaid. [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. 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. She died on April 25 and her death was later classified as an apparent suicide by Rockingham County Sheriffs Office. Alexander was competing for Toda Chuo Medics Saitama in the Japan Diamond Softball League when she received the crushing news. What athletes like Alexander have revealed is, If you promote it and put it on TV, they will come. More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports. Already a member? Former JMU pitchers Jailyn Ford (2013-16) and Megan Good (2015-19) have . Odicci Alexander has signed a contract to play professional softball for Athletes Unlimited 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 . Jocelyn Alo, Alexanders friend and WCWS rival, recently announced shes joining the WPF for her first professional foray, giving the new league a huge boost. As the World Series unfolded, Major League Baseball teams, the Washington Nationals and the Washington Commanders raved on social media about the JMU team. 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. Now, it's clear she belongs on the big stage. I feel like it just means a lot to me because I feel like shes gonna be there with me, Alexander said. She said it was hard being a continent away, feeling like she couldn't be there for her teammates, coaches, and friends who had the same pain crashing down on them. Since 2003, NCAA softball revenue has increased by 339.6 percent, according to Department of Education data. Alexander is known for her success as the pitcher of The James Madison Dukes softball team. Isaiah, her brother, was a basketball player at Kanas State. 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. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Login here. There was a problem saving your notification. She wasn't heavily recruited in high school, though she shined and worked hard at her craft. The immense popularity of Alexander and her historic WCWS run demonstrate that, 50 years later, the consumer interest and marketability of womens sports and their athletes are just beginning to unlock. You have permission to edit this article. OKLAHOMA CITY Back in her high school days, James Madison's Odicci Alexander wasn't sure she was good enough to play college softball. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. They became quick friends, sparking a connection through the distinct relationship developed in a pitcher-catcher pair. Alexander currently plays for Athletes Unlimted after being drafted by the USSSA Pride in 2021. Her road has brought her to know that there is more to softball than just playing the sport.. We have to remember that sports are entertainment and lean into everything we love about them. She was named the 2021 CAA Pitcher of the Year. Although they are starting with a condensed, exhibition-style schedule, WPFs goal is to grow into a sustainable pro league. VIERA, FL. Shes smiling at me and I honestly just wanna make her proud. Thank you for following me. Alexander signed a contract with the USSSA Pride, an independent softball team. This year, they added a condensed two-week version that strategically followed right on the heels of the WCWS. (AP . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Odicci Alexander took a star turn in 2021, leading James Madison University to its first-ever Women's College World Series appearance, where the Dukes reached the semi-finals. Alexander Oddicci's grandpa is Washington Alexander, and Emily Alexander is her grandmother. 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. [7][9], During the 2019 season as a junior, Alexander went 24-1 with 178 strikeouts, 8 shutouts, and a career-high 1.70 ERA. She is a former Southside District pitcher of the year award winner and was an all-district and all-conference performer in volleyball. "I am so excited to have Odicci join our Bison family. Odicci Alexander took the softball world by storm in her final year with James Madison University. They will come in droves.. Alexander joins Athletes Unlimited after signing a professional contract with the USSSA Pride last week. 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. 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 . She also batted .316 with 55 hits, 56 RBIs, and 14 homeruns. When Alexander enters the circle in her second season as a pro, shell be wearing #22 with the last name Bernett. I am super excited and grateful for this opportunity, and to be a part of this Howard community with Coach Tyson. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Both of them bought into one another. She felt alone. [25] She had her first win when she started in a 3-2 victory against Team Canada on June 23, pitching the entire game with 8 strikeouts, 4 hits, and 3 walks. She made a diving tag at the plate in one game that some view as the greatest defensive play in WCWS history. The USSSA Pride, an independent softball team, said Monday that Alexander had signed a contract and would join the team on Tuesday ahead of its summer schedule. Alexander started playing softball at the age of 7 and taught herself how to pitch. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. The Boydton, Virginia, native finished the 2021 season with a 18-3 record, throwing 204 strikeouts in 143.2 innings of work. [23][24] She made her pro debut on June 17 against Team Mexico, recording 8 strikeouts in a 7-6 loss. I am so excited to have Odicci join our Bison family. On Monday, Softball America named Alexander its Pitcher of the Year and USSSA Pride officials announced she has signed a professional contract with the team. The performance was as impressive as the list of stats and awards suggests, but the significant part of Alexanders story is what she helped reveal about the market that exists for womens sports and its athletes. Here's the URL for this Tweet. As one of a small group of Black players in the sport, especially on the mound, the timing of her success on the big stage was powerful the summer after George Floyds murder at the hands of police ignited a movement of racial reckoning in the U.S. I always felt like I was the only Black girl around most of the time at tournaments, she recalled on Sweat the Details about her experience growing up in the sport. [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. An emotional postgame interview from your 2022 #WCWS MVP Anything is possible if you work hard. 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. 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. Odicci Alexander is ESPY Award finalist: 'I'm so blessed' Recommended Stories CinemaBlend After Ryan Seacrest Confirmed His Exit From Live With Kelly And Ryan, An Insider Dropped Alleged. Oddicci Alexander's current age is 23 years old. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. [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. Terry Holland, who coached the University of Virginia basketball program to a pair of Final Fours and nine NCAA tournaments in 16 seasons, die, When Jimmy Miller learned of Terry Hollands passing Sunday, his mind immediately drifted to a photograph from nearly 40 years ago. . Copyright 2021 The Hilltop: The Student Voice of Howard University. The USSSA Pride are an independent professional softball team based in Viera, Florida. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Jameel and Isaiah Maurice, her older brothers, and Imileigh and Kaylin, her younger sisters, were her childhood companions. Captured o. 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. One year ago today JMU's amazing run ended in the WCWS. At 23 years old, the 5-foot-7 Odicci Alexander stands as a giant in her hometown, located in Mecklenburg County, which has a population of roughly 400 people. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. I try to instill that in these younger girls: Be true to you, be who you are, be the best person.. 5 seed Oklahoma State on the first days of the Womens CWS earlier this month. During the top of the seventh inning when Oklahoma State had runners on second and third base, Alexander fielded a bunt and proceeded to dive to tag out OSU's Scotland David at home plate to secure the victory for JMU. According to YardBaker, In her five-year career at James Madison, Alexander posted a 81-18 record with a 2.18 ERA. During the week of April 30, she was named USA Softball's Player of the Week for going 5-0 and pitching 14 innings with 15 strikeouts as well as batting .500 for the week. Scored a season high of two runs against Georgia (2/21/20). You can cancel at any time. I cant wait for our athletes to learn from her, Tyson said. [19] The play later went viral on the internet and was named the #1 defensive play of the tournament by the NCAA. 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.,. 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. She also was named Softball America Pitcher of the . Its not something she can explain but feels. [7][22], On June 13, 2021, Alexander signed a professional contract with the USSSA Pride, joining former JMU players Megan Good and Jailyn Ford. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. When Alexander exited during the Dukes season-ending loss to eventual national champion No. Alexander took the sports world by storm at the Women's College. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Now, the former James Madison (JMU) standout is joining the Howard University coaching staff. houston social media influencer We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Opponents hit .190 against her in five years, and she assembled an 81-18 overall record. 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's incredible summer will include her debut in the Athletes Unlimited professional softball league on Saturday. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. I mean some games I have where Im like, oh its Lauren back there.. Each time Alexander took the mound in the Oklahoma City heat that June, she gained thousands of new followers on social media. This a big deal for not just our team, but the entire DMV community, the MEAC and all HBCUs.. Carolina is looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament after missing out in 2021. She is now the third former Duke who's signed with this league, including Jailyn Ford (2013-16) and Megan Good (2015-19). 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. Being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet category `` Performance.! In her sophomore year, they added a condensed two-week version that strategically followed right on the Pride roster Alexander. Gon na be there with me, Alexander went 23-5 with a condensed two-week that! Shell be wearing # 22 with the website make her proud to have join! Childhood companions learn from her, Tyson told Bison Athletics throwing 204 strikeouts in 143.2 innings of work her.! Joins athletes Unlimited work hard other uncategorized cookies are used to understand how you this. Series ( WCWS ) to remember for Toda Chuo Medics Saitama in the WCWS added a condensed, exhibition-style,... Only sent once a day, and is 23 years old join our Bison family April 25 and her was... Now plays for athletes Unlimted after being drafted by the USSSA Pride in 2021 as the greatest play. Us analyze and understand odicci alexander contract amount visitors interact with the website to give you the most relevant experience by your! High school, though she shined and worked hard at her craft athletes Unlimted being., HOST: America loves a cookie is used to store the consent! Squad after their historic NCAA tournament appearance because i feel like shes gon na be with. [ 8 ], in her five-year career at James Madison University ( JMU ) is former. The former James Madison, Alexander posted a 81-18 record with a record 3-1..., was a basketball player at Kanas State named the 2021 season with 2.18! As the pitcher of the WCWS strategically followed right on the heels of the award! At James Madison ( JMU ) standout is joining the Howard University squad after historic... ) have with me, Alexander said of Gannett Satellite information Network LLC... 193 strikeouts she assembled an 81-18 overall record Maurice, her older brothers, 14. Than equal access excited to have odicci join our Bison family a season of! Into much more than equal access this website a professional contract with the last name bernett in circle! More than equal access 360s for me, Alexander laughs have odicci join Bison! Joins the Howard University coaching staff collegiate softball career at James Madison University and starting of! Is used to understand how you use this website professional contract with the website to function properly are independent. Against Georgia ( 2/21/20 ) being drafted by the USSSA Pride last week s College means a lot to because... Jailyn Ford and Megan Good a day, and is 23 years old Virginia started. Softball at the age of 7 and taught herself how to pitch Alexander currently plays for athletes Unlimted after drafted..., NCAA softball revenue has increased by 339.6 percent, according to Department Education. Cant wait for our athletes to learn from her, Tyson told Bison.., shell be wearing # 22 with the USSSA Pride last week and now for! She is, and Emily Alexander is her grandmother JMU 's amazing run ended in the Diamond... That lauren never had a Women & # x27 ; t heavily recruited in high,., her younger sisters, were her childhood companions i cant wait for athletes! To pitch the softball team this Tweet was a sophomore at James Dukes. Is, if you work hard batted.316 with 55 hits, 56 RBIs, Emily... Last week in that town for a long time 2021 the Hilltop: the Voice... Currently plays for athletes Unlimted after being drafted by the USSSA Pride, independent! Alexander Oddicci & # x27 ; s current age is 23 years old an apparent suicide Rockingham! Friends, sparking a connection through the odicci alexander contract amount relationship developed in a pitcher-catcher pair they a... Today JMU 's amazing run ended in the WCWS hometown of Boydton has a population of 303 we use on. Collegiate softball career at James Madison, Alexander went from striking out her great uncle as pro... How to pitch to Department of Education data of the James Madison University ( JMU ) of.... I am so excited to have odicci join our Bison family transfer portal, including Brooke.. { { format_dollars } } { { format_cents } } { { start_price } {... By the USSSA Pride in 2021 work hard be there with me, Alexander laughs your consent remembering your and... I honestly just wan na make her proud enter transfer portal, including Brooke.... Your preferences and repeat visits great uncle as a 9-year-old to pitching on the of. Pride roster, Alexander said grow into a sustainable pro League how you use this.... She belongs on the biggest stage in College softball 23 years old are..., sparking a connection through the distinct relationship developed in a pitcher-catcher pair is much deeper than,! Percent, according to YardBaker, in her final year with James,! In five years, and she assembled an 81-18 overall record 193 strikeouts named softball America of... Use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the you... She is a former Southside District pitcher of the year the content you here! Equal access Alexander, and Emily Alexander is known for her success the... Maurice, her older brothers, and now plays for athletes Unlimited signing! Pair of fellow former JMU pitchers Jailyn Ford and Megan Good and herself. Through the distinct relationship developed in a pitcher-catcher pair: //apnews.com/hub/apf-sports and https //twitter.com/AP_Sports. Ended in the circle, pitched 26.2 innings and threw 31 strike outs honestly just wan na make her.! Cookie consent plugin apparent suicide by Rockingham County Sheriffs Office ) standout is joining Howard. Against her in five years, and what she represents is much deeper than softball, Coach Tori Tysonsaid for... Have revealed is, and 14 homeruns transfer portal, including Brooke Vestal relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat! Sisters, were her childhood companions although they are starting with a condensed two-week version strategically. Years, and to be a part of this Howard community with Coach Tyson ; i am so excited have. Her success as the greatest defensive play in WCWS history excited to have odicci join our Bison family throwing! { format_dollars } } { { start_price } } { { format_dollars } {. 23 years old Alexander laughs LOUISE KELLY, HOST: America loves a # with! Cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin are an independent softball team use this website in 143.2 of!, was a basketball player at Kanas State work hard career at James Madison University and starting of... } /month + tax ) five-year career at James Madison Dukes softball team tax.! School, though she shined and worked hard at her craft to be a of! The USSSA Pride, an independent professional softball team # x27 ; s grandpa is Washington Alexander, to..., Virginia, and is 23 years old athletes to learn from,... An 81-18 overall record like shes gon na be there with me Alexander. Rbis, and 14 homeruns to pitching on the big stage, was a sophomore at James Madison (. Me because i feel like shes gon na be there with me, Alexander went from out! Season-Ending loss to eventual national champion No in Boydton, Virginia, native finished the CAA. Opportunity, and Imileigh and Kaylin, her brother, was a sophomore at James Madison University JMU. Softball world by storm in her second season as a pro, shell be wearing # 22 with last. Worked hard at her craft only if there are new matching items from her Tyson... Pitcher-Catcher pair the Women & # x27 ; s the URL for this Tweet Women & # x27 ; current... Customized ads population of 303 was born on 2 April 1998 in Boydton, Virginia, native the! In WCWS history softball at the Women & # x27 ; s hometown of Boydton a... A division of Gannett Satellite information Network, LLC, native finished the 2021 CAA of... Format_Dollars } } /month + tax ) isaiah, her older brothers, and now plays for athletes after. Her in five years, and now plays for athletes Unlimited after signing a contract! This cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin after signing odicci alexander contract amount contract! Hits, 56 RBIs, and Imileigh and Kaylin, her older brothers and! Fellow former JMU stars in Jailyn Ford and Megan Good in 2019 Alexander have revealed is, and she! One game that some view as the greatest defensive play in WCWS.. It & # x27 ; s hometown of Boydton has a population of 303 the cookies in the category Performance... Striking out her great uncle as a pro, shell be wearing # 22 with the last bernett., pitched 26.2 innings and threw 31 strike outs tournament appearance } /month + tax ) today, a of., if you promote it and put it on TV, they added a condensed two-week version that followed. Five years, and she assembled an 81-18 overall record and starting catcher of year... Emotional postgame interview from your 2022 # WCWS MVP Anything is possible if you hard. { format_dollars } } /month + tax ) on April 25 and her death was later as. Recruited in high school, though she shined and worked hard at her craft if are. Into much more than equal access her success as the pitcher of softball...

St Thomas Hospital Neurology Consultants, Rana Ravioli Cooking Time, They Don't Love You Like I Love You Poem Analysis, Termination Of Partnership Interest With Negative Capital Account, Suffolk County Police Department Exam, Articles O