Completed Event: Football versus Georgia Southern on September 27, 2025 , Win , 35, to, 10
FB
Final
James Madison
35
vs Georgia Southern
10
James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
True Grit – A Reflection from President Jon Alger
6/10/2021 9:45:00 AM | Softball, Administration
JMU softball captured the nation's attention, winning new fans along the way.
On Tuesday, I had the chance to join hundreds of members of our JMU community as we greeted the JMU women's softball team after their historic run to the semifinals of the NCAA Division I Women's College World Series. With repeated wins on the road in Tennessee, Missouri, and then Oklahoma against seeded teams from highly resourced "Power 5" conferences, the unseeded Dukes from the Shenandoah Valley captivated the heart of a nation with their spirit, courage, and resilience. They logged thousands of miles of travel over an extended period, only to face two powerhouse teams from Oklahoma who had not had to venture more than an hour or so from their home campuses throughout the NCAA tournament. Those miles were an apt metaphor for the odds the Dukes overcame to reach the sport's pinnacle.
This story was about much more than softball, however. What we saw during this magical few weeks was a group of determined young women who exemplified teamwork and the very best of humanity after a difficult year, at a time when we all needed signs of hope and inspiration. They were not the biggest, strongest, or most highly recruited athletes at the World Series. But they had something else altogether—true grit. They literally gave it all on the field, as exemplified by pitcher Odicci Alexander's national highlight-reel diving tag at home plate to preserve a victory against Oklahoma State, and by 4-foot 11-inch third baseman Lynsey Meeks' dramatic throw on her knees for a crucial out at first base. The team played through significant injuries and the challenges brought forth by COVID simply to have a season at all.
The special moments were not just on national TV and on the ballfield, however. I had the privilege of watching in our hotel lobby in Oklahoma City as a small crowd of young girls and their families gathered to greet the team after one of their astounding World Series wins. Tired, not yet fed, and still in uniform, the players took that moment to pose for selfies and sign autographs while encouraging little girls to follow their dreams. It wasn't just the little girls who were captivated, of course—I have heard from grown men and women all across the country who found inspiration and joy in watching this team show what it means to strive for your fullest potential when the stakes are high and the obstacles seem overwhelming.
As a university president, I'm often asked why our institutions invest in athletics. I remind people that this kind of competition involves education both on and off the field. The players develop crucial skills like teamwork, leadership, communications, problem-solving, time management, work ethic, and emotional intelligence that prepare them for success in careers and in life. Indeed, these extraordinary student-athletes have distinguished themselves in the classroom and on the diamond. And at an institution where 60% of our students are women, this Women's College World Series reminded us all that young women can, and must, be given the same opportunities and encouragement as men to compete at the highest level.
Going forward, I and my colleagues will continue to advocate for opportunities for gender equity in athletics and in all aspects of our educational mission. We owe it to those little girls in the hotel lobby, and the millions like them who are our daughters and granddaughters. And we just might be surprised by the source of that next spark of inspiration when we need it the most.
The University has received numerous supportive fan messages. Here is a sampling:
-----
"As a former high school softball player from … Ontario, I would like to thank JMU and Odicci Alexander for giving my little girl a dream of playing on the big stage.
My 11-year-old daughter has never seen a softball game until we saw JMU's first game. She was mesmerized and glued to the television to see someone that looks like her pitching. She hasn't missed a game since.
God has used you as a light for these young girls during a difficult time. We are still in COVID lockdown here in Canada, however when the order is lifted and stores open up on Friday, the first thing my daughter wants is a bat and glove. I dug out my old softball and she went into the backyard and started pitching against the fence!
… Just know, the impact your team and Odicci has made has touched the lives of little girls here in Canada. I can see more young girls picking up the sport because your team has shown them you can be any height, any body size and any race can play any position.
Blessed every day that the one game they showed in Canada was your first game...after that I had to research how to watch the remaining games as it was not shown in Canada - but now I have all the ESPN channels! It was worth every penny!
You have gained some new fans in Ontario, Canada!"
-----
Absolutely love your softball program! The Softball Coach and team are an inspiration to us all. They have enabled all of us to get excited with their effort and Sportsmanship during this trying time in our Country! Thank You !
-----
[To Mr. Bourne] Congrats on the success of the softball team. We are pulling for you guys. We are at Disney World on Vacation and we make time to watch the Lady Dukes. We don't have any ties to JMU except meeting you and being from Va.
… We wanted to let you know, we notice what a great job you guys are doing.
Good luck and GO DUKES. We will be watching.
-----
[To Mr. Bourne from a college football head coach] I'm reaching out to say what a joy it was to watch your women's softball team compete. What a wonderful group of young ladies. They will have a lasting impression on all that watched them compete! I'm a fan! Salute and congratulations!
-----
I just wanted to say how much fun it was to watch the girls on the WCWS (on tv unfortunately). This team came from seemingly out of nowhere to seriously make a name for itself! Odicci was a pleasure to watch each and every game.
-----
Congrats to the James Madison Lady Dukes! Even though I'm a Sooner fan you showed grit & determination that you can forever be proud of! Thank you Odicci Alexander for your abilities & sportsmanship, you are a Super Star! God bless your whole team & may you have success the rest of your days!
-----
I live in Texas and I just want to say I'm an OU fan but congratulations. What a run for JMU! The girl who pitched was quite a young lady. You should be proud of what you did. Hats off to a team that nobody knew, like a Cinderella. That should help your coach recruit more players. You were really a class team, and my hat's off to ya'll!
-----
I am so proud of JMU's softball team. Coming into this tournament you have been the Cinderella team. Every single player on this team played a valiant effort in getting to where you were. You are an inspiration to everybody. Do not hang your head for one minute your season has been absolutely outstanding. Dig deeper, play harder, strive harder. Seniors you were absolutely instrumental in this season. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy the ride too.
-----
Absolutely love everything about how you played! I am a bama fan! It should be us and the other greatest team playing! JMU! Love y'all I watched as much as, I could! Forever I have your back! A Bama fan!
-----
I have lived in Oklahoma for 59 years and watch the Women's College World Series every year. I have been so impressed with these JMU Dukes. I have enjoyed watching every one of them. But I want to say that Odicci Alexander is a class A young women and athlete. Hold your heads high!!!
-----
I'm sure your message board is blowing up but I just had to say. I had never heard of JMU until the the College Softball World Series. After watching the team play and seeing Odicci #3 pitch I will not forget you. Amazing story amazing team be proud of what they have done because it's incredible! Good luck next year I will be following you. Congratulations on an amazing season.
-----
I just wanted to let you know that your softball team has captured the hearts of America. Everything from the pitching, defense, offense, flexing, smiles, hearts and determination of each young lady brings tears of pride to my eyes. JMU is what real softball is about. Thank you for allowing us to celebrate and cry with you. You are all so loved and admired! Proud to be a new JMU fan!
This story was about much more than softball, however. What we saw during this magical few weeks was a group of determined young women who exemplified teamwork and the very best of humanity after a difficult year, at a time when we all needed signs of hope and inspiration. They were not the biggest, strongest, or most highly recruited athletes at the World Series. But they had something else altogether—true grit. They literally gave it all on the field, as exemplified by pitcher Odicci Alexander's national highlight-reel diving tag at home plate to preserve a victory against Oklahoma State, and by 4-foot 11-inch third baseman Lynsey Meeks' dramatic throw on her knees for a crucial out at first base. The team played through significant injuries and the challenges brought forth by COVID simply to have a season at all.
The special moments were not just on national TV and on the ballfield, however. I had the privilege of watching in our hotel lobby in Oklahoma City as a small crowd of young girls and their families gathered to greet the team after one of their astounding World Series wins. Tired, not yet fed, and still in uniform, the players took that moment to pose for selfies and sign autographs while encouraging little girls to follow their dreams. It wasn't just the little girls who were captivated, of course—I have heard from grown men and women all across the country who found inspiration and joy in watching this team show what it means to strive for your fullest potential when the stakes are high and the obstacles seem overwhelming.
As a university president, I'm often asked why our institutions invest in athletics. I remind people that this kind of competition involves education both on and off the field. The players develop crucial skills like teamwork, leadership, communications, problem-solving, time management, work ethic, and emotional intelligence that prepare them for success in careers and in life. Indeed, these extraordinary student-athletes have distinguished themselves in the classroom and on the diamond. And at an institution where 60% of our students are women, this Women's College World Series reminded us all that young women can, and must, be given the same opportunities and encouragement as men to compete at the highest level.
Going forward, I and my colleagues will continue to advocate for opportunities for gender equity in athletics and in all aspects of our educational mission. We owe it to those little girls in the hotel lobby, and the millions like them who are our daughters and granddaughters. And we just might be surprised by the source of that next spark of inspiration when we need it the most.
The University has received numerous supportive fan messages. Here is a sampling:
-----
"As a former high school softball player from … Ontario, I would like to thank JMU and Odicci Alexander for giving my little girl a dream of playing on the big stage.
My 11-year-old daughter has never seen a softball game until we saw JMU's first game. She was mesmerized and glued to the television to see someone that looks like her pitching. She hasn't missed a game since.
God has used you as a light for these young girls during a difficult time. We are still in COVID lockdown here in Canada, however when the order is lifted and stores open up on Friday, the first thing my daughter wants is a bat and glove. I dug out my old softball and she went into the backyard and started pitching against the fence!
… Just know, the impact your team and Odicci has made has touched the lives of little girls here in Canada. I can see more young girls picking up the sport because your team has shown them you can be any height, any body size and any race can play any position.
Blessed every day that the one game they showed in Canada was your first game...after that I had to research how to watch the remaining games as it was not shown in Canada - but now I have all the ESPN channels! It was worth every penny!
You have gained some new fans in Ontario, Canada!"
-----
Absolutely love your softball program! The Softball Coach and team are an inspiration to us all. They have enabled all of us to get excited with their effort and Sportsmanship during this trying time in our Country! Thank You !
-----
[To Mr. Bourne] Congrats on the success of the softball team. We are pulling for you guys. We are at Disney World on Vacation and we make time to watch the Lady Dukes. We don't have any ties to JMU except meeting you and being from Va.
… We wanted to let you know, we notice what a great job you guys are doing.
Good luck and GO DUKES. We will be watching.
-----
[To Mr. Bourne from a college football head coach] I'm reaching out to say what a joy it was to watch your women's softball team compete. What a wonderful group of young ladies. They will have a lasting impression on all that watched them compete! I'm a fan! Salute and congratulations!
-----
I just wanted to say how much fun it was to watch the girls on the WCWS (on tv unfortunately). This team came from seemingly out of nowhere to seriously make a name for itself! Odicci was a pleasure to watch each and every game.
-----
Congrats to the James Madison Lady Dukes! Even though I'm a Sooner fan you showed grit & determination that you can forever be proud of! Thank you Odicci Alexander for your abilities & sportsmanship, you are a Super Star! God bless your whole team & may you have success the rest of your days!
-----
I live in Texas and I just want to say I'm an OU fan but congratulations. What a run for JMU! The girl who pitched was quite a young lady. You should be proud of what you did. Hats off to a team that nobody knew, like a Cinderella. That should help your coach recruit more players. You were really a class team, and my hat's off to ya'll!
-----
I am so proud of JMU's softball team. Coming into this tournament you have been the Cinderella team. Every single player on this team played a valiant effort in getting to where you were. You are an inspiration to everybody. Do not hang your head for one minute your season has been absolutely outstanding. Dig deeper, play harder, strive harder. Seniors you were absolutely instrumental in this season. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy the ride too.
-----
Absolutely love everything about how you played! I am a bama fan! It should be us and the other greatest team playing! JMU! Love y'all I watched as much as, I could! Forever I have your back! A Bama fan!
-----
I have lived in Oklahoma for 59 years and watch the Women's College World Series every year. I have been so impressed with these JMU Dukes. I have enjoyed watching every one of them. But I want to say that Odicci Alexander is a class A young women and athlete. Hold your heads high!!!
-----
I'm sure your message board is blowing up but I just had to say. I had never heard of JMU until the the College Softball World Series. After watching the team play and seeing Odicci #3 pitch I will not forget you. Amazing story amazing team be proud of what they have done because it's incredible! Good luck next year I will be following you. Congratulations on an amazing season.
-----
I just wanted to let you know that your softball team has captured the hearts of America. Everything from the pitching, defense, offense, flexing, smiles, hearts and determination of each young lady brings tears of pride to my eyes. JMU is what real softball is about. Thank you for allowing us to celebrate and cry with you. You are all so loved and admired! Proud to be a new JMU fan!
Players Mentioned
P/INF
/ Softball
INF
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