When you know why you're doing something, I think that drives you even more to do it and do it your best. And I think that's why. You know, sometimes you look at these athletes and you're like, why are they so good? Because they're playing for something, They're playing for somebody. They know what they're doing. You know, they have a purpose. I knew while I was playing that game. I gave my all. You should always give your all, no matter what. My wife definitely drove me. This is what The Details a collaboration with Under Armour and I Heart Radio, a sports and training podcast made for women by women. I'm Monica Jones, a fitness coach, boxer, business owner, and u A athlete. And I'm Meg Bogs, I'm a powerlifter, author, body positivity advocate and mother. Every episode, Monica and I will talk to athletes, trainers, and experts and learn more about how the body and mind work together in training and competition. Today, we're talking about team spirit, finding purpose, and breaking barriers with our guests professional softball player and u A athlete, Odyssey Alexander. Unfortunately I was not able to make this interview, and I'm very jealous that you got to talk with Odyssey Monica. But you know I've been reading up and Hodyesty is well on her way to legend status in the softball world. Yes, we missed you, dearly Meg, and so for those of our listeners who may not have been watching the news around the Women's College World Series this summer, Honesty was pretty much the star of the show. As a starting pitcher for James Madison University, she led her team to victory after victory, including two major wins over the number one seed Oklahoma University. Over the course of the tournament. Odyssey started every game, and she pitched the entirety of every game except the team's last, when she was subbed out in the fifth inning. She left the pitcher's mound to a standing ovation from spectators and fans. Odyssey through roughly one thousand fifty seven pitches Are you kidding me? During the entirety of the series. By the end of her career playing with j m U, she was named D one Softball Woman of the Year, nominated for the Best Female College Athlete sp Award, and named Softball America's in C double A Picture of the Year. Wow, I'm just truly in all of what She's accomplished and she's only twenty three years old. She's an absolute superstar. And that's the thing. While her college career has ended, her professional career has just started. Not long after the College World Series, the U s s s A Pride professional softball team, signed Odyssey to play for them. On top of that, Odyssey is taking on the important role of inspiring young women of color to play the sport and finding new ways to support them. I mean, just wow. That is seriously legend status and I am here for it, especially knowing how many women she is inspiring now with her story and her success. It's just truly incredible, Mom, And I'm seriously jealous that I had to miss this conversation. Listen, when I was twenty three, I'm pretty sure I was still trying to figure out how to make protein smoothies and get to work on time. What I'm so excited for this conversation. You guys, there are some gems you're about to hear, so get ready. I cannot wait to hear this conversation, So why don't we jump to it. Yes, we miss you so much for this one, Meg, but we can't wait for you to hear it. Let's get it in Honestly, Alexander is a professional softball player playing as a picture with the US Essay Pride. Thank you so much for joining us out of see. How are you doing good? How are you? I'm too good. I'm excited for this conversation though, Yes, I'm super excited. So we're gonna jump right into it. Okay, can you tell me a little bit about your journey into softball as a sport. So I started softball when I was young, and my grandfather inspired me to play this sport. He introduced me to the sport, he kept me going through the sport. He took me through travelball, Dixie League, college, and I figured out my why when I got to college. And I guess that took me a very long way, because here I am. I will say, I feel like when you go through so many things like adversity and stuff, you start to figure out yourself a little bit more. And I think in college that's what I started to do. And I started to see myself grow, not just like in the sport, but as a person. And I think that's what you know, any sport, I feel like it is about like you see yourself growing as a person. I think that's the most interesting part, is like because I see it myself and I'm like, oh my gosh, Like I've changed in a lot of different ways, in good ways, um, and I feel like I'm becoming you know, who God created me to be. That is one of the best feelings in the world. And then it is definitely something that sports can give us. Yes, honestly, you've been an exceptional athlete since you were young, not only in softball, but you also played basketball and volleyball, Am I right? You're correct? Yeah, and you played for your high school team. So what is it about softball that you love and I couldn't find in the other sports that you played? UM, for one, that was the one coach who did give me a chance. I felt like I was never going to college. I never thought I would get the opportunity to go, and if I did, it would have been much much smaller like DO two or D three. But having the opportunity from a D one coach, I felt like it was someone who believed in me where I felt like most did it And I think also that was kind of my motivation to prove to people like I can do it. You know, so taking the chance. I mean, that was my only offer. Some offers started coming in after that, but I was committed to them, so I stayed tuned to my commitment and I wrote it out with Janiel that is that's really dope. I remember being in my college attempts and looking at some of my teammates when we were younger and just being like, Wow, it's so cool. These schools are coming for y'all. Is really great. I'm like, I'm barely getting off the bench, but y'all are a kid in pursued It is dope, and I can't imagine that feeling. So thank you for sharing that. It's It's definitely still something that gives me goose bumps to hear about what were some challenges that you had going from being a college athlete to a professional and how did you ever come those Honestly, it was so much that happened after the World Series. At one point I didn't think I can handle it. Um. It was overwhelming, just because your life kind of changes and what it changed in one day, like over a night, and I'm like, okay, I'm really on the spotlight right now, you know. But I think the biggest thing for me was just an adult part because in college you have everything, you know. Time management was my thing. In college, I had everything set out, I knew everything I was going to do. Where now it's like you have to do it on your own, which is something I didn't do in college. So I would definitely say time management. I'm always on time, not late, but it's just hard, you know, figuring out everything you have to do every single day. You know what I want to go back because I was listening to what you were saying about going for softball and feeling like others considered you overlooked. Why do you think they considered you overlooked? I would definitely say just because of where I come from UM, And I think now that's such a big thing that I would try to invest in is no matter where you come from, you can do what ever you want to do UM. So here at AU UM Athletes Unlimited. In Chicago, I play for the Natasha Wadley Foundation, which is a foundation basically giving back to those who aren't from like big cities or who don't have the expensive bats or anything like that. So I think that's something huge now to to basically to help continue to grow the game and grow these young female black athletes they want to play softball. So just giving back and just helping to grow the game, yes, I can. I can absolutely see that being such a fulfilling part of what you do now, and I love that you're a part of that. So what have you learned from working with the team and relying on others rather than just being a singular player? Um, I mean that's all the part about growing. When I first went to college, I was not a very talkative person. Um. There were some things you have you have to learn about your teammates, you know, before you basically just go at it. For me, I know, I like to observe and then go from there, get to see how people are and stuff like that. But you can't do it by yourself. That's something I also had to learn leadership, and I wasn't always the vocal one. I was more of the said it by example, you know. I will say in the World Series, I didn't want to be with anybody else, but those girls doubts that we had, I feel like, really pushed us to, you know, prove to like the whole softball world or the world that a mid major school can do it, you know, and we believed in each other. We trusted in each other, and the main thing is we stayed within each other. We knew what we had and we came to you know, just compete and play Jamus softball. That is inspiring And I remember when all that was going down. Yeah, that's that is so dope to be speaking to you now, Like, I'm really honored to speak to you about that experience. It was fun. So who were some of your role models in the sport growing up? It's so many girls out here that I actually idolized for so long and I would watch on TV on my couch growing up. But I mean definitely kind Arsenan Um people like Amandola Ran someone you know, a little bit younger. But it's so many UM athletes out here where I'm like, oh my god, I'll watch you on TV. You're the best, you know, and it's just super cool to be on the field with them and compete against them because it's like, wow, you're a pro athlete now, um, you're in their shoes. It's exciting. I'm grateful to be here. I'm glad I got the opportunity to be here. Y'all heard it here. It doesn't matter what age you are. If you're really putting up, you can into your craft. You can inspire so many. Yeah. So, honestly, what is next for you in your softball career? What's your next goal? My next goal would probably be Japan. I know that would be something different for me because I've never been that far away from my family or friends or anything like that. But I'm excited to see what that holds for me. Pretty much, my plan is just to continue to play softball until my body says, honestly, you're done, it's time to give it up. Do you do you feel like you listen pretty well to your body when it's like yeah or nay? Oh? Absolutely, um, yeah absolutely. If I'm feeling a little rough, I'm like a little crusty. Maybe rusty Trusty is definitely a description for those days. Yes, literally, I love it alright. So when you say that Japan is next for you, what do you mean are you playing overseas? I just want to make sure our listeners know are we just going over there? No? No, no, no no. I would plans to play softball over in Japan. Very nice? Nice? And is that like a normal length of a season for you or do you spend like the whole year? How does that typically work? They split it up in sections my understanding, which is a good thing because it's tough to play year round, especially softball. That's a hard thing to do. Got it okay? Perfect for our listeners. I would love to hear you know what it is that you think makes a successful team. For our team, I will say, getting to know each other. I know that was the biggest thing I figured out UM growing up, because everyone is so different. Everyone has a different personality, everyone has a different background, everyone's from somewhere else. So I think to become successful, you need to know who you're talking to. UM. So say like one of my teammates gets out, and if they get mad and they need a little thirty seconds, I'll give them their little thirty seconds. But if say my third basement gets out, like, I'll pick you up. I got you next time. Something like that. Just knowing things like that, being considerate, yeah, absolutely, understanding your teammates, UM. Believing you have to believe in yourself. You have to believe in your teammates UM, and also having someone believe in you. We knew we had people who believed in us, and we believed in each other, um, and we believe in ourselves. Very clear, very connected. What are some qualities of a successful team player on and off the field. Do you have any strategies for people who want to become better at teamwork? At teamwork? So I said before, I like, I like to lead by example, whether that is having something to do with school work, having something to do with on the field, having something to do with how I walk in Walmart. You know, how I represent the university, or how I represent myself, how I represent my team, how I represent my family, my community. You know, things like that. I will say, I know that helped my team because anywhere I was walking, I walk with a purpose. You know, I knew what I came to do. Um. So just having a purpose, I feel like for everything you do, whether that's grocery shop and you know what you're going in there for. You know, I have a purpose when you walk in that grocery store. You know, have a purpose when you're taking those tests, Have a purpose when you're walking to class, have a purpose when you're walking on campus, have a purpose for when you walk on that field, that court, you know whatever, Just have a purpose. That's a thing. So yeah, I know your why, I know your wine, and have a purpose, even the smallest thing, the small purpose when you go to the grocery store, you leave in with chips and dips and probably not with the thing you actually needed to exactly. I struggled so many times with that, even if I write down like a grocery list, like, okay, honestly, this is all you need, you have a budget, just get that. No, it doesn't. It never works out for me sometimes the extras. Okay, as long as you got what you needed, I'm glad you understand. I love it. Okay. So um, let's talk about just the experience of being in the softball world as a woman of color. Being a woman of color and sports presents its own unique challenges. So what's your advice for women of color who want to get into predominantly white sports. So, like you said, this is a predominantly white sport and being growing up, honestly, I never looked at it that way. It would always just be, oh, honestly, you're the only black girl on the team. I never looked at it any differently, And as I continue to grow in the game, I got to see like, oh, this really isn't like a black girl sport, you know, like I'm kind of I always felt like I was the only black girl around most of the time and tournaments and stuff. I was like, what where, you know, like where the black girls where y'all at? Yeah? Where? Hello? You know. It really opened my eyes in the World Series when I was the only black girl pitching on that platform. But to all those you know, younger you know, black athletes, y'all can definitely do, you know, whatever you want. If you want to play golf, if you want to play football, soccer, you know you can do it. And I think me being on that platform and I'm so glad that I got to be on that platform just too impact and inspire those younger black female athletes to tell them, Hey, you can do whatever you want. If you dream it, you can be it. If I can do it, you can do it too. Now I have the opportunity to invest in so much and help out those ones who want to play the sport and don't have it, know, so I think that's my biggest thing, is to helping to continue to sport to grow. Yes, once again, your age, the color of your skin none of that really can stop you from inspiring other people and getting into the sport. There were demographics provided by the n C double A that from black players represented just five of collegiate softball. Just five. That's very little. It's very very little, Okay, So what can we do Odyssey to increase that number? In your opinion, definitely just continue to invest and I think that's something I will continue to work on and I would help continue to grow the sport with young female black athletes as much as I can. Whether that's networking, I'm doing that right now. But just continue to invest in anything that will help this sport continue to grow. I love that invest in network. Not all of that is money either, right in, that's your time exactly, that's your effort at softball camps any you know. I love that. What are some projects that you're working on or want to work on in the future to get more black women in softball? So right now, honestly, just being a voice, it warms my heart. I just have to say this to see, like if I get on Live with like a younger female black athlete and they're like crying and screaming, like Nope, you're gonna make me cry. Like that warms I know that warms me so much. So like that's a little thing me getting alive and just speaking to them and just saying hey, like just seeing how that makes their day. Like you don't have to do all this you know, fancy stuff. You don't have to have all this money. Um, you know what I'm saying. So just little things like that. I know that's where I'm trying to start at because I really wasn't a big social media person from the beginning. Um and now just seeing how much I can impact and help out these little girls, Um, it warms my heart and I'm gonna continue to do that. Is that, like newly one of your favorite things? It's my favorite things? Great? Yeah, really paid it. Just seeing myself grow as a person, I'm like, g just be your self. And once I figured out myself, M you know, you're living your best life. I love that. That is beautiful insights. I am just taken aback by all of your answers and just the insights that you've given from your own journey. What was one of the toughest moments for you in all of your softball career and all of my softball career. I would definitely have to say this past year, UM, right before our ci A tournament, I think my grandpa I got sick and he couldn't make anything after UM to see Harry tournament. So that was the toughest thing for me because it's like he's always been so strong, and he's always been at every game, and he's he's just been there, right, So the College World Series the number one place you know you would want your grandfather at. UM, he couldn't be, But I mean I felt like I could like hear him in this stance for some reason, after over thirteen thousand people, I feel like I could hear him and I felt like he was there. So honestly, I feel like that helped me through. And I knew he was watching, so I feel like that also helped me through. But that had to be the selfest part, just him not being there to see me play the game that I love, in the game that you know he got me into. That's amazing. You're you're I can tell you're a very deeply connected person, whether it's to your teammates or to your family and young girls in the sport that look to be a part of it. Or you know, haven't yet taken that step. So how does your why help make you a better teammate, partner, colleague? How does that why drive you to be better? I mean when you know why you're doing something, I think that drives you even more to do it and do it your best. And I think that's why. You know, sometimes you look at these athletes and you're like, why are they so good? Because they're playing for something, They're playing for somebody. They know what they're doing. You know, they have a purpose. And I think that's honestly, that was my biggest thing. I knew I was playing that game. I gave my all. You should always give your all, um, no matter what, you should always give your all in grocery shop. And I'm telling you know it it changes. I'm saying it changes, and like the little things that up to the big things. But my wife definitely drove me. When I watch any sport and I'm like, jeez, like she's good, and then you go back and you do like some research and you're like, oh, read her story, you know, um. And I think that's why I say, now, like, make your journey true to you, because that makes you who you are. Um, and just seeing myself grow as a person in college, I'm like, wow, I me now like I feel it, and it's it's a different feeling. It is so different. Yeah, I feel like you live life different. Also, you live you really start living. It's it's insane how you can discover that, and it's just a moment after years of working really hard, it finally clicks. Yes, I love that all right. So there are a lot of young girls who we've seen playing and succeeding in the Little League, like Money Davis, who are then told to move into softball. Are you excited to have them in the sport or do you ever wish they would continue to break barriers and based Oh that's a good question. Um, I think honestly continue to break barriers, but I would love to have them in the softball thing. But um, that's just proven to the world that I can do it. I can play baseball. And I think women's sports in general right now is growing just because of you know, those women breaking those barriers. So definitely continue to break the barriers, even though I would love to have you. Yeah, I mean, yes, we're we're really breaking barriers and changing the amount of women of color in certain sports that are predominantly white, changing the expectation of sports and women driven sports definitely. I know for me personally boxing, we have a lot of heavy hitters right now who are aiming to have three minute rounds instead of two minute rounds. Yes, you know, making sure we're going the distance so that we can see more knockouts, more heart, more of what these women are capable of doing, exactly, So definitely continue to break those barriers. That's really dope. Yes, under armours, sweat the details will be back after a short or break. Welcome back to split the details. All right. Now that we're sitting on that energy, we're gonna do a little bit of a shakeout. Honestly. This is the part in the show where we play a game. In this game in honor review is going to be called playball, all right, So we would like for you to share your love of softball and preparation routines for the game. So I'm just gonna ask you just rapid fire your answer and we'll get it crack and you ready, all right, I'm ready, okay. Favorite pitch to throw? Favorite pitch to throw? Honestly, it depends on what pitch is working the best that day? And what a batter is swinging at? I like that? I like that? All right? What's your pre softball game ritual? I have to put my left sock on before my rights on. Are you a lefty? I'm not a lefty, but I have to put my left conference? What's the reasoning is it? Is it just I don't know. I just is kind of get dressed the same way? Okay, not work? All right? What's your favorite pre training snack? Oh? I love a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I can eat that for breakfast, I can eat that for lunch, I can eat that for dinner. I feel like peanut butter and jelly is gourmet. That is it's best snack. As a thirty one year old, I'm like some days there's like nothing I want more? Yes, all right. What's the best way to celebrate a win? Um? It depends on, honestly, who we beat or what kind of game it was. If it was a close one, I'm screaming, even though I am excited to play the game in general, but tons of more excitement. Um, if it's a close game, you got the goose bumps and stuff. And you win. So how about favorite softball cheer from when you were young? You chanted? I have to chant it? Please let me think I really was never the cheering type. I would just always clap on beat. But we'll say, let's see what I got. But I see a hole out there. I see a whole out there. That's all I'm gonna get. I love it, all right, all right, thank you so much. Honestly, this is a lot of fun. Absolutely, we know what you're aiming towards. We're trying to see you in Japan very soon, and we also know that you're still working to make sure that you're doing it big for the young girls out here who are trying to get into this sport. How can we find you if we want to connect? If you want to connect, I am all on social media and STA is double c's that comes from c C if you guys didn't know, but it's c O U B L E underscore s C A S. Twitter UM is two CS. I believe it is the number two s C A S underscore underscore Facebook. My name TikTok, my name excainer, I think um. But if you guys ever want to hit me up on there, I love to have tons of fun. TikTok is my honestly my favorite. Um, just because I like to, you know, get down. TikTok will show you. It will be to show you humble you a little bit like that doesn't look great? Wow. I mean, congratulations on everything that you're doing, and thank you so much for all of these incredible insights you've given us. It's a very very inspiring conversation. Yes, I want to thank Odyssey Alexander again for sharing some really powerful insights. Monica, what were some of your favorite moments from your conversation with her? Where do we even start? Odyssey's relationship with her grandfather was just so touching and so inspiring to me. The belief that a person, especially so when your family, can have in you that can take you to the college World Series, that can take you to running right into the professional league when you're done, to throwing somewhere around a thousand fifty seven pitches in one actual tournament. I mean, I was just so in awe of that relationship and just her her wisdom as a twenty three year old athlete. Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness. And I'm just thinking about those pictures A thousand and fifty seven, like really really not a hundred no, right, I'm just I'm so sad that I missed this conversation and I'm curious, like, was there any moment that like surprised you. I love to hear when our guests, especially Odyssey, jump in on their life philosophy without even truly recognizing it. And hers is absolutely to find your purpose and to work with purpose and whatever you do, even going to the grocery store. We definitely connected on that one, and I you know, I'm just I'm really really inspired by her, and you know, being a little older, a little bit more season, I am just so thankful to have taken that insight and to know that women like her out there inspiring younger women to not only get into the sport of softball, but to know just how much of an impact they can make just from being themselves. Absolutely so inspiring. What what do you say we check in on some of our goals hashtag goals. Let's get it in. Well, let's get it in. I guess I'll start because my goal is very, very small. This week, I have actually have two goals and they're kind of in the same um one is to stay hydrated, and too is to stay nourished. That is the only thing that I can focus on this week, and that's all I'm doing. I'm just I'm constantly making sure that I'm drinking enough water, I'm getting enough liquids, and I'm getting enough food. It's been so difficult, you know. I started my I v F treatment, my shots a couple of days ago. I'm a few days in. It's been really, really rough, and that's literally the only thing that I can focus on right now is staying hydrated and staying nourished. And it feels really difficult. It feels really hard, but I know that it's possible, and I know that I'm gonna get through this, and that's where I am right now. Yes, we are with you, Meg, sip in like a champ, you know, SIPs and you know, I'm just so happy that you're sharing your journey with us, and so thankful to hear that because it really inspires me to understand, you know, that there's so much power in the small things that we do. I'd say I'm on a similar journey with you, and I'm just trying to add a little bit at a time. Or eight weeks out from the fight and already yeah, and you know, just the lock in of the purpose of you know, fighting for cancer research and fighting for those who are who are in this fight personally has really helped me appreciate my body every single day. So listening to my body is my goal. Whether I need to go a little bit harder in this next couple of weeks or if I need to back off, I just want to really be in tune with myself so that I can step in that ring and really be ready to give everything I have. I love that And what you're doing is just can I just say it's incredible, Like thank you. I just hope you you understand, like how big of a deal what you're doing is. It's a huge, huge thing that you're doing. We're talking you know, millions of people affected. And I really really hope that this truly can change the trajectory of how far cancer is reaching people in their lives, whether they're older or younger. I hope that this research and this and this effort really makes a huge difference. So thanks to everyone who has been supporting us. We are getting so many overwhelming messages and so many shows of support Meg. I know your your d ms and your comments are looking absolutely flooded right now, but keep on coming, y'all. Yeah, yes, please please keep them coming alright, y'all. Well, that's it for this week's episode, but don't forget to join us next week for more great conversations. Thanks for joining us, fit fam. If you liked what you heard on the show, subscribe for free or follow the show on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen, and don't forget to leave a five star rating and review. You can find me on Instagram at me dot bogs and on TikTok same handle at Meg dot boggs. Yes and hit your girl up on Instagram. You can find me at Train with Man. Until next time, stay inspired, stay motivated, and don't forget to Sweat the Details. Bye bye. Sweat the Details is a collaboration with under Armour and I Heart Radio. Our show was hosted by me Monica Jones and me Meg Bogs. Our executive producers are Just strip Stein, Just Sell, Louis Artald, Molly Sosha and Maya Cole. Our producers are Kelly and Tole, Layla Cadrain, Emma Osborne and Alejandra Arivalo, and our sound editor and engineer is Sarah give Alaska. Keep up the latest news in women's fitness by following under Armour at under Armed Women and at under Armour him

When you know why you're doing something, I think that drives you even more to do it and do it your best. And I think that's why. You know, sometimes you look at these athletes and you're like, why are they so good? Because they're playing for something, They're playing for somebody. They know what they're doing. You know, they have a purpose. I knew while I was playing that game. I gave my all. You should always give your all, no matter what. My wife definitely drove me. This is what The Details a collaboration with Under Armour and I Heart Radio, a sports and training podcast made for women by women. I'm Monica Jones, a fitness coach, boxer, business owner, and u A athlete. And I'm Meg Bogs, I'm a powerlifter, author, body positivity advocate and mother. Every episode, Monica and I will talk to athletes, trainers, and experts and learn more about how the body and mind work together in training and competition. Today, we're talking about team spirit, finding purpose, and breaking barriers with our guests professional softball player and u A athlete, Odyssey Alexander. Unfortunately I was not able to make this interview, and I'm very jealous that you got to talk with Odyssey Monica. But you know I've been reading up and Hodyesty is well on her way to legend status in the softball world. Yes, we missed you, dearly Meg, and so for those of our listeners who may not have been watching the news around the Women's College World Series this summer, Honesty was pretty much the star of the show. As a starting pitcher for James Madison University, she led her team to victory after victory, including two major wins over the number one seed Oklahoma University. Over the course of the tournament. Odyssey started every game, and she pitched the entirety of every game except the team's last, when she was subbed out in the fifth inning. She left the pitcher's mound to a standing ovation from spectators and fans. Odyssey through roughly one thousand fifty seven pitches Are you kidding me? During the entirety of the series. By the end of her career playing with j m U, she was named D one Softball Woman of the Year, nominated for the Best Female College Athlete sp Award, and named Softball America's in C double A Picture of the Year. Wow, I'm just truly in all of what She's accomplished and she's only twenty three years old. She's an absolute superstar. And that's the thing. While her college career has ended, her professional career has just started. Not long after the College World Series, the U s s s A Pride professional softball team, signed Odyssey to play for them. On top of that, Odyssey is taking on the important role of inspiring young women of color to play the sport and finding new ways to support them. I mean, just wow. That is seriously legend status and I am here for it, especially knowing how many women she is inspiring now with her story and her success. It's just truly incredible, Mom, And I'm seriously jealous that I had to miss this conversation. Listen, when I was twenty three, I'm pretty sure I was still trying to figure out how to make protein smoothies and get to work on time. What I'm so excited for this conversation. You guys, there are some gems you're about to hear, so get ready. I cannot wait to hear this conversation, So why don't we jump to it. Yes, we miss you so much for this one, Meg, but we can't wait for you to hear it. Let's get it in Honestly, Alexander is a professional softball player playing as a picture with the US Essay Pride. Thank you so much for joining us out of see. How are you doing good? How are you? I'm too good. I'm excited for this conversation though, Yes, I'm super excited. So we're gonna jump right into it. Okay, can you tell me a little bit about your journey into softball as a sport. So I started softball when I was young, and my grandfather inspired me to play this sport. He introduced me to the sport, he kept me going through the sport. He took me through travelball, Dixie League, college, and I figured out my why when I got to college. And I guess that took me a very long way, because here I am. I will say, I feel like when you go through so many things like adversity and stuff, you start to figure out yourself a little bit more. And I think in college that's what I started to do. And I started to see myself grow, not just like in the sport, but as a person. And I think that's what you know, any sport, I feel like it is about like you see yourself growing as a person. I think that's the most interesting part, is like because I see it myself and I'm like, oh my gosh, Like I've changed in a lot of different ways, in good ways, um, and I feel like I'm becoming you know, who God created me to be. That is one of the best feelings in the world. And then it is definitely something that sports can give us. Yes, honestly, you've been an exceptional athlete since you were young, not only in softball, but you also played basketball and volleyball, Am I right? You're correct? Yeah, and you played for your high school team. So what is it about softball that you love and I couldn't find in the other sports that you played? UM, for one, that was the one coach who did give me a chance. I felt like I was never going to college. I never thought I would get the opportunity to go, and if I did, it would have been much much smaller like DO two or D three. But having the opportunity from a D one coach, I felt like it was someone who believed in me where I felt like most did it And I think also that was kind of my motivation to prove to people like I can do it. You know, so taking the chance. I mean, that was my only offer. Some offers started coming in after that, but I was committed to them, so I stayed tuned to my commitment and I wrote it out with Janiel that is that's really dope. I remember being in my college attempts and looking at some of my teammates when we were younger and just being like, Wow, it's so cool. These schools are coming for y'all. Is really great. I'm like, I'm barely getting off the bench, but y'all are a kid in pursued It is dope, and I can't imagine that feeling. So thank you for sharing that. It's It's definitely still something that gives me goose bumps to hear about what were some challenges that you had going from being a college athlete to a professional and how did you ever come those Honestly, it was so much that happened after the World Series. At one point I didn't think I can handle it. Um. It was overwhelming, just because your life kind of changes and what it changed in one day, like over a night, and I'm like, okay, I'm really on the spotlight right now, you know. But I think the biggest thing for me was just an adult part because in college you have everything, you know. Time management was my thing. In college, I had everything set out, I knew everything I was going to do. Where now it's like you have to do it on your own, which is something I didn't do in college. So I would definitely say time management. I'm always on time, not late, but it's just hard, you know, figuring out everything you have to do every single day. You know what I want to go back because I was listening to what you were saying about going for softball and feeling like others considered you overlooked. Why do you think they considered you overlooked? I would definitely say just because of where I come from UM, And I think now that's such a big thing that I would try to invest in is no matter where you come from, you can do what ever you want to do UM. So here at AU UM Athletes Unlimited. In Chicago, I play for the Natasha Wadley Foundation, which is a foundation basically giving back to those who aren't from like big cities or who don't have the expensive bats or anything like that. So I think that's something huge now to to basically to help continue to grow the game and grow these young female black athletes they want to play softball. So just giving back and just helping to grow the game, yes, I can. I can absolutely see that being such a fulfilling part of what you do now, and I love that you're a part of that. So what have you learned from working with the team and relying on others rather than just being a singular player? Um, I mean that's all the part about growing. When I first went to college, I was not a very talkative person. Um. There were some things you have you have to learn about your teammates, you know, before you basically just go at it. For me, I know, I like to observe and then go from there, get to see how people are and stuff like that. But you can't do it by yourself. That's something I also had to learn leadership, and I wasn't always the vocal one. I was more of the said it by example, you know. I will say in the World Series, I didn't want to be with anybody else, but those girls doubts that we had, I feel like, really pushed us to, you know, prove to like the whole softball world or the world that a mid major school can do it, you know, and we believed in each other. We trusted in each other, and the main thing is we stayed within each other. We knew what we had and we came to you know, just compete and play Jamus softball. That is inspiring And I remember when all that was going down. Yeah, that's that is so dope to be speaking to you now, Like, I'm really honored to speak to you about that experience. It was fun. So who were some of your role models in the sport growing up? It's so many girls out here that I actually idolized for so long and I would watch on TV on my couch growing up. But I mean definitely kind Arsenan Um people like Amandola Ran someone you know, a little bit younger. But it's so many UM athletes out here where I'm like, oh my god, I'll watch you on TV. You're the best, you know, and it's just super cool to be on the field with them and compete against them because it's like, wow, you're a pro athlete now, um, you're in their shoes. It's exciting. I'm grateful to be here. I'm glad I got the opportunity to be here. Y'all heard it here. It doesn't matter what age you are. If you're really putting up, you can into your craft. You can inspire so many. Yeah. So, honestly, what is next for you in your softball career? What's your next goal? My next goal would probably be Japan. I know that would be something different for me because I've never been that far away from my family or friends or anything like that. But I'm excited to see what that holds for me. Pretty much, my plan is just to continue to play softball until my body says, honestly, you're done, it's time to give it up. Do you do you feel like you listen pretty well to your body when it's like yeah or nay? Oh? Absolutely, um, yeah absolutely. If I'm feeling a little rough, I'm like a little crusty. Maybe rusty Trusty is definitely a description for those days. Yes, literally, I love it alright. So when you say that Japan is next for you, what do you mean are you playing overseas? I just want to make sure our listeners know are we just going over there? No? No, no, no no. I would plans to play softball over in Japan. Very nice? Nice? And is that like a normal length of a season for you or do you spend like the whole year? How does that typically work? They split it up in sections my understanding, which is a good thing because it's tough to play year round, especially softball. That's a hard thing to do. Got it okay? Perfect for our listeners. I would love to hear you know what it is that you think makes a successful team. For our team, I will say, getting to know each other. I know that was the biggest thing I figured out UM growing up, because everyone is so different. Everyone has a different personality, everyone has a different background, everyone's from somewhere else. So I think to become successful, you need to know who you're talking to. UM. So say like one of my teammates gets out, and if they get mad and they need a little thirty seconds, I'll give them their little thirty seconds. But if say my third basement gets out, like, I'll pick you up. I got you next time. Something like that. Just knowing things like that, being considerate, yeah, absolutely, understanding your teammates, UM. Believing you have to believe in yourself. You have to believe in your teammates UM, and also having someone believe in you. We knew we had people who believed in us, and we believed in each other, um, and we believe in ourselves. Very clear, very connected. What are some qualities of a successful team player on and off the field. Do you have any strategies for people who want to become better at teamwork? At teamwork? So I said before, I like, I like to lead by example, whether that is having something to do with school work, having something to do with on the field, having something to do with how I walk in Walmart. You know, how I represent the university, or how I represent myself, how I represent my team, how I represent my family, my community. You know, things like that. I will say, I know that helped my team because anywhere I was walking, I walk with a purpose. You know, I knew what I came to do. Um. So just having a purpose, I feel like for everything you do, whether that's grocery shop and you know what you're going in there for. You know, I have a purpose when you walk in that grocery store. You know, have a purpose when you're taking those tests, Have a purpose when you're walking to class, have a purpose when you're walking on campus, have a purpose for when you walk on that field, that court, you know whatever, Just have a purpose. That's a thing. So yeah, I know your why, I know your wine, and have a purpose, even the smallest thing, the small purpose when you go to the grocery store, you leave in with chips and dips and probably not with the thing you actually needed to exactly. I struggled so many times with that, even if I write down like a grocery list, like, okay, honestly, this is all you need, you have a budget, just get that. No, it doesn't. It never works out for me sometimes the extras. Okay, as long as you got what you needed, I'm glad you understand. I love it. Okay. So um, let's talk about just the experience of being in the softball world as a woman of color. Being a woman of color and sports presents its own unique challenges. So what's your advice for women of color who want to get into predominantly white sports. So, like you said, this is a predominantly white sport and being growing up, honestly, I never looked at it that way. It would always just be, oh, honestly, you're the only black girl on the team. I never looked at it any differently, And as I continue to grow in the game, I got to see like, oh, this really isn't like a black girl sport, you know, like I'm kind of I always felt like I was the only black girl around most of the time and tournaments and stuff. I was like, what where, you know, like where the black girls where y'all at? Yeah? Where? Hello? You know. It really opened my eyes in the World Series when I was the only black girl pitching on that platform. But to all those you know, younger you know, black athletes, y'all can definitely do, you know, whatever you want. If you want to play golf, if you want to play football, soccer, you know you can do it. And I think me being on that platform and I'm so glad that I got to be on that platform just too impact and inspire those younger black female athletes to tell them, Hey, you can do whatever you want. If you dream it, you can be it. If I can do it, you can do it too. Now I have the opportunity to invest in so much and help out those ones who want to play the sport and don't have it, know, so I think that's my biggest thing, is to helping to continue to sport to grow. Yes, once again, your age, the color of your skin none of that really can stop you from inspiring other people and getting into the sport. There were demographics provided by the n C double A that from black players represented just five of collegiate softball. Just five. That's very little. It's very very little, Okay, So what can we do Odyssey to increase that number? In your opinion, definitely just continue to invest and I think that's something I will continue to work on and I would help continue to grow the sport with young female black athletes as much as I can. Whether that's networking, I'm doing that right now. But just continue to invest in anything that will help this sport continue to grow. I love that invest in network. Not all of that is money either, right in, that's your time exactly, that's your effort at softball camps any you know. I love that. What are some projects that you're working on or want to work on in the future to get more black women in softball? So right now, honestly, just being a voice, it warms my heart. I just have to say this to see, like if I get on Live with like a younger female black athlete and they're like crying and screaming, like Nope, you're gonna make me cry. Like that warms I know that warms me so much. So like that's a little thing me getting alive and just speaking to them and just saying hey, like just seeing how that makes their day. Like you don't have to do all this you know, fancy stuff. You don't have to have all this money. Um, you know what I'm saying. So just little things like that. I know that's where I'm trying to start at because I really wasn't a big social media person from the beginning. Um and now just seeing how much I can impact and help out these little girls, Um, it warms my heart and I'm gonna continue to do that. Is that, like newly one of your favorite things? It's my favorite things? Great? Yeah, really paid it. Just seeing myself grow as a person, I'm like, g just be your self. And once I figured out myself, M you know, you're living your best life. I love that. That is beautiful insights. I am just taken aback by all of your answers and just the insights that you've given from your own journey. What was one of the toughest moments for you in all of your softball career and all of my softball career. I would definitely have to say this past year, UM, right before our ci A tournament, I think my grandpa I got sick and he couldn't make anything after UM to see Harry tournament. So that was the toughest thing for me because it's like he's always been so strong, and he's always been at every game, and he's he's just been there, right, So the College World Series the number one place you know you would want your grandfather at. UM, he couldn't be, But I mean I felt like I could like hear him in this stance for some reason, after over thirteen thousand people, I feel like I could hear him and I felt like he was there. So honestly, I feel like that helped me through. And I knew he was watching, so I feel like that also helped me through. But that had to be the selfest part, just him not being there to see me play the game that I love, in the game that you know he got me into. That's amazing. You're you're I can tell you're a very deeply connected person, whether it's to your teammates or to your family and young girls in the sport that look to be a part of it. Or you know, haven't yet taken that step. So how does your why help make you a better teammate, partner, colleague? How does that why drive you to be better? I mean when you know why you're doing something, I think that drives you even more to do it and do it your best. And I think that's why. You know, sometimes you look at these athletes and you're like, why are they so good? Because they're playing for something, They're playing for somebody. They know what they're doing. You know, they have a purpose. And I think that's honestly, that was my biggest thing. I knew I was playing that game. I gave my all. You should always give your all, um, no matter what, you should always give your all in grocery shop. And I'm telling you know it it changes. I'm saying it changes, and like the little things that up to the big things. But my wife definitely drove me. When I watch any sport and I'm like, jeez, like she's good, and then you go back and you do like some research and you're like, oh, read her story, you know, um. And I think that's why I say, now, like, make your journey true to you, because that makes you who you are. Um, and just seeing myself grow as a person in college, I'm like, wow, I me now like I feel it, and it's it's a different feeling. It is so different. Yeah, I feel like you live life different. Also, you live you really start living. It's it's insane how you can discover that, and it's just a moment after years of working really hard, it finally clicks. Yes, I love that all right. So there are a lot of young girls who we've seen playing and succeeding in the Little League, like Money Davis, who are then told to move into softball. Are you excited to have them in the sport or do you ever wish they would continue to break barriers and based Oh that's a good question. Um, I think honestly continue to break barriers, but I would love to have them in the softball thing. But um, that's just proven to the world that I can do it. I can play baseball. And I think women's sports in general right now is growing just because of you know, those women breaking those barriers. So definitely continue to break the barriers, even though I would love to have you. Yeah, I mean, yes, we're we're really breaking barriers and changing the amount of women of color in certain sports that are predominantly white, changing the expectation of sports and women driven sports definitely. I know for me personally boxing, we have a lot of heavy hitters right now who are aiming to have three minute rounds instead of two minute rounds. Yes, you know, making sure we're going the distance so that we can see more knockouts, more heart, more of what these women are capable of doing, exactly, So definitely continue to break those barriers. That's really dope. Yes, under armours, sweat the details will be back after a short or break. Welcome back to split the details. All right. Now that we're sitting on that energy, we're gonna do a little bit of a shakeout. Honestly. This is the part in the show where we play a game. In this game in honor review is going to be called playball, all right, So we would like for you to share your love of softball and preparation routines for the game. So I'm just gonna ask you just rapid fire your answer and we'll get it crack and you ready, all right, I'm ready, okay. Favorite pitch to throw? Favorite pitch to throw? Honestly, it depends on what pitch is working the best that day? And what a batter is swinging at? I like that? I like that? All right? What's your pre softball game ritual? I have to put my left sock on before my rights on. Are you a lefty? I'm not a lefty, but I have to put my left conference? What's the reasoning is it? Is it just I don't know. I just is kind of get dressed the same way? Okay, not work? All right? What's your favorite pre training snack? Oh? I love a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I can eat that for breakfast, I can eat that for lunch, I can eat that for dinner. I feel like peanut butter and jelly is gourmet. That is it's best snack. As a thirty one year old, I'm like some days there's like nothing I want more? Yes, all right. What's the best way to celebrate a win? Um? It depends on, honestly, who we beat or what kind of game it was. If it was a close one, I'm screaming, even though I am excited to play the game in general, but tons of more excitement. Um, if it's a close game, you got the goose bumps and stuff. And you win. So how about favorite softball cheer from when you were young? You chanted? I have to chant it? Please let me think I really was never the cheering type. I would just always clap on beat. But we'll say, let's see what I got. But I see a hole out there. I see a whole out there. That's all I'm gonna get. I love it, all right, all right, thank you so much. Honestly, this is a lot of fun. Absolutely, we know what you're aiming towards. We're trying to see you in Japan very soon, and we also know that you're still working to make sure that you're doing it big for the young girls out here who are trying to get into this sport. How can we find you if we want to connect? If you want to connect, I am all on social media and STA is double c's that comes from c C if you guys didn't know, but it's c O U B L E underscore s C A S. Twitter UM is two CS. I believe it is the number two s C A S underscore underscore Facebook. My name TikTok, my name excainer, I think um. But if you guys ever want to hit me up on there, I love to have tons of fun. TikTok is my honestly my favorite. Um, just because I like to, you know, get down. TikTok will show you. It will be to show you humble you a little bit like that doesn't look great? Wow. I mean, congratulations on everything that you're doing, and thank you so much for all of these incredible insights you've given us. It's a very very inspiring conversation. Yes, I want to thank Odyssey Alexander again for sharing some really powerful insights. Monica, what were some of your favorite moments from your conversation with her? Where do we even start? Odyssey's relationship with her grandfather was just so touching and so inspiring to me. The belief that a person, especially so when your family, can have in you that can take you to the college World Series, that can take you to running right into the professional league when you're done, to throwing somewhere around a thousand fifty seven pitches in one actual tournament. I mean, I was just so in awe of that relationship and just her her wisdom as a twenty three year old athlete. Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness. And I'm just thinking about those pictures A thousand and fifty seven, like really really not a hundred no, right, I'm just I'm so sad that I missed this conversation and I'm curious, like, was there any moment that like surprised you. I love to hear when our guests, especially Odyssey, jump in on their life philosophy without even truly recognizing it. And hers is absolutely to find your purpose and to work with purpose and whatever you do, even going to the grocery store. We definitely connected on that one, and I you know, I'm just I'm really really inspired by her, and you know, being a little older, a little bit more season, I am just so thankful to have taken that insight and to know that women like her out there inspiring younger women to not only get into the sport of softball, but to know just how much of an impact they can make just from being themselves. Absolutely so inspiring. What what do you say we check in on some of our goals hashtag goals. Let's get it in. Well, let's get it in. I guess I'll start because my goal is very, very small. This week, I have actually have two goals and they're kind of in the same um one is to stay hydrated, and too is to stay nourished. That is the only thing that I can focus on this week, and that's all I'm doing. I'm just I'm constantly making sure that I'm drinking enough water, I'm getting enough liquids, and I'm getting enough food. It's been so difficult, you know. I started my I v F treatment, my shots a couple of days ago. I'm a few days in. It's been really, really rough, and that's literally the only thing that I can focus on right now is staying hydrated and staying nourished. And it feels really difficult. It feels really hard, but I know that it's possible, and I know that I'm gonna get through this, and that's where I am right now. Yes, we are with you, Meg, sip in like a champ, you know, SIPs and you know, I'm just so happy that you're sharing your journey with us, and so thankful to hear that because it really inspires me to understand, you know, that there's so much power in the small things that we do. I'd say I'm on a similar journey with you, and I'm just trying to add a little bit at a time. Or eight weeks out from the fight and already yeah, and you know, just the lock in of the purpose of you know, fighting for cancer research and fighting for those who are who are in this fight personally has really helped me appreciate my body every single day. So listening to my body is my goal. Whether I need to go a little bit harder in this next couple of weeks or if I need to back off, I just want to really be in tune with myself so that I can step in that ring and really be ready to give everything I have. I love that And what you're doing is just can I just say it's incredible, Like thank you. I just hope you you understand, like how big of a deal what you're doing is. It's a huge, huge thing that you're doing. We're talking you know, millions of people affected. And I really really hope that this truly can change the trajectory of how far cancer is reaching people in their lives, whether they're older or younger. I hope that this research and this and this effort really makes a huge difference. So thanks to everyone who has been supporting us. We are getting so many overwhelming messages and so many shows of support Meg. I know your your d ms and your comments are looking absolutely flooded right now, but keep on coming, y'all. Yeah, yes, please please keep them coming alright, y'all. Well, that's it for this week's episode, but don't forget to join us next week for more great conversations. Thanks for joining us, fit fam. If you liked what you heard on the show, subscribe for free or follow the show on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen, and don't forget to leave a five star rating and review. You can find me on Instagram at me dot bogs and on TikTok same handle at Meg dot boggs. Yes and hit your girl up on Instagram. You can find me at Train with Man. Until next time, stay inspired, stay motivated, and don't forget to Sweat the Details. Bye bye. Sweat the Details is a collaboration with under Armour and I Heart Radio. Our show was hosted by me Monica Jones and me Meg Bogs. Our executive producers are Just strip Stein, Just Sell, Louis Artald, Molly Sosha and Maya Cole. Our producers are Kelly and Tole, Layla Cadrain, Emma Osborne and Alejandra Arivalo, and our sound editor and engineer is Sarah give Alaska. Keep up the latest news in women's fitness by following under Armour at under Armed Women and at under Armour him