Welcome, LSU Softball fans, to another edition of our Player Spotlight Series, where we delve into the lives and aspirations of the talented athletes who make up our beloved LSU Tigers. Today, we shine the spotlight on the promising incoming freshman, Alix Franklin, as she gears up for her debut season with the LSU Softball team.
Personal Story: A Journey Fueled by Faith
Alix Franklin is not just your average aspiring softball player; she is a young woman driven by a deep love for Jesus and a desire to use her platform to inspire others. Her faith is not just a part of her life but a guiding force that shapes her values and decisions on and off the field. As she embarks on her collegiate softball journey, Alix carries with her a strength that comes from her spiritual connection and a belief that she can make a difference both as an athlete and as a Christian.
New Horizons: Embracing the NIL Deal
In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals have become a game-changer for student-athletes. Alix Franklin, with her infectious energy and unwavering passion for the game, has recently inked her own NIL deal as a brand ambassador for I Am Second, and it is one unlike many have seen. She detailed to me what it entails, stating, "Jesus Christ is first and we are second. So my job on LSU's campus is to train other people to share the gospel if they already believe in Jesus and to share the gospel with people who don't believe in Jesus. So it's a representation of Christ, which is exactly who I'm all about, which is really, really awesome."
She explained to me how the opportunity was presented to her: "My high school coach at St. Amant bought me a bracelet. She bought one for all the seniors, actually. It's just an I Am Second bracelet. I didn't really know what all of it meant. But my youth pastors at my church are actually really good friends with the people who partner with I Am Second. So they made a group chat and reached out to me. I filled out an application and became an ambassador."
Embracing Challenges: From Player to Psychology Major
Beyond her prowess as a softball player, Alix Franklin is also a dedicated student with a vision for her future. Pursuing a major in psychology, she seeks to delve into the complexities of the human mind and use her knowledge to bring comfort and guidance to those in need. As a Christian, Alix sees her academic journey not just as a means to an end but as a pathway to fulfilling her calling to serve others and spread the message of faith. With a heart full of compassion and a mind eager to learn, Alix is poised to make a meaningful impact both on and off the field.
Regarding adjusting to college life she says " High school is really, really easy. So I really want to make sure my study habits are really, really good and I'm prioritizing my studying and my school time. But in a softball sense and time management in general,that's something that needs to improve for me. I'm taking time management very seriously. I'm not a party. No, not one softball player is gonna be able to say that Alix is at a party. I'm not going to any party, so I don't have to worry about that."
The Ending to an Illustrious High School Career
During her final year at St. Amant, Alix delivered an impressive performance, contributing to three consecutive state championships. She achieved a remarkable .533 Batting Average, hit 18 home runs, and drove in 42 RBIs. Additionally, she was walked 47 times and hit by pitch 5 times.
She explained to me why this title meant the most of all: "We lost the first game of the season. I just had a really bad feeling about it. Our pitchers are super young and the team that we played against just had a lot of youth and energy. We lost, I think by like one run or maybe two runs, and I was actually the last out of the game. We had runners on like 1st and 2nd, and if I would have hit a base hit or hit a home run, we would have won the game. So that was really, really hard to overcome, to lose my first game of my senior year. I've only lost a total of five games in my whole career, so to lose the first game of my senior year season was really, really hard. And then we ended up losing nine more times, which is insane for St. Amant Softball. It was a different season. So, winning the state championship meant more to me than the other two did combined because everybody doubted us for a second."
The Game-Changer: Bringing Power and Energy to LSU
As anticipation builds for the upcoming season, Alix Franklin is poised to make an impact on the LSU Softball team. Known for her powerhouse plays and contagious enthusiasm, Alix is a force to be reckoned with on the field. Her versatility and skill set make her a valuable asset, and her presence is sure to inject a surge of energy into every game she plays. Whether she takes the field by storm or cheers on her teammates from the dugout, Alix's influence is bound to leave a lasting impression on fans and competitors alike.
Alix highlighted her strengths and contributions to the team, emphasizing her physical power, leadership skills, and commitment to sharing her faith through softball. She commented, "Definitely the power that I bring, I'm really hoping that Coach Bryce and Coach Dobbs can help me with my swing because I have to make a few adjustments with the better pitching and all the things. I'm really hoping that they can help me gain confidence in that power because that is a blessing from God."
Additionally, she acknowledged the need for selflessness and adaptability in transitioning from high school to a more competitive level of play, all while staying true to her values and preparing for future challenges. As she stated, "it's not high school ball, I'm not gonna be the star of the show anymore, how do I help my team win?" She added, "I know the Holy Spirit is producing some opportunities for me to be selfless and just with travel ball, and I'm getting the opportunities. It's all in preparation for the next level because it's not high school ball anymore."
We discussed where the coaches see her playing, and she said, "I've talked to my coaches and they want me to try first base and maybe a little bit of second base. They do want me to practice at third, but Danieca Coffey is returning and right now, first base and second base are really the only two options in the infield because we have to transfer shortstop (Avery Hodge). I really just want to be open-minded to everything that the coaches have for me." She added, "Just willing to receive constructive criticism and be mentally strong in that aspect so that I can put in the work and compete for a spot."
Upon being given the chance to perform alongside Danieca Coffey, she enthusiastically elaborated, "Danieca Coffey coming back, I'm like fan-girling really big. I have always looked up to Danieca. So I love that she is going to be playing there because I can learn so much from her. So I want to be open-minded and just pick up any bits of wisdom that she could give me. Then hopefully play there next year. She's doing really well with her recovery from her injury though. So I'm really excited, first base, second base wherever they want me, just DH I don't care, I could sit on the bench and just get opportunities here and there. I'm just open-minded because it's not really about me anymore, it's about the program itself."
LSU Softball fans, gear up for a season filled with excitement, growth, and the unwavering spirit of Alix Franklin. As she takes her place among the ranks of the LSU Softball team, her journey is set to inspire and uplift all who follow her path. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights as we witness Alix's remarkable evolution both as a player and as a beacon of faith and hope in the world of collegiate athletics.
Let's rally behind Alix and the entire LSU Softball team as they embark on a new season filled with endless possibilities and boundless potential!
Alix is a one of a kind combination of amazing player and even more amazing human being!!
Great story!
Love this!