Odicci Alexander takes sports world by storm

James Madison University pitcher Odicci Alexander took the sports world by storm this month. Still, perhaps because you've been on an early summer vacation or your brain's been fried by the heat wave crushing part of the country this week, you may not have heard of her. Lucky for you, we've compiled everything you need to know about the Dukes' incredible softball pitcher.

What did she do that put her in the news?

As we mentioned above, Alexander was a star fifth-year senior pitcher for JMU. She led her unseeded Dukes to an unbelievable first-round win in the College World Series over the heavily favored and No. 1-seeded Oklahoma Sooners. It was hailed as one of the greatest upsets in the tournament's history, and Alexander was a key reason why: She struck out nine batters and gave up three runs in the complete game 4-3 victory. The Sooners had been averaging an absurd 11 runs per game before that.

What happened after that game?

Alexander kept on pitching and the Dukes kept on winning. They shocked No. 5-seeded Oklahoma State with a 2-1 win. Their star pitcher pitched another complete game and only gave up three hits, while striking out two. She also made an unreal play to save the lead in the final inning that got her on SportsCenter.

Her coach said that, considering the situation, it was the "best play she's seen in her career."

Because it's a double-elimination tournament, JMU was forced to face Oklahoma yet again in the next round. At this point, the whole softball world was pushing for the Cinderella Story. Alexander pitched another complete game, but the Sooners won, 6-3. The Dukes had one more chance to make it to the finals and had to face Oklahoma one more time. Perhaps exhausted by the attention and sheer amount of games (Alexander would end up throwing 1,057 pitches in the NCAA Tournament), they lost, 7-1, and were eliminated. Alexander was taken out in the fifth inning to tears and a standing ovation by (mostly) Oklahoma fans.

"Game recognizes game, and she is a baller," Oklahoma pitcher Giselle Juarez said of Alexander.

What kind of player has she been during her five years in college?

The accolades section of her JMU bio is almost too lengthy to fit on one page. She compiled a career 2.13 ERA with 55 complete games in 101 starts during five seasons, with 709 strikeouts over 635 1/3 innings. She also hit .338 with 39 homers.

Was she always good, even in high school?

She was, but was not heavily recruited. The JMU scout who found her in Virginia was actually at a game to see someone else, but quickly figured out that the school needed someone with Alexander's work ethic, attitude and talent. She's a true underdog story.

How did she learn how to pitch?

Her grandfather was a huge influence in helping her hone her skills as a child. She also had an unusual way of building strength and accuracy: She'd throw softballs at concrete blocks in her backyard, with a painted circle in the middle as the target. Alexander was striking out her uncles as a 9-year-old.

What has been the reaction from the sports world?

Another famous Cinderella team had to comment on Alexander's feats.

An MLB team recognized the highlight of the tournament.

Hall of Fame baseball players have weighed in.

As well as female sports legends.

What did Odicci think of it all?

After they were eliminated, she relayed to ESPN what a dream the entire run had been.

"Honestly, my 9-year-old self, I never would have thought I would have been here because I was on my couch watching this at this age," she said. "Just being here, I honestly have no words, but to people who are watching, I hope I inspired you to be yourself and be the best version of yourself."

What's next for her?

The pros, the Olympics, the U.S. Presidency? The sky's the limit for the 23-year-old. Whatever it is, you know she'll be having a good time doing it.