Even with blood running down her arm, Alexis Youngren is the ‘best athlete at Lincoln

May 24, 2023

Not even the sight of blood can stop junior shortstop/catcher Alexis Youngren from her pursuit of being the best on the softball field for Lincoln-Way Central.

Laid back off the field by her own admission, the Penn recruit doesn't leave anything to chance during the game. She enjoys the spotlight, eager to meet any challenge.

"I’ve told this to other people and I have said this to other coaches in our school," Knights coach Jeff Tarala said. "I truly believe Alexis Youngren is the best athlete at Lincoln-Way Central, for either guys or girls.

"In a game the other day, she got spiked by a girl. She had blood running down her arm and tried to hide it from the umpire just so she wouldn't have to come out."

Lincoln-Way Central's Alexis Youngren (11) makes a play against Lincoln-Way East during the sixth inning of a Class 4A sectional championship game on Friday, June 3, 2022. (Brian O'Mahoney / Daily Southtown)

Youngren, who likes to be called Lexi, is the competitive burst that fuels Lincoln-Way Central (9-4). She's also a superb student with a 4.8 GPA on a 4.0 scale.

While trying to measure up to heightened expectations, which can be a daunting task, Youngren is still trying to harness her natural talent with a full varsity season remaining.

"Sometimes, I feel like my body just gets ahead of my mind," she said. "I have to tell myself to slow down and understand the game and how to play."

A catcher for her travel team, Youngren has primarily played shortstop and even third base for the Knights. She bats second in the order, scoring eight runs and driving in seven.

As a freshman two years ago, Youngren was elevated to the varsity for the state playoffs just because of her base running.

"My coaches have worked a lot with me about my technique and I have learned how to start hitting for power," she said. "My favorite part of the game is my base running.

"I just love to use my speed to get on and steal bases and create runs."

Junior catcher Lucy Cameron first met Youngren at a summer camp leading into their freshmen year. She immediately saw an intense competitor and natural talent.

Lincoln-Way Central shortstop Alexis Youngren (11) puts the tag down on Marist's Sierra Sass (1) during a nonconference game in Chicago on Monday, April 4, 2022. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

"I’m glad I am able to play the sport I love with a person like her," Cameron said. "Lexi is always smiling, on and off the field — the first person out of the dugout when someone hits a home run but also the first person to pick up one of her own teammates."

Youngren traces a lot of her ambition and desire to older sister Sam, who played softball before concentrating on cheerleading. Sam is now on the cheerleading team at Iowa.

"She is three years older," Alexis said of Sam. "She was very intense and competitive growing up, and seeing her go through travel ball and be part of a team always gave me something to look forward to."

While her sister paved the way forward in how to live life, Youngren staked out her own athletic path. She joined her first travel softball program at age 10.

Lincoln-Way Central's Alexis Youngren (11) avoids the tag and scores against Lincoln-Way East during a SouthWest Suburban Conference crossover in Frankfort on Tuesday, April 11, 2023. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)

She was never content to be just one thing. She also played basketball and volleyball, ran track and did cheerleading.

But softball is now her present and future. Her coach's high praise has not escaped her.

"My coach has told me the same thing, but I am not sure when he includes the guys because we have a lot of great athletes at our school," Youngren said. "Every day, I am working hard to improve and learn the fundamentals of the game.

"Hearing that, I do feel I have a certain standard I have to live up to."

Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.