Alexandria Lagesse ’12, ’15 M.S., knew that coming to Valpo would give her the opportunity to receive a fantastic education while making an impact on and off the field. At the time, she was being recruited to play softball and was excited about the potential of the team and the vision that was shared with her. She says, “When I went on my visit, I think everybody in my incoming class was there. I really connected with them. I loved the vision that was being talked about and being lived by the current team. I was drawn to that.” Alex continues, “I also knew it was a place where I could compete for a spot right away. I chose Valpo athletically and academically. I knew I was going to get a great education. I was going to be in a place where people saw me as a person and not just a roster number, which I really benefited from because I’m a big connection person.”
One of the most cherished parts of Lagesse’s Valpo experience was that she was able to create a well-rounded experience for herself, one that allowed her to experience many different aspects of student life and make lasting connections. She explains, “I loved my teammates, but I wanted a little bit more balance and that holistic view. It was great that I was able to be a part of Greek life and piecemeal my experience as I saw fit.” She adds, “Some of my fondest memories are from being with people and experiencing things together, like 6 a.m. workouts, long road trips, and chapter meetings. To this day, we can pick up the phone after not talking for a few months, and it will be like we never left each other.”
Lagesse left Valpo with an impressive repertoire of accomplishments as a softball pitcher. She posted a career 2.37 earned-run average, ranked first in program history in wins, ranked in the top ten in multiple pitching categories, set the single-season wins record in 2012, was named the Horizon League Pitcher of the Week six times in her career, was a two-time All-Horizon League Honoree, and made the Horizon League All-Tournament Team three times. In her senior season, she led the team to the first NCAA regional appearance in Valpo softball history, earning the Horizon League regular season and tournament championship titles along the way.
After graduating from Valpo with a degree in physical education and sports management in 2012, Lagesse continued playing softball in Europe as part of a summer league. When she returned, she began working on her master’s degree in sports administration. She later took a job as an assistant coach, where she discovered her calling. She says, “I made a few stops along the way, looking for my fit. I think that’s not uncommon in the coaching profession, you have to find the people who will pour into your development. .” She explains, “I was an assistant at the Division One level for almost eight years. And then I decided I wanted a little more balance.”
Currently, Alex serves as head women’s softball coach at John Carroll University, a Division Three institution just outside of Cleveland, Ohio, where she is entering her third year. She says, “I really love that I am on the journey of developing with my student-athletes. They teach me something every single day. It’s been beneficial for me as well as a leader. It is rewarding to go through those challenges of building something together and have meaningful conversations that help us grow as individuals and as a team.”
Among the most influential people in Lagesse’s life are her parents, who she says taught her to be hardworking and loyal, and the people she works with each day—including the student-athletes she coaches.
For Lagesse, Valpo was a place where she began laying the groundwork for her life and the person she wanted to become. She says, “I’m very grateful for Valpo. It was a place that helped me lay the foundation of how I wanted to share my gifts. When you go to college, you are exposed to all these other things life has to offer. She adds, “Being a student-athlete and being in a sorority exposed me to all kinds of people working towards a common goal. Having these experiences helped build communication skills that I use when I coach today.”
To other young leaders, Alex’s advice is simple—be authentic and be ready to pivot. “Understand that leading is challenging, and at times, there will be resistance, and that’s okay. You can be confident with your vision but change your mind in the process of achieving your goals.”
Alexandria Lagesse’s journey is only just beginning, yet she has already been a Beacon of light and encouragement for so many in her path. We know her future is filled with many more shining accomplishments.
