Unlike most student-athletes who signed their letter of intent at school, American High’s star pitcher Alexis Castroman chose to commit to a Florida university where she launched her softball career at the tender age of 7.
Flanked her parents, coaches and friends at field No. 3 at Miami Lakes Optimist Park, Alexis chose to attend St. Thomas University, taking her pitching talent to a team that has won the highly competitive Sun Belt Conference championship, and is ranked in the NAIA top 20.
She plans to study sports management when she enrolls at the university this fall.
Alexis, who was recruited by a host of colleges and universities, chose to be a Bobcat to be closer to home, and the school matched her academic needs.
Alexis’ signing was bitter sweet because it took place at the park where she played for the past 12 years, and became a star pitcher for the Miami Lakes Optimist Club.
She initially played recreational softball at Miami Lakes Optimist Park when she was seven-years-old, and she began playing travel ball with the Miami Lakes Heat All-Star Team at the age of 8.
Her father, Alex Castroman, is the head coach of the Heat team.
“We couldn’t be prouder,” said Castroman, along with Alexis’ mother Ivette and her sister Erika. “Can you imagine? Weekend after weekend, from the age of 8, sometimes waking up at 5:30 a.m. to travel to different tournaments, all over the state of Florida. All the sacrifices, back-to-back games, scratches and bruises, all worth while, which shows how hard work and dedication does pay off. We look forward to seeing Alexis play at St. Thomas University.”
Alexis, a Miami-Herald Second Team member her freshman year and junior year will graduate in June at the top of her class where she has been coached by Sergio Fernandez and his two sons, David and Daniel, and Kayel Guillen.
Fernandez, American’s coach for five years and winner of the district championship on several occasions, coached his sons who played in the T-Ball through the Pony leagues at the Optimist Club.
“This proves time after time, that our program has been a good program,” said Castroman, who’s also the Optimist Club’s softball commissioner. “We have had over 20 girls move on to play softball all over the state, many of them receiving scholarships to attend excellent universities.”
Alexis has an impressive high-school career.
She recorded a 53-23 record, 2.70 ERA and 248 strikeouts with a .485 batting average.
Alexis was named MVP Freshmen of the Year for leading her team to the district championship and advancing to the regional quarterfinal.
During her junior year, she was named the fourth best pitcher in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, with an ERA of 2.24 and 72 strikeouts.
Castroman said the Optimist Club helped prepare his daughter to play on a bigger stage in high school.
“We have seen plenty of coaches stick it out until the end to make a difference at Miami Lakes Optimist,” he said. “Our program emphasizes teaching, sportsmanship and playing the game. It’s never only been about winning trophies, even though over the years, Alexis’ travel team did win six first place and three second place championships. However, for Alexis, it’s been more about the friendships and memories made along the way.”
Said Alexis: “I had a great softball career and had the honor of meeting and playing with so many tremendous teammates. I am thankful for my teammates and coaches.”