08.13.2021

Growing The Game

Softball stars Rachel Garcia and Odicci Alexander join Under Armour’s roster in a partnership built to strengthen the game

Anyone watching fast pitch softball this summer in Tokyo or even before that at the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City knows the future of the sport is in good hands. Under Armour will tap into that talent and strengthen their presence in the sport by adding two young stars to their athlete roster with Rachel Garcia and Oddici Alexander. These additions, coupled with Under Armour’s recent partnership with Alliance FastPitch, give the brand a strong foothold in the growing sport of softball.  

 

“We could not be more excited about adding both Rachel and Odicci to the Under Armour family,” said Sean Eggert, Under Armour Senior Vice President of Global Sports Marketing. “As two of the most feared competitors in the game on the field, we look forward to working with them to achieve their equally ambitious goals for the sport.” 

 

Garcia, the 2020 Olympic silver medalist, had a standout career at UCLA where she helped guide the Bruins to the 2019 National Championship and won back-to-back Collegiate Woman of the Year and Honda Cup Awards—given annually to the nation’s top female collegiate athlete. 

 

"I’ve always worn Under Armour product, especially being an athlete, and this was just a natural fit,” Garcia said. “I’ve had an incredible support system throughout my career and to add UA as a partner is an exciting step in my softball journey.” 

 

“Softball is a sport that is continuously growing. Where it was when I first started playing compared to now, the sport is huge. I just want to do that for softball. Just continue to give back to my community because of how much they did for me.”

Rachel Garcia

Alexander rose to fame in the circle during the 2021 Women’s College World Series. In Oklahoma City, she led her team to the semifinals, throwing 434 pitches in four games and capturing the hearts of fans everywhere with a “SportsCenter Top 10” play at the plate as she launched herself into the air to make a run-saving tag. Odicci (pronounced Odd-uh-see) was named the Pitcher of the Year by Softball America and a finalist for an ESPY after her legendary performance. 

 

“I’m just so thankful and blessed for this opportunity,” Alexander said of the Under Armour partnership. “The Women’s College World Series gave me that platform to show the nation who I am as an athlete. Being a black woman on that stage showing young black girls that you can do this too, it warms my heart.”

 

“Just having that impact and showing the world that anyone can do it, I think that’s a very important aspect. I want to continue to give back and inspire people. I want to show them that everyone can do it. Stay true to your journey and stay true to you.”

Odicci Alexander

Even though Garcia and Alexander grew up playing the game on opposite ends of the country, they both share a similar vision for the sport. With the rise in popularity of softball, both hope they can continue to grow the game and inspire young athletes to dream big. 

 

Garcia and Alexander join Cat Osterman on the UA Softball roster. Osterman, who was Garcia’s teammate this summer, was UA’s first softball signee, inking a deal with the brand in 2007. As for the next chapter in their already illustrious careers, Garcia was Athletes Unlimited’s first overall draft pick while Alexander’s pro career is already underway with the USSSA Pride.