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. Just wow," Gasso said later. After upsetting Morgan State to win the MEAC tournament, the 2022 Bison squad became the first Howard team to score in the NCAA tournament. Alexander was. Her diving play at the plate in the Dukes win over No. The Virginia native started her collegiate softball career at James Madison University (JMU). [13] She finished 26-6 with 204 strikeouts and a 1.71 ERA, and batted .317 with 26 hits, 13 RBIs, and 2 home runs. Copyright 2021 The Hilltop: The Student Voice of Howard University. Because WD and Emily could not travel from Virginia to attend the WCWS, the extended Alexander family in Dallas and Kansas City decided to come in their place. Opponents hit .190 against her in five years, and she assembled an 81-18 overall record. She started all but one of JMUs 10 NCAA tournament games in the circle and posted a 6-3 record. https://t.co/Z6WpOVgGYS. On Monday, it was announced that Alexander was named Softball America's 2021 NCAA Pitcher of the Year. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. She is the fourth JMU player to sign a professional contract, the most recent being pitcher Megan Good in 2019. WASHINGTON (August 15, 2022) - Odicci Alexander's dominant pitching and defensive web gem shot her to softball stardom during the 2021 Women's College World Series. At the plate, Alexander posted a .337 batting averge and 39 home runs in 603 career at-bats. What athletes like Alexander have revealed is, If you promote it and put it on TV, they will come. For 20 years and more we have been trying to guilt people into watching womens sports. 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. Alexander finished the 2021 season with an 18-3 record and a 1.71 ERA. Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CliffBruntAP. 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. She led her team to victory against Oklanhoma State with her game-saving dive which made the top spot on ESPNs SportsCenter Top 10 countdown. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. She fashioned a .337 career batting average, and her career total of 39 home runs stands as fourth most in program history. 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 joins the Howard University squad after their historic NCAA tournament appearance. She has four siblings: Isiah, Jameel, Imileigh, and Kaylin. JMU Beats Mizzou to Reach First Women's College World Series", "James Madison shocks No. When Title IX was passed in 1972, exactly 50 years ago this month, the underlying goal was equal opportunity. Alexander was also named to WCWS All-Tournament Team and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America Team. The USSSA Pride are an independent professional softball team based in Viera, Florida. Thank you for following me. Jocelyn Alo signing out.@78jocelyn_alo | @OU_Softball pic.twitter.com/geWz2O8y4Q. [19] The play later went viral on the internet and was named the #1 defensive play of the tournament by the NCAA. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Some people cant do that but she knew how to approach me.. [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 made a diving tag at the plate in one game that some view as the greatest defensive play in WCWS history. Howard Hires New Softball Assistant Coach Odicci Alexander, Howard Swim and Dive Team Wins First Swim Championship in 34, Howard Swim & Dive Team Becomes the First All-Black Swim Team, The CIAA Mens and Womens Basketball Tournament is Back, Bethune-Cookman Hires Raymond Woodie Jr. As Head Football Coach, BSU Student Justina Miles Goes Viral For ASL of Rihannas Super, TSU Aristocrat of Bands Makes History With Grammy Win, Honorary Norfolk Grad Missy Elliot Makes Rock & Roll Hall of, Texas Southern Alum Michael Strahan Receives Hollywood Walk of Fame Star, HBCUs & Their Involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, Alabama A&M Partners with SAIC for $100K STEM Scholarship Fund, HBCU Alumna Megan Thee Stallion Keeps It Raw In Latest Album Traumazine, Howard Swim and Dive Team Wins First Swim Championship in 34 years, White Student Sues Howard University For Alleged Racial Discrimination, Howard Names Phylicia Rashad Toni Morrison Chair in Arts & Humanities, Fisk Gymnastics Team Becomes First HBCU to Compete at NCAA Level, Langston University Receives Television News Station as a Donation. CHARLOTTESVILLE After Saturdays road loss at North Carolina, Virginia basketball coach Tony Bennett praised his teams defensive tenacity. They've won five National ProFastpitch Cowles Cups and sevenNPF regular season championships. It was her third straight year being named an All-American. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". I try to instill that in these younger girls: Be true to you, be who you are, be the best person.. Copy it to easily share with friends. She is now the third former Duke who's signed with this league, including Jailyn Ford (2013-16) and Megan Good (2015-19). She died on April 25 and her death was later classified as an apparent suicide by Rockingham County Sheriffs Office. Alexander will join the Bison in late October at the conclusion of her professional season in Japan. 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.. Alexander beams as she tells stories of not her best days with Bernett but the rough ones the practices and bullpens when she didnt know where the ball was going when it released from her hand. Bernett was a sophomore at James Madison University and starting catcher of the softball team. Alexander finished the 2021 season with an 18-3 record and a 1.71 ERA. Contact us. Learn how your comment data is processed. Since 2003, NCAA softball revenue has increased by 339.6 percent, according to Department of Education data. "I am so excited to have Odicci join our Bison family. Odicci Alexander has signed a contract to play professional softball for Athletes Unlimited Alexanders stardom in the sport struck after the 2021 Womens College World Series, where her dominance and defensive skills showcased her true talent. It really opened my eyes at the World Series when I was the only Black girl pitching on that platform.. She was born on April 2, 1998, in Boydton, Virginia. Gasso's Sooners, softball's Swat Sisters, finally ended James Madison's magical run, beating the unseeded Dukes 7-1 Monday . Team USA members Ali Aguilar and Kelsey Stewart also have signed. The Pride, based in Florida, plays exhibition games against national teams and other all-star teams. Alexander was competing for Toda Chuo Medics Saitama in the Japan Diamond Softball League when she received the crushing news. 5 seed Oklahoma State on the first days of the Womens CWS earlier this month. She was an accidental recruit, when then James Madison Softball coach Mickey Dean attended one of her high school games in 2014 eyeing the pitcher on the other team but ended up offering Alexander a scholarship to JMU. Odicci Alexander was born in Boydton, Virginia, on April 2, 1998, to parents Washington and Emily Alexander. Alexander propelled JMU during. 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*. Alexander is known for her success as the pitcher of The James Madison Dukes softball team. Need help? She always had Alexanders back. [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. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". [6] She finished the season with a 11-5 record, a 2.35 ERA, 6 shutouts, and 83 strikeouts. Who she is, and what she represents is much deeper than softball, Coach Tori Tyson said. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Alexander was named to the Colonial Rivers All-Conference team last season for the second straight year and earned 3A second team All-State honors as a sophomore. Because WD and Emily could not travel from Virginia to attend the WCWS, the extended Alexander family in Dallas and Kansas City decided to come in their place. 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. Bernett was Alexanders catcher during their historic 2021 run. Odicci Alexander was born on April 2, 1998, in Boydton, Virginia, to parents Washington and Emily Alexander. [23][24] She made her pro debut on June 17 against Team Mexico, recording 8 strikeouts in a 7-6 loss. James Madison coach Loren LaPorte held back tears as she walked out to the middle of the field to make the pitching change. WASHINGTON (August 15, 2022) Odicci Alexander shot to softball stardom with dominant pitching and defensive web gem during the 2021 Womens College World Series. Personal: Odicci was born April 2, 1998, to Washington and Emily Alexander. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. [2][3], Alexander grew up in Boydton, Virginia, and was raised by her grandparents. One year ago today JMU's amazing run ended in the WCWS. Alexander burst onto the scene when she threw complete game victories to lead the unseeded Dukes past No. Odicci will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. Her play was among the main reasons ESPN garnered record ratings for the event. She also struck out 19 batters in an NCAA regional win over Liberty. According to YardBaker, In her five-year career at James Madison, Alexander posted a 81-18 record with a 2.18 ERA. Who she is, and what she represents is much deeper than softball, Coach Tori Tysonsaid. Odicci will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. Stewart is back for a second year. Alexander was drafted by the USSSA Pride in 2021, and now plays for Athletes Unlimited. Read More James Madison catcher Lauren Bernett (22) and pitcher Odicci Alexander (3) celebrate their 2-1 win over Missouri during a NCAA softball game on Friday, May 28, 2021 in Columbia, Mo. When we do this, when we focus on the sports, it works.. The Boydton, Virginia, native finished the 2021 season with a 18-3 record, throwing 204 strikeouts in 143.2 innings of work. 1 seed Oklahoma and No. Following a 2-0 start to the WCWS, which included wins over eventual National Champion Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, Alexander became a postseason hero for many softball fans. She attended Park View High School, where she earned Second Team All-State honors as a sophomore. Johnson was a five-star. [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. She also was named to WCWS All-Tournament Team. She felt alone. 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. 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's hometown of Boydton has a population of 303. Copyright 2020 L & Company. 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 . [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. In that remarkable postseason campaign that capped her college career, Alexander threw 94 strikeouts in 76 2/3 innings and finished with an 8-3 record, earning wins over four top-10 teams and a spot on the WCWS All-Tournament team. As Alexander continues her own she emphasizes that while she plays this game, it is about more than a bat and ball. Carolina is looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament after missing out in 2021. An emotional postgame interview from your 2022 #WCWS MVP Anything is possible if you work hard. Its not something she can explain but feels. Odicci Alexander is a softball player who represents James Madison University in the NCAA division one college league. 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. James Madison's Odicci Alexander set a school record with 19 strikeouts over 10 innings in its regional win over Liberty. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Independent Contractor (Newspaper Carrier), Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office ends affiliation with Reelz TV show 'On Patrol: Live', Former Virginia basketball coach Terry Holland dies after battling Alzheimer's, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Former NFL star Chad Johnson says he saved money by living inside Cincinnati Bengals stadium for 2 years. 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 . 1 Oklahoma, she received a standing ovation from the fans in USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium. Press Esc to cancel. People overlook that part of sports, she told Sports Illustrated earlier this year. Odicci Alexander had a Women's College World Series (WCWS) to remember. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In addition, Alexander was selected as a third-team NFCA All-American and first team NFCA All-Northeast Region. This a big deal for not just our team, but the entire DMV community, the MEAC and all HBCUs.. Gasso was paying homage to Odicci Alexander . You always have someone you can talk to. Her road has brought her to know that there is more to softball than just playing the sport.. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. "I am so excited to have Odicci join our Bison family. . Odicci Alexander's otherworldly performance will go down as one of the best individual performances in JMU athletics history. Alexanders high-caliber performances made her instant sensation, where she took the top spot on ESPNs SportsCenter Top 10 countdown. 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. Alexander signed a contract with the USSSA Pride, an independent softball team. She currently plays as a Pitcher or Infield and is 5ft 7in tall. Shes smiling at me and I honestly just wanna make her proud. Her collegiate softball career at James Madison University and starting catcher of the team! Pride, an independent professional softball team focus on the first days the... Cookies in the NCAA division one College League, throwing 204 strikeouts in 143.2 innings of.! Viera, Florida a 1.71 ERA out 19 batters in an NCAA regional win over.! Me and I honestly just wan na make her proud the National Fastpitch Coaches Association team. Based in Viera, Florida athletes like Alexander have revealed is, If you promote it put! 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