In the past, the bulk of ScoreStream’s #NextLadyLegend finalists were signed, committed, and just about ready to leave for the college of their choice. However that isn’t the case for our next finalist. Only a sophomore at Tampa Catholic, Alexa Russo has already accumulated multiple Division I offers by regularly proving to be a unique athlete. In her freshman year, she posted an impressive .542 batting average with 3 home runs and was named the MVP of her class! As a Sophomore, she is currently batting .667 with 1 home run. We were recently able to speak to Alexa’s High School coach, Jackie Hirschfeld. She described Alexa as, “A natural born leader both on and off the field…that has been flawless this year.” After talking with her coach, we knew we had to catch up with Alexa and inquire with her about the pandemonium she is creating!

SS: How did you begin playing sports?

AR: I began playing baseball when I was about four years old. Around that time, my mom also enrolled me in a ballet class. After that class, I had to break the news to her that I wanted to be on the field and not in the studio. My father and uncle both played professional baseball, so naturally I grew up around the sport and was always surrounded by ball players. I played for my dad and uncle in the their travel-ball league until I was in the 7th grade. After that I made the switch to playing softball.

SS: When you think of Women’s History Month what comes to mind?

AR: I think of the all iconic women we know today. Each one of them fought for women’s rights during a time when the odds were definitely stacked against them. Because of the strides they made, women in today’s world have the opportunity to make a larger impact in society than ever before.

SS: Favorite professional female athlete?

AR: Jennie Finch! She is my favorite female athlete because she has worked extremely hard and is deserving for all of her accolades. I really look up to her because she knew how to control the game and she was the first women’s softball player that I watched compete.

SS: What lesson have you learned from playing that you carry along in every day life?

AR: You need to work hard for anything you want in life. I always try to remember that I can do anything I set my mind to! Especially when the odds are against me, I just remember to keep fighting. You can always come back and win if you are down.

SS: It’s game day, what is your go to method for getting in the zone?

AR: I try to stay loose, have fun, and hang out with my teammates. Sometimes there can be a lot of pressure associated with playing sports. I just try to have fun and motivate my teammates in anyway I can.

 SS: Is there any emoji that describes you and your teammates?

 AR:  My teammates and I are always laughing and having a great time together. We do our best to stay lit and as a unit we make a lot of priceless memories both on and off the field!