Fresno State Athletics
A Family Tradition
3/21/2000 12:00:00 AM | Softball
March 21, 2000
FRESNO, Calif. - Growing up in the Valley with a love for softball leaves young players with a common dream, one day becoming a Bulldog. This was true for junior Alexis Jennings who became a Bulldog after walking on this fall. "I have been playing softball my whole life and to finally be here is amazing," Jennings said.
Jennings can not remember when becoming a Bulldog was not her dream. She eagerly waited for the Bulldog softball camps to occur every summer. "I remember going to at least 10 when I was a younger," Jennings said.
Her love for softball is a tradition shared by three generations of Jennings' family. Her mother and grandmother both played competitive softball when they were her age. "Softball is something my whole family understands and is able to enjoy. I look at my grandma's trophies and see that we have this bond," Jennings said.
Jennings' competitive softball days began at Clovis West High School where she was a four-year varsity starter and four-time All-TRAC League selection for the Eagles.
After high school graduation Jennings played two years at Fresno City College where in 1998 she was named CVC most valuable pitcher and helped lead her team to a conference title. "Playing at Fresno City taught me a lot about college softball. It has helped tremendously in becoming a Bulldog," Jennings said.
In the fall of 1999 she transferred to Fresno State and walked onto the softball team. Now through hard work and determination she is finally a Bulldog. "I never knew if I was ever going to play at Fresno State but finally being here is so exciting. It's amazing being able to play for one of the best programs in the country," Jennings said. Jennings is expected to bring experience and power to the plate to a team headed into another promising season.
Her biggest supporters and fans throughout her softball days have been her parents Warren and Deborah and brother Eric. "It's nice having them here. They get to come out to all of my games. I can't imagine being away and not having them there." Her grandparents, Angela, Al and Annette are also big supporters of Jennings.
Jennings is majoring in liberal studies and hopes to teach and possibly coach after graduation. "I haven't decided where I want to teach but it would be nice if I could stay here," Jennings said.
