Odicci Alexander - The Underdog

SOFTBALL - PITCHER - JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY - USSSA PRIDE - ATHLETES UNITED

ARCHETYPE: THE UNDERDOG

Day 110/135

Athletic Accomplishments

Odicci Alexander is a pitcher for James Madison University, who earned national recognition in her senior season, after leading JMU to the Women’s College World Series.

Growing up in a small town in Virginia, Alexander had always been a phenomenal athlete. She played varsity basketball and volleyball, but truly excelled as a softball player. She watched YouTube videos to learn how to pitch and locate, honing her delivery by throwing at concrete blocks in her grandfather’s backyard.

She was recruited by only ONE Division I coach, eventually landing a scholarship to JMU from coach Mickey Dean, who had seen her while scouting another player on Alexander’s team. While many have talked about what a charming and improbable story this is, it also speaks to the importance of access to sports. Because while Alexander is an exceptional person with an indomitable work ethic, her path to success had too many barriers to overcome.

Throughout her five season college career, Alexander earned a 2.13 ERA with 55 complete games in 101 starts. She notched 709 strikeouts and hit .338 with 39 homers. In 2021, her pitching stats are even more impressive: a 1.71 ERA and 204 strikeouts in 143 2/3 innings.

In 2021, she led the Dukes to their first ever Women’s College World Series, where she became a standout and national sensation. For her regular and post-season performance, Alexander was named Pitcher of the Year for the Colonial Athletic Association and Softball America’s NCAA Pitcher of the Year. She was also named to the WCWS All-Tournament Team and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America Team.

Character Archetype: The Underdog

Odicci Alexander is the breakout star of the Women’s College World Series. As pitcher for James Madison University, Alexander led the Dukes to their first ever College World Series, where as an unseeded team, they were expected to get left in the dust.

But when Alexander stepped into the circle, she had other plans in mind. She pitched all four games JMU played in the World Series, earning back-to-back wins against No. 1 ranked Oklahoma and powerhouse Oklahoma State, while playing IN Oklahoma City. She threw 1,057 pitches, striking out 66 batters in 64 2/3 innings, with an injury to her foot. Do you have any idea how hard that is? Any of it! All of it!

Though JMU eventually lost to the Sooners, Alexander had proved herself a winner. As she left the pitching circle for the last time, the entire crowd—mostly Oklahoma fans—gave her a standing ovation. Now that’s some sports movie shit.

Alexander was named NCAA Pitcher of the Year and signed a pro contract with USSSA Pride. It seems the odyssey is far from over for Odicci Alexander.

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Renee Montgomery - The Creator

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Martina Navratilova - The Rival