The CT Softball Blog

WEST HARTFORD—To say that Alexis Nisyrios grew up on a softball field would be an understatement.

Even when she was a baby her parents would bring her along to the field as they played as young adults.

Softball bag? Check. Bat? Check! Glove? Check.

Baby Alexis? Play ball!

“Ever since I was a baby, I was brought to the softball field watching my parents play,” said Nisyrios, a resident of South Windsor. “Since then, I found a love for it. I played other sports like soccer, basketball and volleyball over the years, but my true love and passion was always softball.”

Now a junior pitcher at Kingswood Oxford in West Hartford, Nisyrios isn’t about to let that passion wane.

In fact, it’s likely to grow even more as earlier this month she announced her verbal commitment to take her talents to Oklahoma State University.

“I chose Oklahoma State because it truly felt like home,” Nisyrios said. “This program is more than just a team, it’s a family. I knew that’s something I wanted to be a part of. What stood out to me most is that OSU values me not only as a softball player, but as a person, and that says a lot about the culture there. I know it’s the place where I can grow on and off the field, surrounded by people who will support and challenge me every step of the way.”

The Cowgirls are a national softball power, having qualified for five of the last six College Softball World Series.

It is a challenge that Nisyrios craves and is looking forward to undertaking.

“Playing Division 1 was important to me because it represented the highest level of competition and pushed me to grow as both an athlete and a person,” she said. “I’ve worked hard ever since I was little to earn this opportunity, and competing against the best challenges me to constantly improve. It’s also something I dreamed about when I was younger, so reaching this level reflects all the time, dedication, and love I’ve put into the sport. It’s a dream come true.”

If anybody is ready for such a jump from the NEPSAC to the Big 12, it’s Nisyrios, according to her high school coach.

“Watching Alexis grow into the player and person she is today has been a privilege,” said Kingswood Oxford head coach Jay Bradley. “She’s earned everything through sheer determination and dedication. Oklahoma State is not only getting a great athlete, they’re getting a great teammate and leader who hasn’t reached her potential in either category yet.”

While she was always at a field as a baby, Nisyrios actually started her softball career when she was seven when she joined the South Windsor Little League softball program.

Once she started travel ball, Nisyrios found her way to the Rhode Island Thunder, playing two seasons at the regional level before making the leap to one of the program’s national teams.

“Playing for an organization like Thunder is like no other,” she said. “They push you to be the best version of yourself on and off the field. They pushed me outside my comfort zone, and I am forever grateful for their unwavering support, guidance and coaching. I wouldn’t be the player I am today without them.”

Coincidentally, she started her career as a catcher, but soon found herself 40-plus feet away and in the circle, instead.

“I’ve played every position on the field which I loved,” she admitted. “I love being in control, and pitching gave me that opportunity. There’s something exciting about having the game in your hands and being trusted to lead your team. The pressure pushes me to lock in and give everything I have. I love the challenge and the feeling of controlling the pace of the game, knowing my team has my back. I’ve always felt like a natural leader and being in the circle also gives me that sense of leadership.”

To become the type of successful pitcher she has, though, Nisyrios has had to put a lot of work into the sport.

“The biggest key has been consistency, hard work, and a strong mindset,” she said. “I spend countless hours working on my mechanics, but just as much time focusing on the mental side, staying calm, confident, and competitive no matter what the situation.”

But, she quickly adds, she hasn’t done it alone.

“I also surround myself with great coaches and teammates who push me to be better every day,” Nisyrios said. “My family has been extremely supportive throughout the years, taking me to lessons, practices and spending time at the field with me to fine tune my mechanics. It’s been a true team effort, and I wouldn’t be where I am without all the continued support around me.”

Another shift in Nisyrios’s life came when she decided public school wasn’t for her anymore. That led her to Kingswood Oxford.

“When I was in 7th grade I told my Mom I didn’t want to attend public school anymore,” she said. “I told her I wanted to look at private schools.  KO was the first school I visited and immediately after my tour I knew this was somewhere I wanted to be.”

She started playing varsity ball for the Wyverns in 8^th grade and has never looked back, leading the program to back-to-back New England championships. She was a 1-0 loss as an eighth grader from making it a three-peat.

In the past two seasons, Nisyrios has given up 26 earned runs in 32 games. That’s a 0.81 earned run average. For her career, Nisyrios is also sitting at 445 career strikeouts in 244.2 innings pitched.

“She’s gone quietly unnoticed because prep softball doesn’t receive the media attention the CIAC does, regardless of a player’s skill, which is a shame for a lot of kids,” Bradley said. “She attacks the game and the league. She is building a legacy at KO, and has been a cornerstone in taking the program from good to great.”

Now, Nisyrios is looking to just enjoy two more years at KO, and maybe win a couple more titles, before heading off to college, where she hopes to major in Sports Psychology.

“As a college player, my main goal is to continue growing both on and off the field,” she said. “I want to compete at a high level, help my team win, and leave a positive impact on the program. Personally, I hope to refine my skills, push myself mentally and physically, and become the best version of myself as a student athlete. Beyond that, I want to inspire younger athletes to work hard, chase their dreams, and never be afraid of the challenges that come with the game. I want to be an inspiration to the next generation and for them to understand that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.”

The sport has made Nisyrios who she is, and become part of her persona both on the field and off.

“She’s just so humble,” Bradley said of his star ace.

“This sport is a game of failure but how you overcome the failures and work through the challenges is the true test,” Nisyrios added. “This is the legacy I want to leave behind for the young girls who are just beginning their journeys. Never give up, anything is possible if you work hard and chase your dreams, don’t ever settle. Softball means everything to me. It’s made me mentally tough and taught me valuable life lessons that go far beyond the field. It’s my escape, my passion, and something I’ve loved since I was little. This sport has shaped who I am today, and I can’t imagine my life without it. It’s also more than just a game. No dream is too big when you truly believe in it. I will forever be grateful to this sport, my family, teammates and coaches who have helped to make my dream a reality.”

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