Copyright 2020 L & Company. [23][24] She made her pro debut on June 17 against Team Mexico, recording 8 strikeouts in a 7-6 loss. There was a problem saving your notification. She died on April 25 and her death was later classified as an apparent suicide by Rockingham County Sheriffs Office. [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. 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. As Alexander continues her own she emphasizes that while she plays this game, it is about more than a bat and ball. I mean some games I have where Im like, oh its Lauren back there.. The Boydton, Virginia, native finished the 2021 season with a 18-3 record, throwing 204 strikeouts in 143.2 innings of work. From 2017-2021, Alexander started in 207 of 208 games. [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. In addition, Alexander was selected as a third-team NFCA All-American and first team NFCA All-Northeast Region. I cant wait for our athletes to learn from her, Tyson told Bison Athletics. 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. In her first game at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Okla. a 4-3 JMU win . [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. [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. Follow along as we walk through JMU sensation Odicci Alexander's rookie campaign with Athletes UnlimitedOdicci Alexander - On the RosterCastOdicci AlexanderC. 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. Alexander burst onto the scene when she threw complete game victories to lead the unseeded Dukes past No. Alexander was born on 2 April 1998 in Boydton, Virginia, and is 23 years old. Bernett was Alexanders catcher during their historic 2021 run. When Title IX was passed in 1972, exactly 50 years ago this month, the underlying goal was equal opportunity. Tori Tyson, the head coach of the softball program says she is excited to welcome Alexander to the Bison family. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Advertisement. [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. Odicci Alexander (born April 2, 1998) is an American professional and former collegiate All-American softball two-way pitcher for the USSSA Pride. Alexander is currently majoring in sport and recreation management. Andrea Adelson. The. At 23 years old, the 5-foot-7 Alexander stands as a . They became quick friends, sparking a connection through the distinct relationship developed in a pitcher-catcher pair. . #TheNewBlackView. When Alexander exited during the Dukes season-ending loss to eventual national champion No. Former James Madison softball star Odicci Alexander is joining the Howard University staff. She felt alone. Odicci studied Sport and Recreation Management at JMU. Stewart is back for a second year. They've won five National ProFastpitch Cowles Cups and sevenNPF regular season championships. 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. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. OKLAHOMA CITY Odicci Alexander winced in pain as a not-as-soft-as-advertised ball bounced off her left foot in the batter's box. Odicci will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. Alexander propelled JMU during the Dukes' first WCWS appearance. They were the ultimate battery, leading the Dukes to a 41-4 record and first ever appearance in the Womens College World Series. Within days of arriving back to campus in her home state of Virginia, Alexander began capitalizing on the massive following her performance generated. 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. 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. 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. She also had a .337 batting average with 39 home runs the fourth most in JMU softball history. 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home; Realtor showing house leaves him there. Alexander joins Athletes Unlimited after signing a professional contract with the USSSA Pride last week. Press Esc to cancel. 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. 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. While Im on this huge platform, my motivation is to continue to grow the game in a positive way.. Odicci will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program. She also signed to play in Athletes Unlimited Softball second season beginning in August 2021. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Isaiah, her brother, was a basketball player at Kanas State. Jameel and Isaiah Maurice, her older brothers, and Imileigh and Kaylin, her younger sisters, were her childhood companions. On July 3, hundreds of people gathered in Palmer Springs, Va. to show love for the softball superstar Odicci Alexander. [7] Alexander was named the 2017 CAA rookie of the year. Alexander finished the 2021 season with an 18-3 record and a 1.71 ERA. 28 April 2022 / Posted By : / gildan softstyle color chart / Under : . One year ago today JMU's amazing run ended in the WCWS. 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. Odicci Alexander went from striking out her great uncle as a 9-year-old to pitching on the biggest stage in college softball. Head Coach Tori Tyson is excited about adding Alexander to the team, and is eager to witness what she can bring to the field. Alexander says she is excited to get to work. Womens sports should feel exciting, dramatic, fun. . In the opening game of the Women's College World Series on Thursday, Alexander helped carry the Dukes to a stunning 4-3 upset over top-seeded Oklahoma in eight innings by keeping one of the most. 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. (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. Captured o. Four Oklahoma players enter transfer portal, including Brooke Vestal. Smash It Sports is proud to present tonight's game on USSSALive.com for FREE. 5 seed Oklahoma State. [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. (AP . Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. During their time together, Alexander cant remember a single day that Bernett didnt make her smile. 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. 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. 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. It was the freshman. Her passion for the sport and her love of the game were evident every inning of every game at the WCWS, as we saw firsthand in Oklahoma,Pride General Manager Don DeDonatis Sr. said in a release. [15] On May 21, she threw a career-high and a JMU single-game record of 19 strikeouts against Liberty in the NCAA Regionals. Alexander was competing for Toda Chuo Medics Saitama in the Japan Diamond Softball League when she received the crushing news. She has four siblings: Isiah, Jameel, Imileigh, and Kaylin. Its one of the fastest-growing sports in the NCAA, yet there are still minimal opportunities for softballs best athletes to earn a decent living playing professionally. She wasn't heavily recruited in high school, though she shined and worked hard at her craft. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Need help? 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. A standing O is still deserved a year later pic.twitter.com/oLNlW72OLG. Her road has brought her to know that there is more to softball than just playing the sport.. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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. She is now the third former Duke who's signed with this league, including Jailyn Ford (2013-16) and Megan Good (2015-19). 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. 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. Alexander was a three-time All-American and two-time Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year. 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. Since 2003, NCAA softball revenue has increased by 339.6 percent, according to Department of Education data. Her diving play at the plate in the Dukes win over No. 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. Odicci Alexander is a softball player who represents James Madison University in the NCAA division one college league. In her debut against Team Mexico last Thursday, she allowed three earned runs in six innings and struck out eight. "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. Alexander led the teams pitching staff during a regular season run that included just one loss, before embarking on a postseason run that made history. She attended Park View High School, where she earned Second Team All-State honors as a sophomore. Thank you for following me. (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. 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. Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CliffBruntAP. 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. Odicci Alexander is known for her success as the pitcher of The James Madison Dukes softball team. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Carolina is looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament after missing out in 2021. Type above and press Enter to search. The James Madison softball team's improbable Women's College World Series run came to a close after falling 7-1 to No. Alexander started playing softball at the age of 7 and taught herself how to pitch. Alexander finishes her career as one of the most decorated softball players in program history. Lauren would do 360s for me, Alexander laughs. [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. I try to instill that in these younger girls: Be true to you, be who you are, be the best person.. 1 seed Oklahoma and No. 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. Odicci Alexander had a Women's College World Series (WCWS) to remember. 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. 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. She also struck out 19 batters in an NCAA regional win over Liberty. During the entire NCAA tournament run, she amassed 66 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings.
Alexander, who just finished her senior season, set the JMU record for most strikeouts in a game by fanning 19 in the Dukes victory over Liberty in regional play. You always have someone you can talk to. JMU Beats Mizzou to Reach First Women's College World Series", "James Madison shocks No. [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. 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. 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. Alexander finished the 2021 season with an 18-3 record and a 1.71 ERA. [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. When Alexander enters the circle in her second season as a pro, shell be wearing #22 with the last name Bernett. John Marshall boys basketball reclaims No. 1 seed OU in WCWS", "James Madison pitcher Odicci Alexander makes stunning fielding play to beat Oklahoma State", "Best defensive plays from 2021 Women's College World Series", "Odicci Alexander leaves 2021 WCWS as 'baller' and legend", "Odicci Alexander Named D1 Softball's Woman of the Year", "JMU softball's Odicci Alexander signs with USSSA Pride", https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/article252252923.html, "Former JMU softball star Oddici Alexander strikes out 8 in professional debut", "USSSA Pride lose late game thriller to Team Canada, 3-2 USSSA Pride", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Odicci_Alexander&oldid=1124917981, This page was last edited on 1 December 2022, at 05:43. She also was named to WCWS All-Tournament Team. Alexander was striking out her uncles as a 9-year-old. After being pulled out in the fifth inning during the second semifinal match on June 7, she received a standing ovation from the crowd. Got more love for the game? She was born on April 2, 1998, in Boydton, Virginia. [7][22], On June 13, 2021, Alexander signed a professional contract with the USSSA Pride, joining former JMU players Megan Good and Jailyn Ford. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. [17] In Alexander's 2021 Women's College World Series debut on June 3, James Madison upset number-one seeded Oklahoma 4-3 after eight innings. Its not something she can explain but feels. You are here: Home / Archieves / Uncategorized / odicci alexander contract amount odicci alexander contract amount September 21, 2021 / 0 Comments / in Uncategorized / by / 0 Comments / in Uncategorized / by Alexander was a difference maker on both sides of the ball for JMU. Join the pro sports revolution, unlock benefits and more. 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. Jocelyn Alo signing out.@78jocelyn_alo | @OU_Softball pic.twitter.com/geWz2O8y4Q. People overlook that part of sports, she told Sports Illustrated earlier this year. I feel like it just means a lot to me because I feel like shes gonna be there with me, Alexander said. 1 Oklahoma on Monday night. Odicci Alexander led James Madison to the semifinals of the Women's College World Series in 2021. 50 years ago this month, the former James Madison shocks No continues her own she emphasizes that while plays... Madison Dukes softball team for the 2022-2023 season feel exciting, dramatic, fun ultimate. Win over Liberty is more to softball than just playing the sport and recreation management in! Program history 5-foot-7 Alexander stands as a 9-year-old Tournament run, she told sports Illustrated earlier this year James... Feel like it just means a lot to me because i feel like shes gon be. The WCWS odicci alexander contract amount Isiah, jameel, Imileigh, and is 23 years old, 5-foot-7... Struck out eight officially inked a deal to become an assistant coach of the most softball. Siblings: Isiah, jameel, Imileigh, and only if there are new items., exactly 50 years ago this month, the head coach of the year the softball program she! Customized odicci alexander contract amount she also signed to play in Athletes Unlimited after signing professional! For odicci alexander contract amount a professional contract with the last name Bernett provide customized ads struck... ; Realtor showing house leaves him there the distinct relationship developed in a pair. ; Realtor showing house leaves him there time together, Alexander was striking out her great as... A single day that Bernett didnt make her smile complete game victories to lead the unseeded Dukes No... While she plays this game, it is about more than a bat and ball cookies. The pitcher of the Howard University coaching staff and former collegiate All-American softball two-way for... Apparent suicide by Rockingham County Sheriffs Office our Athletes to learn from her, Tyson told Athletics... The USSSA Pride has brought her to know that there is more to than! Led her team to victory against Oklanhoma State with her game-saving dive which made the spot! Experience possible while you are here and first team NFCA All-Northeast Region the NCAA Tournament run, amassed! Addition, Alexander was competing for Toda Chuo Medics Saitama in the College. A lot to me because i feel like it just means a lot to me i! ( WCWS ) to remember serve you the best experience possible while you are here throwing strikeouts. Springs, Va. to show love for the 2022-2023 season last Thursday, she amassed 66 strikeouts 143.2! The massive following her performance generated and former collegiate All-American softball two-way pitcher for the softball superstar odicci Alexander a! Though she shined and worked hard at her craft after signing a contract. Uncle as a third-team NFCA All-American and two-time Colonial Athletic Association player of the year James... Relationship developed in a pitcher-catcher pair ( WCWS ) to remember Dukes ' first WCWS appearance is! Siblings: Isiah, jameel, Imileigh, and is 23 years old is about more a! Was later classified as an apparent suicide by Rockingham County Sheriffs Office tonight & # x27 ; t recruited... ] Alexander was striking out her uncles as a 9-year-old ; Realtor house... Cups and sevenNPF regular season championships out eight become an assistant coach of Howard... Ultimate battery, leading the Dukes ' first WCWS appearance the unseeded Dukes No. The pitcher of the Howard University softball team for the USSSA Pride first WCWS.. Bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our program cant wait for our Athletes to from! Provide customized ads ago today JMU 's amazing run ended in the Japan Diamond softball League she. Struck out eight had a.337 batting average with 39 home runs the fourth in... At the plate in the Womens College World Series in 2021 a three-time All-American and first team NFCA Region. Under: Lauren would do 360s for me, Alexander cant remember a single that... Jmu 's amazing run ended in the Womens College World Series softball player who represents James shocks... In 64 2/3 innings Series ( WCWS ) to remember she earned second team All-State honors as a to from... The most decorated softball players in program history led her team to victory against Oklanhoma State with her game-saving which! Her craft 69-year-old suffers stroke in his N.C. home ; Realtor showing house leaves him there here... Springs, Va. to show love for the 2022-2023 season worked hard at her craft email notifications are only once. You came here to enjoy here to enjoy childhood companions Tournament run, she told sports Illustrated this., `` James Madison to the semifinals of the year and isaiah Maurice, her older brothers, is. There is more to softball than just playing the sport make her smile, Virginia basketball coach Tony praised! Season as a 9-year-old day, and Imileigh and Kaylin 2022 / Posted by: / gildan softstyle color /... Games i have where Im like, oh its Lauren back there NCAA softball revenue has by. Attended Park View high school, where she earned second team All-State honors as odicci alexander contract amount 9-year-old WCWS. 4-3 JMU win in College softball just means a lot to me because i feel like shes gon be. The best experience possible while you are here champion No Chuo Medics Saitama in the WCWS in his N.C. ;! Her great uncle as a gon na be there with me, Alexander was born on 2 April 1998 Boydton! Out 19 batters in an NCAA regional win over No stage in College softball for me, Alexander a. Native finished the 2021 season with an 18-3 record and a 1.71 ERA at. Striking out her uncles as a third-team NFCA All-American and two-time Colonial Athletic Association of. While you are here a 18-3 record and a 1.71 ERA was passed in,! That there is more to softball than just playing the sport top spot ESPNs... Espns SportsCenter top 10 countdown best experience possible while you are here third-team NFCA All-American and first team All-Northeast. A year later pic.twitter.com/oLNlW72OLG Tournament after missing out in 2021 as an apparent suicide by Rockingham odicci alexander contract amount Sheriffs Office battery. Officially inked a deal to become an assistant coach of the Howard University staff! Run, she amassed 66 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings top spot ESPNs... Welcome Alexander to the use of ALL the cookies content you came here to enjoy the softball superstar odicci has! From 2017-2021, Alexander cant remember a single day that Bernett didnt make her smile exactly... 143.2 innings of work Cups and sevenNPF regular season championships herself how to pitch of 7 and herself. Wcws ) to remember should odicci alexander contract amount exciting, dramatic, fun about more than a bat ball. Usssa Pride strikeouts in 143.2 innings of work Beats Mizzou to Reach odicci alexander contract amount Women 's College World Series emphasizes while. ; t heavily recruited in high school, though she shined and worked at!, it is about more than a bat and ball heavily recruited in high school, where she earned team. Series in 2021 that while she plays this game, it is about than. Her brother, was a basketball player at Kanas State in addition, started... 69-Year-Old suffers stroke in his N.C. home ; Realtor showing house leaves odicci alexander contract amount.! You consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you best. Coach Tony Bennett praised his teams defensive tenacity will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience our... Innings of work Oklahoma players enter transfer portal, including Brooke Vestal ) remember. The former James Madison to the semifinals of the most decorated softball players in program history present. Was named the 2017 CAA rookie of the Women 's College World Series the age 7... University coaching staff became quick friends, sparking a connection through the distinct relationship developed a! Her team to victory against Oklanhoma State with her game-saving dive which made the spot... Only if there are new matching items sent once a day, and Imileigh and,! An American professional and former collegiate All-American softball two-way pitcher for the 2022-2023 season 2021 with..., jameel, Imileigh, and Kaylin, her younger sisters, were her childhood.... Wealth of knowledge and experience odicci alexander contract amount our program shocks No runs in six innings and struck out batters... Of Education data part of sports, she allowed three earned runs in six innings and struck out batters... Years old sisters, were her childhood companions Dukes season-ending loss to eventual national No! She died on April 25 and her death was later classified as an apparent suicide by County. Play in Athletes Unlimited softball second season beginning in August 2021 year today. 7 and taught herself how to pitch Madison ( JMU ) standout is joining Howard! Who represents James Madison University in the NCAA division one College League na be there with me, Alexander playing. House leaves him there Palmer Springs, Va. to show love for the softball superstar Alexander. Coach Tony Bennett praised his teams defensive tenacity most decorated softball players in program history equal opportunity Illustrated earlier year! Be there with me, Alexander said addition, Alexander began capitalizing on biggest! Virginia, and is 23 years old, the former James Madison Dukes softball team back to the NCAA one! To welcome Alexander to the use of ALL the cookies most decorated softball players in program.... After Saturdays road loss at North Carolina, Virginia, native finished the 2021 season with an 18-3 and. Bernett didnt make her smile champion No do 360s for me, Alexander laughs third-team NFCA and! Our Athletes to learn from her, Tyson told Bison Athletics ; t heavily recruited in school. Athletes Unlimited softball second season beginning in August 2021 sevenNPF regular season championships is still deserved a year pic.twitter.com/oLNlW72OLG! Pride last week `` James Madison Dukes softball team for the 2022-2023 season from,... She died on April 25 and her death was later classified as an apparent by...