Most of today’s high school sports athletes had role models in their sports growing up that ranged from athletic parents to sports stars or celebrities. For Stillwater junior softball player Alexus Elnes- Merriott, she attributes her softball abilities to a couple of different folks. 

“One of my biggest influences has been my hitting coach Hailey Johnson. She is my biggest influence because she taught me everything I know about softball. She is also one of the main reasons why I love this sport as much as I do. I also wouldn’t be where I am today with my parents. They are my biggest supporters and have always believed in me and I can’t thank them enough for everything.” 

Alexus will play first base this season for a Lady Pioneers team that has to replace several talented seniors who propelled Stillwater to the Class 6A state semi-finals last year. Dedication and hard work are part of Alexus’ sports DNA which helps make her competitive and self-motivated. 

“The thing that motivates me is the challenge of reaching certain personal skill goals and the competition. Playing with my friends makes me more competitive but the person I battle with the most is myself, to be honest, because I’m always pushing myself to be better.” 

Alexus’s coach, Karie Linsenmeyer, talked about another aspect of her life. 

“Alexus is a high character young lady who is willing to do anything for her teammates and she has a heart for service to others. She is vice-president of the United Peers Club which helps with Special Olympics.” 

In her spare time Alexus says she likes to follow ESPN on social media. 

“I like it when they show the softball highlights because it makes me love the sport even more.” 

Though she still has a couple of years to make memories, Alexus says she already has one that she won’t forget. 

“I hit a walk-off home run for my travel ball team that kept us from being eliminated in a tournament.” 

Always pushing herself to be better is a reason that Alexus Elnes- Merriott is an athlete of the month.