For Red Oak’s Alejandra Tovar, or “Allie” as she’s known on and off the field, softball has always been more than just a sport—it’s been a family tradition. “My mom played softball her whole life, she always wanted her kids to play softball,so she started a team,” Allie recalled. It didn’t take long for her to develop a deep love for the game, which she’s been playing since she was three years old.
Allie’s connection to softball is rooted in the support she’s received from her family. “My mom was my inspiration to take up softball, and my biggest influencers are my mom, sister and papa,” she said. Their constant encouragement has shaped her into the player and person she is today.
Allie takes on the responsibility of motivating her teammates, adding, “I feel like my role for the team is to help them stay positive and to push my teammates to be the best player they can be.”
With their sights set on the state tournament, Allie and her teammates focus on both their skill and mindset. “Our goal for this year is to be the best team and people we can be, and hopefully that leads us to the state tournament,” she said. “I have been fortunate enough to go to the state four times in two years.”
However, Allie’s journey hasn’t been without its hardships. “The most challenging part of my softball career is losing my biggest fan, my papa. I haven’t overcome it yet,” she admitted. But the support from her community and her family has been invaluable. “When our community is supporting us, it makes the games more fun.”
Through it all, her favorite teacher, Mr. White, has been a huge support both in the classroom and on the field. “He always makes learning fun and makes the best videos for our school,” Allie added. Looking ahead to the next five years, Allie has big dreams. “I hope to be finishing my college career and move on to the next stage of my life. I also hope to be an Olympic champion,” she said. She plans to continue her athletic career in college while studying to become an athletic trainer.
