Westville High School junior Lexi Simmons embraces one of softball’s busiest positions with the same confidence and enthusiasm that defines her approach to the game. As the Yellowjackets’ shortstop, she thrives on responsibility, leads with her voice and sees every opportunity on the field as a chance to honor her faith.
For Simmons, softball is about much more than wins and losses.
“Softball is my way to give God all the glory because He has given me this talent,” she said. “When I step on the field I can feel God’s presence. Softball is a game of failure, and to feel at peace and play with so much joy, it only comes from God.”
That perspective shapes how she handles both success and adversity. Rather than fearing mistakes, Simmons believes they are necessary for growth.
“Try your absolute hardest at everything you do,” she said. “Failure makes you a better person at the end of the day.”
Playing shortstop means staying engaged on every pitch, covering plenty of ground and being ready when the game speeds up. It’s a challenge Simmons welcomes.
“I have a lot of ground to cover, but it’s so fun,” she said.
Her approach in the batter’s box is just as straightforward.
“See ball. Hit ball. And just do my job for my teammates.”
The relationships she has built over the years are among the reasons she loves coming to the field each day.
“They make me laugh a lot, and I’ve been playing with a lot of them for a long time,” she said.
Simmons describes herself as the team’s most vocal player, helping keep energy high and communication constant throughout games. Meanwhile, she says Rosie keeps everyone smiling with her sense of humor. Simmons also laughs that she usually finishes games wearing the dirtiest uniform on the team, a badge that reflects her willingness to leave her feet for a ball whenever the moment calls for it.
Away from softball, Simmons enjoys spending time with friends, especially trips to 7 Brew. She is also active in National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, umpires little league games and volunteers by picking up trash in her community.
In the classroom, English is her favorite subject, and Brooke Davis is the teacher who has had the biggest impact on her. Whether she’s leading from shortstop, serving her community or encouraging those around her, Simmons brings the same purpose to every part of her life.
