Player Spotlight: Alaina Allyn Leans on Softball Family During Tragedy

“Someday, everything will make perfect sense. So for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, be strong and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason.”

— John Mayer

Alaina Allyn loves that quote, and she references it often in the good times and the bad.

The day of the funeral of her brother was without question one of the most difficult things she had to endure. Her brother Zack was only 25 years old when he was killed in an automobile accident. He left behind a family, which included twin baby boys, and friends.

Something special happened that day though and it was a result of her playing softball and the relationships she has formed throughout the years.

Her softball family came together to support, comfort and lift her up in her time of need.

“It was a tragic event for my family and a hole remains in all our hearts and a hurdle in front of us each day,” Allyn said. “At my brother’s funeral, my coach and many of my teammates showed up for me. They drove over two hours and stood in line for four hours to support my family and me. Girls from teams I have played against showed up as well.

“The game of softball created a positive impact on me during such a tough time. They didn’t hesitate to show up for me, and I am so grateful for the game that has turned friends into family.”

*****

More about Alaina…
Name: Alaina Allyn
Position(s): RHP/3B
Parent(s) Name(s): Matthew and Heather Allyn
High School: Mount Vernon High School
Graduation Year: 2026

What are your team’s top accomplishments?

• 2023 Co-Champions of Scenic City Summer Showcase
• 2023 3rd Place at Savvy Softball
• 2022 Champion Tennessee Fastpitch National Warmup
• 2022 Runner-up Summer Slugger Swing
• 2022 Champion USSSA Fall Classic 16U

What are your top individual accomplishments (stats, honors, titles)?

• #16 Midwest P-Duo Extra Inning Softball Class of 2026
• #50 P-Duo Extra Inning Softball Overall Class of 2026
• Southwestern Indiana High School Player of the Week
• Mount Vernon High School Newcomer of the Year

What are your strengths in softball?
I’m able to paint the corners well when I’m in the circle and I’m a consistent hitter when at the plate. I can also play many positions on the field and serve as a dependable player for my coaches. In my freshman year of high school, I played six positions. I love being in control and being involved in every play of the game. I enjoy being a leader on my team through my work ethic and my passion for the game. My greatest strength, noted by many of my teammates and coaches, is keeping everyone up in the dugout even during tough game situations.

What is your favorite softball memory?
I have a lot of softball memories, but my favorite is staying up talking with my softball teammates in hotels while we are out of town. We learn more about each other every time and become even closer, which makes our team stronger together.

Do you have any softball superstitions?
Every time I get in the batter’s box before the first pitch of my at bat, I always raise my bat above my head and bring it all the way down to loosen my arms. I tend to get anxious or nervous easily, so this helps me reduce the tension.

If you could meet anyone in the softball world, who would it be?
I would like to meet Gerry Glasco, the head coach of the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns. He was the creator of Illinois Force, which is the organization I play for. I think it would be neat to hear his softball strategies and how he was able to build an organization from the ground up that still exists today.

What is something unique about you?
My softball nickname is “Bob.” When I started playing with the Illinois Force program, my 12U coach came up with the nickname. Because I was the only player from Indiana, my coach named me after Bobby Knight, a past University of Indiana head basketball coach. My nickname, “Bob,” has stuck ever since!

Who is your hero and why?
My hero is Odicci Alexander. She had to fight through many games to help her team make it to the Women’s College World Series in 2021. While she was always pitching amazing, she also made some great plays that were important for her team. I am grateful to have watched her play in the WCWS while I was there for a tournament and she made that amazing diving tag.

What other activities/hobbies do you enjoy outside of softball?
I enjoy being very involved in my school and community. I am a three-sport athlete and compete in cheerleading, swimming, and softball at my school. I am also involved in many clubs, including, Student Council, Key Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Future Farmers of America. I also serve as the Vice President of the Class of 2026 and as the sophomore representative in Key Club. Outside of school, I am involved in 4-H and show sheep at the county and state fairs. In my free time, I enjoy reading and playing with my puppy, Lizzie.

If you could have dinner with anyone (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
I would have dinner with my brother, Zack, who passed away in November of 2022. I miss him dearly and would love to hear what he has seen in heaven and the impact he has had on their lives just like he had on mine.

Editor’s Note: A Go Fund Me page has been set up in support of Zack’s twin boys Knox and Rhett.

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