2021 WOMEN'S COLLEGE WORLD SERIES

June 7, 2021

Odicci Alexander

James Madison Dukes

Postgame Press Conference

Oklahoma 7, James Madison 1

Q. Odicci, how were you feeling throughout the game? You have thrown so much in this tournament. Maybe you throw that much all the time. As you were trying to work through this lineup time and time again, how was your body feeling as you were trying to get through it?

ODICCI ALEXANDER: I mean, of course I was tired. I did throw a lot this past season and that was on honestly my third time seeing them and it was tough. But I was trying to do whatever I could to get my team through it and get myself through it.

Q. Odicci, wanted to ask you about that moment there in the sixth when coach came and got you. What was it like walking off the field and taking in the ovation from the fans here, not only from your team but everybody else in the stadium?

ODICCI ALEXANDER: I mean, it was amazing. I mean, it's more than just a game. To see them all clapping for me and cheering me on, I mean, it was a great moment, and it warmed my heart.

Q. You talked about before the tournament about embracing every moment. Obviously that was probably a moment you couldn't have prepared for, but what was just this whole experience at the Women's College World Series like for you?

ODICCI ALEXANDER: I mean, it was a long ride, and just to be here, like I said, it's amazing. I couldn't have done any of this at all without my teammates and my coaches, and the support staff, fans and all. This ride, it's been long, but I've grown so much just being at this University, and I couldn't thank everyone for that.

Q. What did this run do for JMU softball, do you think? What do you think you guys proved by what you were able to do this season?

ODICCI ALEXANDER: I mean, it proved a lot. A lot of people didn't really think that we could do this, but we believed in ourselves, we stayed within ourselves, and we fought.

Q. Patty Gasso and Giselle Juarez came in here and said they have, quote, mad respect for you. What is your feelings towards the Sooners and how they performed today?

ODICCI ALEXANDER: I mean, they're a great team. I'll give them that. They weren't the No. 1 seed for anything. They had a great lineup, great pitching staff, and I mean, I hope they take it all the way.

Q. What does it mean for the Colonial Athletic Conference showing how great the softball team is? Is this great for the league to show that we can compete against anybody in the country?

ODICCI ALEXANDER: Yes, absolutely. Like I said, just stay within your team, stay within yourself, and just be you.

Q. The Oklahoma folks were crediting you and JMU for bringing new fans to the game during this tournament. Did you and your teammates sense at all as this run continued that more and more folks were watching and were engaged by what you all were able to accomplish?

ODICCI ALEXANDER: Absolutely. I mean, anywhere we go, we'd get fans from Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Georgia, Florida, anywhere. Just to see the impact that we had on people around the country, it's amazing.

Q. We heard the story about you throwing against the wall so much, throwing the rocks up, hitting them with the sticks. What do you think nine-year-old you would say about what you've just gone through, really being the nation's darling, and what's your message to other nine year old girls who want to do what you've just done?

ODICCI ALEXANDER: Honestly my nine year old self I never would have thought I would have been here because I was on my couch watching this at this age. I mean, just being here, I honestly have no words. But to people who are watching, I hope I inspired you to be yourself and be the best version of yourself.

Q. As you leave JMU, what do you feel like is the state of the program now compared to when you came?

ODICCI ALEXANDER: I mean, Coach just said in the locker room, We will go down as one of the best teams at JMU. I mean, just to leave that as your legacy at your university, I mean, is just -- I have no words for that, either.

I mean, I'm just so proud of everyone, the coaching staff and my teammates.

Q. You talk about yourself. You prepared yourself when you were nine years old and we heard the story about how you grew to become what you are today. You also had someone on your side who helped you along the way, and that was your pops. We know he couldn't be here today, so if you could say anything to him right now, what would it be?

ODICCI ALEXANDER: I mean, of course to pops, I love you. You mean the world to me. And to my other family, my mom, my grandma, sisters, brothers, and everyone who also came to see me play, family from out here, I appreciate you all and I love you so much.