By Mark Ambrogi
University of Louisiana-Lafayette pitcher Alex Stewart has developed a fire that has made her one of the top college softball pitchers nationally.
“We’ve been developing my competitive personality and my confidence,” the 2013 Zionsville Community High School graduate said. “Every practice I’m pitching against the best hitters in the country with my team. With the more experiences I’ve gotten with that and having my team trust me, there is nothing to be afraid of out on the field. We’ve been sticking to the same protocol and preparation for the past three years so that’s built a lot of confidence. I’ve developed new pitches since coming here so it’s a credit to our protocol.”
Prior to the NCAA tournament, Stewart had a 27-4 record with a 1.52 earned run average. She was averaging nearly a strikeout an inning (177 strikeouts in 180 innings) for the ESPN.com 10th-ranked Ragin’ Cajuns. As a freshman, Stewart made just four appearances with a 0-2 mark and a 9.49 ERA. In 2015, she improved to 10-2 with a 2.09 ERA.
“I’m always trying to get better,” Stewart said. “If you put in the work, one day it’s all going to come together. The biggest change was we because we transformed my mindset. I know I still have strides to go and things to get better at.”
Stewart said the biggest difference for her this season has been the team chemistry.
“We’re playing for each other,” Stewart said. “We have a great senior class with leadership and we just all love each other.”
At first, Stewart said she was nervous being so far away from home.
“But right away I was loved by my sisters (on the team). It was fun from then on,” Stewart said. “The town and fans are so supportive.”
Stewart is majoring in math and economics.
“I either want to do something in the business world or be a math teacher and be a softball coach,” she said.
