Odicci Alexander likes making history. In the Athletes Unlimited Softball League's inaugural season, the pitcher led the Bandits to the championship series. With a 4-2 record and 20 strikeouts in 31.2 innings pitched, Alexander's performance was impressive to say the least. But her feats off the mound are just as admirable.
The 27-year-old recently announced on TikTok that she played the entire season pregnant! "One big misconception is that pregnancy automatically means you can't compete at a high level, that you're fragile or limited," Alexander tells Popsugar in an exclusive interview. But what she realized in her journey is the exact opposite: "Pregnancy doesn't erase your strength or skill, it can actually reveal just how powerful and adaptable your body really is."
As for her decision to keep the pregnancy a secret? She says it was personal and necessary to protect her peace. "Your pregnancy is your story, and you don't owe it to anyone to share before you're ready, or at all. . . . There's no 'right' timeline, there's only your timeline," Alexander says.
According to the star athlete, her timeline includes playing until she can't any longer. "I'll listen to my body and my doctors, but my plan is to compete as long as it's safe and I feel strong. Right now, I feel good, so I'm taking it one game at a time," she says.
If there's anything playing while pregnant has taught her, it's how powerful women truly are, Alexander says. "It reminded me that athleticism isn't just about speed or strength, it's about adaptability, resilience, and the ability to compete no matter the circumstances. This season wasn't just about wins and losses, it was proof that I'm capable of more than I ever imagined."
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