By Don Lowe
It was a no-brainer that senior Carthage Lady Tigers softball star Lexa Youngblood would aspire to sparkle brightly in this sport at an early age and she remembers, “I’ve been playing since I was in T-ball, so about 13 years.
“I always had a ball in my hand, and watching my parents playing in co-ed adult leagues made me want to try it.”
Carthage Softball Head Coach Stephanie Ray is thrilled Youngblood tried it and she says, “Lexa is a super hardworking young lady. She puts in time outside practices and games all year. She also plays on a competitive team in the summer.”
In describing Youngblood’s skills, Coach Ray says, “Lexa has speed on the bases and in the outfield. That speed allows her to steal bases and take extra bases. It puts pressure on defenses.
“Lexa can run down any ball in the gap. She can go back and rob balls at the fence and come in and take away little bloopers up the middle. The ground she covers is unreal.”
Offensively, Coach Ray says, “At the plate, Lexa has so much power. She can drive it deep, run out infield grounders, hit balls in the gap that turn into doubles and triples, and lay down a bunt. She’s one of the most versatile athletes on our team.”
Youngblood says, “Centerfield has been my primary position and I enjoy using my speed in the outfield. Having speed in the outfield helps me get to balls in the gaps and cutting them off. Getting to the right spot and throwing out the runner all happens in a split second. So, having the speed to get the job done helps our team.”
Coach Ray appreciates Youngblood’s ability to dazzle on the diamond. “Lexa is our field general. She helps get our other two outfielders in position and talks to them between every pitch. Her composure when the game is on the line is like no other.
“She’s made several big plays in crucial moments that helped us seal a win. Her jumps and reads in the outfield are some of the best I’ve seen of all the kids I’ve coached the past 15 years. She’s also coachable and approachable when it comes to finetuning her skills.”
Youngblood keeps an upbeat attitude no matter what and she explains, “Staying positive and encouraging my teammates is important. If I make a mistake, I tell myself ‘So what, next play.’”
As Youngblood has matured and developed, Coach Ray conveys, “Lexa has always been fast, but the last two seasons she’s learned how to use that to her advantage. Her speed gets our team going. It’s fun to watch her run.”
Youngblood is an exemplary student-athlete who sets a standard for all to follow, and Coach Ray affirms, “Lexa is a leader on and off the field. She’s a three-sport star (softball, basketball and track). On top of that, she’s been great in the classroom with a 3.95 GPA and is ranked in the top 10% in her class.”
Lexa Youngblood Fast Facts
Age: 17
Height: 5’10”
Grade in School: 12th
Parents: Brian and Kelli Youngblood
Siblings: Brody Youngblood and Brayden Youngblood
Hometown: Carthage, Missouri
Favorite Subject in School: Science
Favorite Food: Steak and mashed potatoes
Favorite Collegiate Softball Player: Current redshirt junior-to-be Nebraska Lady Cornhuskers and former Oklahoma Lady Sooners star pitcher Jordyn Bahl.
Favorite Sports Movie: “Facing the Giants”